how i finally started a healthy morning ritual

I admit that I love watching or learning about other people's morning rituals. I recently started watching more positive videos on YouTube and was inspired by one vlogger's 5 am morning ritual. Now, don't get me wrong... you won't see me waking up at 5 am on purpose, but it did give me some ideas to make my days more productive and positive. 

I will be honest. I work from home and a lot of days I would just get up and start working. It left me feeling kind of frazzled and stressed all day. I'd stay in my pajamas until the early afternoon. It just wasn't the most productive schedule. I'd try to get up earlier, but would end up lying in bed scrolling through social media. 

It first started at the beginning of the year when I decided to charge my phone in another room at night. I turn my alarm on so I have to physically get up and walk in another room to turn it off. I have, on occasion, gotten right back into bed, but really only when I wasn't feeling well. It is a pretty good way to make yourself get up. 

I've also been staying off social media this month. That means no Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Sometimes it is pretty difficult and I get some FOMO, but for the most part I feel less stressed and anxious. I probably won't put it back on my phone or really go back on except to see messages. So, this also eliminates the time suck of checking all of these apps first thing in the morning. 

Here's my current morning routine (keep in mind I work from home and my work schedule is generally 10 am - 6 pm): 

• Wake up at 8 am (although I am thinking of trying 7:30 am) and eat breakfast and drink a glass of water
• Read 1-2 chapters of a self-help book or something focused on positivity 
• Journal (I've been using this workbook that a friend of mine wrote! She is amazing. Hopefully, her workbook will be available to everyone soon. I've also been journaling whatever I am feeling and trying to focus on manifesting what I want. More on that in another blog soon!)
• Around 9 am or whenever I feel my stomach has settled, I will do a light workout. I've been trying to work out more and I love Tone It Up's free videos on Youtube. I am excited for warmer weather to run outside during this time. 
• After working out, I will shower and get ready for the day. 
• Then, I generally have a smoothie or a snack and start work!

It is still a bit hard to get up a little earlier than I was used to. I do truly believe that highly sensitive people need more sleep, but I just try to get to bed a little earlier at night. But, I feel like I've accomplished so much before I even start work and I generally start the day with a more positive and productive mindset. I'd like to get up earlier so I can watch a Youtube video about positivity to get me in a good mood too. 

The more you stick with a routine, the easier it gets. Do I realize that I will probably need a new routine at some point? Will I add or remove things? Change the time schedule? Sure! That's life. As long as you are trying your best every day, that is what matters. I will definitely allow myself some down time if I need it. 

What is your current morning routine? How can you change it to have a more positive and productive day?

Please SHARE this with all of your friends who love morning routines!