Mornings are the worst. I am definitely NOT a morning person. But over the past couple of weeks I’ve made a few really simple tweaks to my morning routine and they’ve made a world of a difference. I’ve found that by just doing these five simple things, I’ve been able to start my day feeling productive and less stressed out, so here’s what I suggest.
Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier
I’ve tried waking up at 4 am, telling myself that an extra two hours in the morning will be the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ve tried, and I’ve failed, people, because when I know that I don’t actually have to be up until 6, my body will NOT get out of bed two hours early. No way. Not happening. But when I’ve set my alarm for a reasonable 30 minutes earlier, for some reason, my body is able to handle that. I wake up, and use that extra half hour to do something productive, leaving me less stressed out in the morning and pretty darn energized.
Perfect A Simple Beauty Routine
I’m obsessed with makeup tutorials. Kathleen Lights…Jacklyn Hill…God I love them. But this girl right here doesn’t have 45 minutes every morning to put on her eyebrows. Ya feel me?! So instead of having to worry about putting on a complicated full face of makeup every day, I have a ride or die beauty routine that never fails me.
I brush my teeth, obviously, because, ew. Morning breath. Then I grab my Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant because it’s the best deodorant I’ve ever used and basically smells like roses.
It offers 48 hours of oder and wetness protection plus added skincare benefits of Dove ¼ moisturizers and NutriumMoisture for softer, smoother underarms.
During my busy day, I can’t afford to have my deodorant fail me and this one hasn’t disappointed me yet.
A little It Cosmetics CC cream, matte powder, a little bronzer for some contour, and then I finish off my face with some blush. I never do falsies for work, but guys that Maybeline Big Shot mascara works wonders! I’m not a HUGE lipstick person, but every once in a while when I’m feeling extra sassy I throw on a bold lip and when I do, it’s typically either Make Up Forever’s aqua lip or one of their matte liquid lipsticks.
See? Really easy.
Make Your Bed
Joe won’t leave the house unless the bed is made, but I’ve really never cared to make it. When he used to go away on business, I’d go days without making the bed because I figured I’d be getting back into it later. What’s the point? But recently I’ve been making my bed, and you guys, I think I’ve gotten it down to a 30-second task. I’ve found that it takes almost zero effort to make it and IDK, I feel a little more organized and productive after having made it. Who knew something so simple could make such a big difference?
Squeeze In A 1-Minute Workout
The thought of even a five-minute workout used to freak me out in the morning. 5 minutes of physical activity? Nah…I’ll pass. Gunna make coffee instead. Come on…I can’t be the only one! So instead of doing absolutely nothing, I’ve started asking myself to workout for one minute. Jumping jacks…pushups…crunches…a one-minute wall sit…there’s actually a lot you can do in a minute. Funny thing, though, once I start, I usually spend a lot more than a minute working out, so it’s kind of just a trick I use to get myself started!
Write Something Or Meditate
I’m writing every morning these days and it feels amazing. Some days it’s a to-do list, other days I engage in active word vomit. But regardless of what it is, I feel good having written.
It’s my way of warming up my brain and getting those ideas flowing, and again- it’s one of those things that makes me feel really productive and pumped up to tackle the rest of the day. So whether you write or meditate, take a few minutes to get your mind in a good place, and you’ll notice what a difference it makes in your mood from that point forward.
So there you have it! 5 easy ways to upgrade your morning routine! Any other ideas? Do you have ONE go-to thing that’s part of your morning routine? Let us know in the comments!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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I really love these tips. I’ve been trying to do really similar things lately – get up a little earlier, do a short workout, read a chapter of a book, clean up the house a bit, and take a few minutes longer than I used to in order to make myself look presentable and feel more confident throughout the day. I’m with you though – I am NOT a morning person, and sometimes I literally have to force myself to roll out of bed to get my day started. But it really is worth it!
Once I defined my morning routine my days starting going much better!!! My favorites are meditating and writting what I am thankfull for!
This is great! Just the motivation I needed. I used to set my alarm very early, go to the gym and read a little bit before work, for a year! I lost the motivation, but I’m slowly getting back into it, little by little. You feel like you can conquer anything when you’re a little productive in the morning! Love that sunshine.
Hey Kayla,
*THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!*
OH MY, I am so NOT a morning person. I try to be, okay I don’t really try, but I’d like to.
I would always pick the later classes at uni, stay up all night and sleep all morning. I haven’t been able to break this routine, it just seems to happen naturally.
I’m not even sure how I woke up early for my 9-5 when I had one. That was a miracle if I’ve ever seen one.
Thanks for these fabulous tips, I’m going to try go to bed before 1am and doing a bit of exercise right after I pop out of bed.
Thanks so much for the encouragement to catch the worm,
Nadalie, It’s All You Boo
My New Post: What’s Your Superpower?
Hahahah hey Nadalie! Girrrrrrl I’m not a morning person at all! Oh well, I guess it’s just part of being an adult! Seems like you’re a night owl though if you’re going to bed at 1am. I’m usually in bed no later than 10pm! Thanks for swinging by! xoxox, Kayla
As a student in college, this post was really helpful. I just recently started having morning classes and it is always tough to get out of bed. I think these tips are helpful especially waking up earlier than I need to and working out in the morning. By working out in the morning instead nights I think I would give myself more time to get work done after classes. Definitely trying these tips!
Yay! Yes, give it a try and let me know how it goes! I love at least doing some light stretching in the morning. If I wait until later at night, I usually end up jumping straight into bed! Best of luck with your classes!
I love your blog! I just found it and have been reading through a bunch of posts. Great inspiration, girlfriend!
Ahhh I’m so glad! Super happy to hear that! If I can ever help you with anything, let me know! xoxo, Kayla