AM + PM Routines
Morning and night routines can transform your life. Although that may sound dramatic, they hold a lot of power and influence. How you choose to start and end your day matters.
I’d like to preface by saying not everyone’s routines will look the same. Nor should they. What’s important is that you have something established for yourself that works for you.
Morning Routines
How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. It doesn’t matter if you set aside an hour, 45 minutes, half an hour or 15 minutes. Any amount of time that you can dedicate to yourself is perfect.
Having this time carved out ensures you’re doing something for yourself before tending to others. You’re caring for yourself and filling your own cup. This is YOUR time before entering your busy day.
There are a few things that make a good, well-rounded morning routine. First and foremost, no phone or screens. You’re the most impressionable in the morning.
The last thing you need is to see news, negative videos, work-related emails, what others are doing, etc.
A good rule of thumb is to include a habit(s) for your mental, physical and spiritual health.
Morning routine ideas:
Stretching/gentle yoga
Working out
Walking
Meditating/breath work
Journaling
EFT Tapping
Somatic exercises
Grounding
Reading
Eating a high protein breakfast
Drinking warm lemon water with sea salt or tea
Maybe you’re thinking there’s no way you can wake up early enough for a routine or you’ll never be able to get out of bed. Prepare and use techniques to set yourself up for success. Try a few of these either on their own or together.
Tips:
Go to sleep earlier – you’ll get more rest and wake up feeling refreshed making it easier to get out of bed
Use an actual alarm and/or keep your phone in a different room – you’ll be less likely to start scrolling when using an alarm/you’ll have to get out of bed to turn your alarm off
Use Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule – countdown from 5 and when you reach one, jump up and get out of bed
Make your bed – starting your morning with an accomplishment
Nighttime Routines
Believe it or not, your morning routine starts at night.
What you do at night and especially your sleep (length and quality), make it easier for you to wake up early. It also makes promptly getting out of bed less of a struggle. You’re making an effort to keep your morning promises to yourself.
Your p.m. routine should be relaxing, calming and restorative. It’s the perfect opportunity to prepare your mind and nervous system for a good night’s sleep. As it is in the morning, it’s beneficial to avoid screens a half hour to an hour before bed.
Think of habits and hobbies that bring you peace + calm you down. Include those in your routine before bed. It’s okay if you want to include some of the same habits from your morning routine.
What matters most is that you’re making time for yourself, and preparing your mind and body to wind down.
Night routine ideas:
Stretching/bedtime yoga
Journaling
Reading
Meditating/breath work
Skincare
Brushing teeth/hair
Tidying up your room/space
Laying out your outfit for the morning
Taking a warm bath or shower
Legs up a wall
Takeaways
The biggest piece of advice when creating your morning and night routines is to pick what’s best for you. Implement habits YOU enjoy. Don’t include something just because you’ve seen others posting or talking about it.
If you don’t like lemon water, don’t drink it. If you’re too sleepy to read in the morning, read at night. No one thing or combination is best for everyone – we’re all different.
Don’t worry about order or length either. Do what will be manageable in the long run. Sustainable lifestyle > trends and fads.
Set the vibe and romanticize your routines too. Light candles, play upbeat or calming music, brew tea, listen to an uplifting podcast, plug in a diffuser, use essential oils, etc. These little details can make all the difference.
One last note: Your routine(s) is allowed to change at any time. Make additions, subtractions and modifications where needed. Your lifestyle and the season you’re in will most definitely play a role.