The Glossed Over Blog

And how I am taking back my mornings and my energy

My mornings have always been a blur. I sleep in until the last possible minute that I can and then rush out the door with no breakfast, an unfilled water bottle, and hair that was just barely brushed through. My summer has consisted of ten hour work days and crashing out from being extremely exhausted. I feel like I have been wasting my summer. So, I have challenged myself to create a morning routine. This is to start off my day with a better sense of control. A morning routine is a great way to feel more grounded and energized.

Here’s the plan: 

6:30 AM: Skincare and a glass of water

6:40 AM: Stretch (using Bend, a free stretching app that I found through Instagram)

7:00 AM: Get dressed and ready for the day

7:30 AM: Make coffee for the day, eat breakfast, and drink another glass of water

8:00 AM: Read a book

8:30 AM: Leave for the day

Why I’m Choosing this Routine

Mornings are so essential to how the rest of the day is going to go. When I start the day rushed and stressed, the rest of the day feels more difficult. When I leave for work tired and hungry, that pretty much sets up my mood for the rest of the day. But, whenever I wake up with enough time to put effort into how I am looking, eat breakfast, and mentally prepare for the day, I feel more energized and ready. I hope that in doing this, morning routines become a small part of my day that are just for myself, a part of my day that I can always control.

Each Step Needs a Purpose

1. I rush through my mornings so taking my time through my skincare, hygiene, and drinking water is a great way to help my body feel refreshed.
2. I have been dealing with back and neck pain for the past few years. I have intense stiffness and muscle tension in those areas so finally setting out time to stretch is a way of listening to my body and what it needs.
3. Putting effort into how I present myself is something that has always helped my days feel better. When you look good, you feel good. Or at least you can fake it til you make it. This encourages a mental shift from rest to readiness.
4. I have a bad habit of skipping meals and not seeing it as an essential because I want to make time for other stuff. Setting out time to eat not only gives me a chance to fuel my body but also gives me the energy I am very desperately lacking. 
5. Choosing to do a mindful activity is giving myself a quiet moment before the chaos of the rest of my day. It’s a good reminder to slow down.

How I Will Keep Track of My Progress

To truly understand how this new routine affects me, I will be tracking how my energy rises and falls throughout the day, how my mood shifts, and any aches or pains I feel and/or if it is improving.

The best way of tracking is to commit to journaling at night before bed and honestly record what worked and what didn’t. This helps me stay aware and truthfully self reflect.

Staying Motivated

The hard truth I need to be realistic with is that I am terrible at self-disciplining and all too often, act impulsively. I hope that giving myself a reward for sticking to these routines can be a thoughtful and insightful way of encouraging myself. An example of this is that I get to spend money on myself for sticking to the routine every day for an entire week.

A Morning Routine is More than Just Habits

For me, this routine is a form of working on self love. I need to start showing up for myself before giving away all of my energy and effort. I deserve the care and attention I so graciously give away.

I encourage you to create your own routine. Start small and watch how the simple act of honoring your morning can ripple through your whole day. 

Check back here in a month to see the true effects of this morning routine and my thoughts and reflections on my decision to start this new habit.

If you try or already have a routine, I would love to hear about it. Send me all the tips and tricks you’ve found most effective. We all must take action to learn how to take care of ourselves amidst the chaos of our lives.

Peace & Love,

Krys K