There’s nothing quite like getting your morning off to a good start! Waking up refreshed and having a set routine can have a powerful impact on your productivity and overall well-being. After years of trying different approaches - I’ve realized that it all comes down to one thing…habit.
“A habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).”
– Stephen R. Covey
Incorporating healthy habits into your life is a fantastic way to get things done both accurately and efficiently. Certain habits of mine have now become second nature and happen without me even consciously thinking about them. If you’d like to create successful habits for your morning, read on for a full breakdown of my morning routine! This healthy and rejuvenating ritual is a huge part of my success and happiness - and you can use this as a guide to fuel your morning, too!
So here’s my essential guide to having a successful day:
10:00 PM - 10:30 PM
(the night before):
I try to get to bed every night no later than 10:30 PM. Going to bed around the same time every night has worked wonders on my productivity and overall energy I have for the next day. And remember, the key here is consistency. This has become such an automatic habit that my body already knows when it’s time to wind down. And in turn, my overall sleep quality remains consistent, so I wake up feeling completely refreshed each morning.
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Ever wondered about the habits of successful people? Well, I’ve always heard that one of them is waking up early. So I wake up at 6:30 AM and immediately begin with my morning meditation. Meditation in the morning, before absolutely anything else, is the most important step in my routine as I’m able to quiet any chatter in my head and get my mind focused and relaxed.
I find that meditating anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour each morning is my sweet spot for receiving messages from my divine self and to help set the tone for the day ahead.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Now that my mind is where it needs to be in the morning, it’s time to get my body moving. I have found that exercising in the morning is another incredible way for me to keep my energy stable throughout the day.
And let’s be honest, sometimes doing the same workout every day can get a little boring, and may end up feeling like a chore. That’s why I like to keep things interesting and change up my workout every day. The meditation I do beforehand usually helps me to determine what type of exercise my body is in the mood for that day.
I recently purchased a small rebounder trampoline (clearly, Bella is enjoying it too) to really jumpstart my morning and get the blood flowing. Jumping on the trampoline is not only a fantastic workout, but it’s also a ton of fun! I channel my inner child every time I use it.
I also like to get out and walk with my sweet Bella… or better yet, she likes to walk me! :-) This is one of our favorite things to do where both of us can get exercise. A good walk in the morning really does the body good, both mentally and physically. So at the very least, we’ll always get out for morning walk.
Or we’ll even go out for a paddle on the water – yes, Bella likes to paddle-board too :-).
I’m so grateful that I get to be so close to the water that I try to take advantage as often as possible. Getting out on the paddle-board is so incredible for building core strength, and you just can’t beat the view from the water.
Bike riding is also another favorite of mine. With such convenient access to bike trails, it’s so easy to hop on my bike and take a nice ride along the beach as the sun rises.
And during this time is when I like to listen to my audiobooks where I’m usually able to get a full hour of listening in. Right now, I’m currently enjoying:
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
Co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Patrisse Khan-Cullors shares the inspiration and firsthand experiences that prompted her activism for justice for Black people persecuted by systematic racism.
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
As one of America’s foremost historians and leading antiracist voices, Ibram Xolani Kendi’s third and best-selling book explores the transformative concept of antiracism.
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish shares her inspiring story in this raw, honest, and absolutely hilarious New Times Best-Selling book.
So at this point, my workday hasn’t even started yet, but I’ve already managed to accomplish so much. Waking up early and knocking out my meditation, a workout, and a good book before the day has really begun is a total win-win in my book!
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Now that my morning exercise is complete, I like to get in a good protein shake filled with healthy supplements like collagen, green powder, and antioxidant-rich fruits. Rounding out the morning with a delicious shake to keep my insides functioning properly is truly the cherry on top to my morning. I feel satisfied, motivated, and ready to lean into the day with plenty of energy to power through. And by about 9 AM, I’m ready to start my day and get to work!
After years of practice, I can confidently say that mastering a morning routine, whatever that looks like for you is one of the best ways to boost productivity and achieve the goals you have set out for yourself.
If you’d like to learn more of the habits I’ve used to create my success, be sure to snag a FREE copy of my book, Never In Your Wildest Dreams. Learn exactly how to rise above your limiting beliefs and uncover your limitless potential. Sometimes all it takes is one small habit to transform your life for the better!
Cheers,
Nat
