brighten your day in just 5 steps

HAPPY SUNDAY!

I officially feel back in the swing of school now having gone through the first week back of the new semester. New classes, new routines, new schedule. It all feels new again. BUT, being back at my university house feels comforting through this new navigation into the new semester. Being back with my roommates feels peaceful despite feeling like I have to sort out my life again.

One of my resolutions is to be consistent. And with that, I want to have a solid morning routine. If I can dedicate a good portion of my morning to taking care of myself, do my skincare, and mentally prepping for the day, then I feel like I will be setting myself up for a productive day.

SO, I want to make a little list. A list of five things that you can do during your morning routine that can help brighten up your day.

  1. No phone for 30 minutes first thing in the morning – Wake up, look out your window, and take this time to get some water, take your vitamins (if this is something you do), gratitude journal for a few minutes and don’t try to fall into the trap of grabbing your phone to scroll right away.
  2. Eat before coffee – This is something that I have been actively trying to accomplish in the morning. After doing some research, I’ve found that this is a good way to lower cortisol levels in the morning. If you are not a big breakfast person, then maybe substitute coffee for a caffeinated tea like matcha, so that you aren’t filling your empty stomach with that much caffeine. After doing this since the holiday break, I have definitely noticed a difference. I found that sometimes drinking coffee made me more anxious. And as someone who tends to worry 24/7, I have noticed calmer thoughts in the morning.
  3. SKINCARE – This is essential. Having some sort of skin care routine, even if it’s as simple as washing your face and putting on moisturizer, that would be enough to feel fresh in the morning.
  4. Make your bed – As simple as this sounds, just having a made bed can help you feel more organized for the day. And it builds an environment that feels clean.
  5. Background ambience – Now that you have started setting up your day, play some music from one of favourite playlists or if you are not in the mood, then play a podcast and even if it is just for a few minutes, I promise this will jump start your energy for the day!

These steps can look different for everyone. And they can differ in length and order (except maybe the first one). Everyone is different. We all have different preferences, different schedules and truly unique lives. But by implementing these five steps into your morning routine, I believe this will not only set you up for success, but also help you work toward goals and feel more productive during your day.

I will continue to say this throughout the year, but I truly believe that 2024 is the year of you, the year of me, the year that things start falling into place, and the year that we attain our goals.

Having this solid routine will really set up an amazing day for you. Just to feel prepared, calm and energized.

 

STAY KIND:)

with love

grace <3