As I entered my freshmen year at Emerson, my morning routine consisted of waking up next to my phone and scrolling through Instagram for about half an hour. Then, I would take a bath and walk to the dining room to get a bite to eat for breakfast. Breakfast was very sugary or moderately healthy. I just ate because I knew I needed to eat and then just carried on with my day and classes. Now that I look back, most of the time my energy levels were low and I felt bloated after eating. Nonetheless, I did not do anything to change my routine, until the end of my sophomore year.
During this time, I had already moved to an apartment and began to cook all three meals for myself. I experimented with recipes and slowly started to take note of what I liked and disliked and what made me feel at my very best. I also incorporated a slower morning routine that has definitely changed my life for the better. The following are some things I do in the morning that have transformed how I feel on a daily basis:
Wake Up and Hydrate: As soon as I open my eyes, I chug a glass of water. I leave it filled up since the night before so I remember to do it in the morning. Imagine how much your body would be in need of water after sleeping for 8 hours.
Make My Bed: This is something I need to do for my mental health every morning as soon as I jump out of bed. Making my bed sets the tone and to me serves as this "fresh start" that indicates I am ready to do whatever I have planned for the day.
Move: After waking up without scrolling through my phone, I make my bed and I wash my face. Then, I put on some workout clothes. During sleep, our body is in a static position for so long, which means that your body needs to stretch these muscles in order to increase the range of motion. Even if it means rolling out the mat to stretch out for 5 minutes that day, that is what I will do. I see exercise as an activity that relieves stress and calms my mind. Moving in any way that makes you feel good is what will really give you the energy and mood boost you need for the day.
Food is fuel : I enjoy working out without having eaten breakfast beforehand, but this is just me! After working out or stretching, I like to prepare myself a balanced breakfast that will boost my digestion and food absorption. Besides, cooking yourself breakfast gives you some time to be intentional and be present in the moment. It's kind of my personal therapy of the day. Here are some of my favorite breakfasts:
Fruit Bowl : mix berries, banana, papaya with coconut water, chia seeds, nuts, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and dairy-free yogurt if desired!
Oatmeal made with nut milk, banana, berries, almond butter and cinnamon
Avocado toast on sourdough bread with or without an egg (however you like it)
The key to a morning routine is consistency. Keep showing up for yourself and especially in those days where you don't want to. Having a busy college life schedule can be hard, but it's also very easy to make up excuses. You are YOUR home and starting small is how you will get there.Try to incorporate at least one of these practices in your morning routine and notice how you feel. May you wake up every single morning with hopefulness and meet the better version of yourself.
Comments