How to find your perfect morning routine

Ah, mornings – the battleground where dreams of productivity and wellness collide with the snooze button. In this article, we’ll discuss how to start and commit to a perfect morning routine.

There was a time when I always found myself waking up and already feeling behind. I’d jump into the shower while brushing my teeth, hurry to throw on my cleanest-smelling shirt and race out the door. I started my mornings in a total rush and carried that frenetic energy through the rest of my day. As I’ve worked to establish balance in my life, I’ve slowly started to build a morning routine that works for me. This set of daily actions makes me feel energized, optimistic, and ready to conquer the day. So grab your coffee (or kale smoothie) and let’s dive in!

‍The Importance of a Morning Routine:

They say the early bird catches the worm, but it’s more than that. A well-crafted morning routine sets the tone for the day ahead, empowering you to seize the reins of your life with gusto. It provides structure, boosts productivity, and enhances mental and physical well-being. Plus, who doesn’t want to strut around like a superstar before noon?

Skip social media and give thanks.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the endless scroll of social media feeds. We find ourselves mindlessly comparing our lives to carefully curated highlight reels of others, unknowingly fostering feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. But what if we could break free from this cycle and cultivate a practice that nourishes our souls? Enter the power of gratitude.

Instead of reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, take a few moments to set an intention for the day. Before you dive into the digital world, reflect on three things you are grateful for. It could be as simple as the warm sunlight streaming through your window, a cozy bed to sleep in, or the love of your family. Embrace the positive energy and carry it with you throughout the day.

Move your body.

Most of us sit in front of screens for the majority of the day. Break free from the shackles of our sedentary lifestyle and embrace the power of movement. Whether it’s a gentle walk in nature, an invigorating dance session, or a heart-pumping workout, moving your body brings a plethora of benefits. From boosting energy and improving mood to enhancing physical health and reducing stress, physical activity is the key to unlocking your full potential.

If you can’t squeeze in a full workout, do yourself a favor and make time to stretch. Not only does it increase flexibility, but it also stimulates blood flow, oxygenates your brain, and prepares you to slay the day.

Unleash the Power of Affirmations to retrain your brain.

Have you ever noticed the impact of your inner dialogue on your daily life? The way we talk to ourselves shapes our beliefs, influences our actions, and ultimately determines our level of success and happiness. Enter affirmations—the mighty tools that allow us to rewire our minds with positive self-talk.

Affirmations are powerful statements that assert our strengths, goals, and aspirations. By repeating them consistently, we replace self-doubt and negative thoughts with confidence, motivation, and a can-do attitude.

Get motivated with a morning podcast.

By tuning in to inspiring conversations, insightful interviews, and uplifting stories, you can infuse your mornings with motivation and positivity. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional insights, or a dose of creativity, there’s a podcast out there to ignite your spirit.

After showering and brushing my teeth, I listen to “How I Built This” while getting dressed. This NPR podcast follows the stories of interesting business owners and their personal process of starting their multi-billion dollar companies. I enjoy it because it’s a daily reminder that even the largest companies all started somewhere. If you’re looking for a new podcast to add to your rotation, here’s a list of podcasts I love right now.

If podcasts aren’t your thing, I recommend finding a song that can be your morning anthem–something that makes you feel hype, encouraged, and ready to kick some ass. 

Eat a simple, healthy breakfast. 

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It sets the tone for your energy levels, mental focus, and overall well-being. So, why not make it a delightful and nourishing experience?

I’m usually not hungry in the mornings, but I’ve started eating breakfast because it leads me to making better food decisions throughout the day (primarily because I’m not starving by lunchtime.) I normally add fresh avocado to a piece of toast or eat a fried egg with an apple.  

Remember, creating a healthy morning routine is about finding what works for you. Embrace the power of joy, nurture your body, and infuse positivity into every moment. With consistency , you’ll transform your mornings into a vibrant tapestry of well-being, productivity, and endless possibilities. So rise, shine, and conquer the world, one day at a time!

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Nice vs. Kind

We live in a world of people that are always nice.

Nice is boring. Nice is fake.

Nice is saying what people want to hear instead of what they need to hear.

Kindness is different. It takes meaningful effort.

And it doesn’t always mean you’ll be liked.

What if you subverted expectations by being kind?

Sometimes seeking clarity is a tool to procrastinate.

Often times seeking clarity is just a tool to procrastinate.

We say:

 “I don’t know what to do.”

“I can’t decide between this and that.”

“I’m just not sure.”

But deep inside, we know. 

If we quiet the chatter in our brain enough, we’ve always known.

And if we really consider it, the first step is not that important. 

It’s the movement that matters–the commitment to choosing a direction and taking step after step.

And the wonderful surprise is that even when you start off in the wrong direction, that wrong turn will lead you closer to where you should be heading. 

So here’s your permission to choose. 

To try and potentially fail. 

But also to trust that even the wrong steps lead to your greater good.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Take a moment to reflect on a current situation or decision that you’ve been uncertain about. What is your intuition telling you about it? Explore the feelings and thoughts that pop up when you tune in to your inner knowing. How can you cultivate trust in your own instincts?

A message for the procrastinating creative

People don’t talk a lot about the discipline it takes to be a successful creative.

It’s showing up every single day to make something.

It’s promoting your work regularly. It’s showing up for your community.

It’s building, launching, refining.

Over and over again.

Even when it’s hard.

Especially when it’s hard.

I’ve got some fun news.

After a pretty rough start to the summer, I’m happy to have some good news to share.

I am thrilled to announce that I was selected to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Long Table Collective with five other phenomenal creative professionals, including: @gkjcreates, @minstudio_, @seejessletter, @andrepardo__, and @allverygoods!

The Long Table Collective provides professional mentoring for Black, Indigenous, Latino/a, and Asian artists & creative entrepreneurs (including those of mixed race or ethnicity), in a year-long small group format led by @lisacongdon and @emilyonlife.

Ya boy is beyond excited and I look forward to the growth that will continue to come from this season of meaningful growth.

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