One thing I am asked a lot about is my morning routine and if I have one. Truly, my schedule is a bit different everyday. I strive for progress in my morning routine, and perfection isn’t an option. I try to commit to these non-negotiables regardless of what I have going on during the day.
1. Drinks + Supplements:
I start my day with warm tea (preferably green) and lemon to get my digestion optimized. I usually take probiotics in the evening. Check out my probiotic blog https://cgmfit.com/blog/gut-health-and-digestion/
2. Breathe Fresh Air:
Breathing fresh air has been proven to help you naturally wake up, and I find it gives me that natural boost of energy. I focus on grounding and breathing in the fresh air as I sip my tea to start my day. If I have the time, I will go on a quick walk.
3. Making My Bed:
Maybe it’s just me, but making my bed first thing in the morning, really sets the tone for my day. It only takes 1-2 minutes and it is so worth it! I feel more positive and productive immediately after.
4. Movement:
Movement is one of the most important pieces of my life and I find that I feel my best during the day if I start out with movement! I teach my LIVE fitness classes five mornings a week. On the days I don’t teach, I will record a segment first thing in the morning or take a walk! Just a 10 minute workout in the AM can work wonders!
5. Self-care:
Since I typically start my day with movement and have to quickly jump to business, I find myself in a bit of a rush to get to my computer as quickly as possible. I need to remind myself to slow down the transition from movement to business. I try to enjoy the process of getting ready! I take the time to wash my face, do a skincare routine (toner, serum, under-eye cream, and moisturizer) and putting on a bit of make-up (powder, lipstick, cream blush, and highlighter). I feel a bit more calm and ready to tackle the day when I take a few minutes for self-care.
6. Slow Breakfast:
Food is fuel and breakfast is an extremely important meal I never skip. I like to take a few minutes to enjoy my food and not multi-task while eating (ie e-mails, meetings, texts). On weekends it is a bit easier to actually sit down and have a nice hot breakfast. During the week I opt for easier things such as oatmeal with fruit and nuts or a multi-grain waffle with the same toppings. On the weekends, I try for avocado toast and/or eggs!
“Tamsin Jordan from Jordan Nutrition is also a firm believer in taking your time when it comes to breakfast. The hormones that regulate our appetite and satiety, namely leptin, takes some time to register when we’ve had enough to eat. Taking our time to savor every bite ensures that we take in the right number of calories for our body and reduces blood sugar swings later in the day.”
7. Meditation:
I often do meditations at night, but if I can sneak one in the morning, I will. I aim for a 10-15 minute meditation or EFT tapping. Check some of my suggestions in the last blog article https://cgmfit.com/blog/5-ways-to-deal-with-stress/https://cgmfit.com/blog/5-ways-to-deal-with-stress/