Morning Routine Essentials:
Your morning routine should be a fresh start. We all know how important it is to start the day in good shape, but how do you actually do it? Here are six basic ideas, but the important part is to adapt them to what works best for you.
Get ready for the day
It’s as simple as that. Splashing water on your face really helps to wake you up and improve your concentration. If you have more time in the morning for a longer skincare routine, then this is a great way to follow a set routine each day. Whether you’ve just splashed cold water or have a 10-step routine, don’t forget to apply SPF before you leave the house.
Indulge in morning drinks (and hydration)
Coffee, tea, water, kombucha – my goodness! The options are truly endless, whether you’re the type of person who relies on caffeine to get you started or not, find a package you really like and focus on perfecting that perfect cup of coffee. Whichever drink you choose, don’t forget to hydrate!
Give yourself some buffer time
Take a little extra time in the morning to actually wake up. Whether you have an extra 60 seconds or 30 minutes, give yourself time so you’re not rushing to work. Write down your tasks for the day, read a few pages, unload the dishwasher, or take a few breaths to calm yourself down.
Plan a nutritious breakfast
We know it’s hard to make time for breakfast, but skipping a meal in the morning can lead to low energy later in the day. If you have a tough morning (overnight oats?) ), try planning and preparing your breakfast the night before, or schedule time to make yourself some avocado toast or a breakfast sandwich in the morning if you need it on the go.
Get moving
Moving your body can help you be fully awake and energized for the day. If you can’t get in a full workout, a 10-minute walk or a few yoga poses are sure to get your day started. Even stretching for 30 seconds can help your body wake up and feel refreshed.
Choose a morning affirmation
Often overlooked, this one is probably the easiest to incorporate. As you brush your teeth or put on your makeup, don’t forget to inject some positive energy into your day. Choose an intention for the day or think about how you want to feel, and then remind yourself of that intention throughout the day.
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Nighttime routine essentials:
Not surprisingly, your nighttime activities should be the opposite of your morning activities. The goal here is to relax down, but be clear about what you want to get out of it. ps: particularly pressed for time or feeling tired at night? Try one suggestion per night, rather than trying them all in one day.
Get ready for the night
Your nighttime skincare routine should be slightly different from your morning routine. Forgo the daytime gel, use a thicker cream or overnight serum, and focus on the areas you want more attention. Choose a moisturizing mask if your skin is dry, or use an exfoliator like retinol if your goal is to fight aging or brighten your complexion.
Prepare for the next morning
Prepare your clothes for the next day the night before, wash your favorite mug, or organize your workspace. In addition, try tackling a simple task you must do the next day: wash the pot you put in the sink to “soak” or make an email you’ve been meaning to send to someone. It allows you to cross things off your to-do list that you may have been avoiding. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
There’s a relaxation routine to help you fall asleep
Whatever helps you relax, unwind and fall asleep, find a routine and stick to it. For me, nothing screams “time to relax” like scented oils or turning on the humidifier – something about the gentle buzz of eucalyptus or lavender-scented vapor can really create a relaxing environment for a good night’s sleep. You can also try reading, meditating or taking a bath – whatever helps you fall asleep.
Put away the screen
PSA: The blue light from your screen can disrupt your sleep (not to mention the stress you feel when you’re getting work done before bed, or the FOMO you feel while scrolling through Instagram). Try reading at bedtime instead of using the screen until your eyes start to droop.
Add to either routine the following practices:
There will definitely be some overlap between your nighttime routine and your morning routine. Tweak your schedule a little to find out what works for you: does this activity work best for you at the beginning of your day, the end, or both?
Take a shower
I know what you’re probably thinking: Well, uh, I’m going to take a shower! But when you shower, you have no other responsibility than to actually take a shower – it doesn’t just cleanse your body; it also helps cleanse your mind. Whether you are a morning or evening showerer, take this idea to heart as you focus only on yourself.
Journaling
One of the best rewards of journaling in the long run is the ability to look back at different points in your life and see what kind of space you are in. Journaling is a great practice to incorporate into your daily life and is effective at any Time of day.
Seclusion
Need to calm down and relax for sleep or get motivated for a busy day? Try a quick meditation. Just like a journal, it can be used at any time of day. If you have more time, try a longer, self-centered meditation before bed or an early morning meditation to get you into the right frame of mind.
Stretching
Stretching in the morning and evening is my favorite part of the day. It allows me to spend some time not only on my body, but also on my mind. In the morning, stretching helps to wake up the body, and in the evening, stretching helps the body to release tension from the day. Feel free to experiment and find out what works best for you.
