Happy Friday babes!! I totally thought yesterday was Friday for the first few hours I was up!!  So now that it really is Friday, who’s ready for the weekend?  Today I’m sharing my morning routine and how I keep myself motivated and on track; also some new routines that I have been trying out in the new year.

I’ve always been more of a morning person, I enjoy getting up and starting my day early. The thought of laying in bed sleeping the morning away, missing out on the precious time I could be getting things done just drives me bonkers! I’m one of those people who has to have a to do list and planner to keep me on schedule, I like to see everything listed out in front of me. If I don’t have a set list of things I need to get done, I get very sidetracked! This year I decided to make it a point to wake up even a little earlier than normal so that I can have some “me time”. Needless to say, I have really begun to appreciate my quiet mornings with my coffee. Besides the sunrise over the mountains out here is beyond gorgeous!

1. Pound the Alarm

Before the new year I was waking up at about 7:30 am, but with my new goals and wanting to meditate I decided that I would try for 6:30 am. I’ve been doing pretty good, I may hit snooze a few days of the week, but for the most part I’m getting up on time! Once I’m used to that I’m going to move it up a little bit earlier, my end goal being 6:00 am.

2. Getting Zen

One of the things I said I was going to start doing this year was meditating. I’ve heard so many great benefits about it and with my crazy anxiety, I decided why not give it a shot! So instead of grabbing my phone and scrolling through emails and social media first thing in the morning, I meditate first. I think it’s a great and positive way to start off your day and it has been so peaceful! I’ve been trying a sampling of meditations from Headspace and I’m really loving it so far. It is only about 10 minutes per session and just helps me get focused and get a positive start to my day. My rule is no looking at anything on my phone or computer until after I have meditated, this is definitely something I’m going to stick to!

3. Did Somebody Say Coffee?

I never used to be much of a coffee drinker, that is until we got a Keurig. There’s something about waking up and making yourself a cup of coffee to start your day. So I pop one of my Cinnabon K cups in, post up in my big comfy chair with my laptop, and turn on the Today show.

4. The Wonderful World of Social Media

Now that I have started blogging social media is such a big part of my life, it really is what helps you to grow as a brand. I usually go through my social media accounts and keep up to date, and then head over to my email. I try to get to the emails that are time sensitive first and then get to the rest. I hate, hate, hate (did I say hate?) having an overflowing email inbox, it drives me crazy and triggers my anxiety! So I always try to stay on top of letting it get too out of control.

4. Breaking a Sweat

I try to workout about 5 times a week, not only for my physical health, but also my mental health. They say that working out helps to keep those endorphins flowing and seratonin levels balanced. Whether it’s heading to the gym, going for a run, or just throwing on my headphones and going for a walk, I try to get moving as much as I can. It’s a great way to take a break from staring at a screen, and when you’re working from home, it’s up to you to create your own schedule.

I finally feel more focused and motivated now that I have found a morning routine that I’m loving. There’s no better way to start your day than feeling like you have accomplished so much and with a positive outlook. If you’re feeling a little out of whack or unmotivated, try taking some time for yourself in the mornings before you have to be anywhere and do something that relaxes you or gives you a positive outlook on your day. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes!

Does anybody else have a morning routine they like to follow?

Xoxo,

Danielle