Crafting a morning routine that works for you - Episode 8

Jul 4

Are you a morning person? Whether you love the early hours or struggle to get out of bed, having a morning routine that excites you can make a world of difference. In my latest podcast, I dive into the art of crafting a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Create & consume

What Austen is creating this week: I have a new Notion template available, it’s my entire goal and planning hub so it contains my brainstorming worksheet, mid-year reset, and quarterly and weekly planning to accomplish my goals

What Austen is consuming this week: @thatcheeseplate posted a Mediterranean pasta salad recipe that I made for us for lunch this week

In this episode:

The Power of Waking Up Early

Waking up earlier than usual can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

Less Noise: In the early hours, the world is quieter, both literally and figuratively. There are fewer distractions, making it a perfect time for introspection and planning.
True Me Time: Early mornings give you uninterrupted time for yourself before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

Building Your Core Morning Routine

A solid morning routine revolves around a few core activities that set the tone for your day. Here are some essentials:

Consistent Wake-Up Time: Try waking up at the same time every day, even without an alarm if possible. Consistency helps regulate your body's internal clock.
Make Your Bed: Starting your day by making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment right away.
Hydrate: Start with water and then move on to your preferred caffeinated beverage.
Skincare Essentials: Incorporate a simple skincare routine with essentials like eye cream, vitamin C moisturizer, and resurfacing pads.
Morning Stimulation: Engage your mind and body with activities like a workout, playing NYT games, or learning a new language on Duolingo.

Shop the morning essentials

Customizing Routines for Different Days

Not every day is the same, and your morning routine can vary accordingly. Consider having different routines for weekdays and weekends, or based on the weather.

I personally have both creative mornings and active mornings.

Creative Mornings

Dedicate my time to reading or creating content before diving into the day's demands.

Active Mornings

Start my day with a Peloton workout or a brisk walk to energize myself.

Breakfast Ideas

Protein-Packed: Try a chicken sausage breakfast for sustained energy.
Fresh and Healthy: Opt for a yogurt parfait or smoothie for a light yet nutritious start.
Quick and Reliable: Oatmeal is always a great choice, especially with added banana or peanut butter for extra flavor.

The Getting Ready Ritual

Remember how fun it was getting ready with friends in college? You can recreate that vibe by making your "getting ready" time enjoyable. Grab a coffee or matcha, and listen to a podcast or watch a YouTube video while you prep for the day.

Maintaining Your Routine While Traveling

Travel can disrupt your routine, but with a few adjustments, you can stay on track:

Transfer Core Pillars: Bring the key elements of your routine with you, like mini versions of your skincare products.
Know Your Coffee Spots: Scout out where you can get your morning coffee ahead of time.
Use Apps: Take advantage of digital tools like the Peloton App, Duolingo, and NYTimes Games to keep your routine intact wherever you are.