creating your ‘good’ morning

Let’s romanticize the morning, shall we?

As someone who rises, but does not shine until that first sip of coffee, I know how hard mornings can be. I have yet to throw littles into the mix, so stay tuned for the remixed version of this… someday, maybe. We can laugh together.

For now, I’ll talk to those who are hoping to wake up and set an initial tone for the day—those first few moments you’re able to control before getting swept up in the reality of the day.

becoming a morning person (sort of)

While it may have taken three decades (hello, 30s), I genuinely look forward to the time I allow myself in the morning to slowly wake and approach the day. Against all odds (odds set by me and me alone), my Oura ring now recognizes me as a morning type—someone who “loves getting up with the sun and going to bed early.” It claims I “tend to be alert and energetic in the mornings”… and it’s not wrong.

I’ll write an entire review on my Oura ring for those interested in the magic behind this little device, but for now, it’s provided validation for the routines I’ve created in approaching the morning.

before: the bare minimum

As someone who used to set the alarm with a very calculated amount of time needed to get up and get out the door, I know how precious time is. The goal is to enhance your mornings—not add extra stress.

The list below outlines my favorite mornings. However, life happens, and while I may not have time for each of these steps every day, I hold on tight to the parts I do have time for. I encourage you to do the same. Pick the pieces that resonate with you and match the time you can give each morning.

How do you want to build your ‘good’ morning?

my morning staples

alarm clock

We love our Hatch and its ease in bringing light and sound into the bedroom. We place it across the room to ensure we have to get up to turn it off. (High five to the people who can keep it bedside—I could never.)

The alarm is the first jarring sound you hear. While we’re able to choose more subtle sounds to ease our ears, I know people who wouldn’t wake up for a fire alarm—choose a sound that works for you.

light

We keep the lights dimmed throughout the house and slowly begin to open the blinds as the sun starts to rise. The morning golden hour that fills our living room has become one of my favorite things to look forward to. We’re romanticizing, remember?

water

I keep a water bottle next to my bed for easy access. I begin to drink water as I get up to turn the alarm off, and I don’t stop until I wander into the bathroom. This is my most significant water window in the morning hours. Once I get downstairs, my coffee cup becomes top priority.

cold water face splash

The only cold plunge I’ll be incorporating at this hour.

Don’t be mistaken—I love a cold plunge, and if you have easy access to a cold water source, I highly recommend adding it to your wellness routine. However, we’re about ease and consistency in the wee hours of the morning, so a cold faucet and a few splashes to the face will do the trick.

While I have yet to get an ice bucket out, ice facials are said to reduce inflammation and redness, tighten pores, and promote alertness and focus. For now, I’ll take the residual effects of my splashes.

coffee

I don’t think I need to explain this. Big mug. Frother. Favorite creamer filled right to the brim. Cozy. Couch. Sip. Seize the day.

breath work & meditation

While completing my 200YMT with Tribal Yoga School, I came to appreciate the importance of breath work—setting aside time to connect to your breath and the power it has over your mind and body.

Creating space first thing in the morning to sit, connect, and form intention allows me to approach the day with a better mindset. The intention I create post-breath work carries with me throughout the day and stands as a reminder of the outlook I set upon first waking. It allows a space for me to re-ground when the day gets carried away with distractions.

journaling

While my coffee cools, I curl up on the couch and open my planner. If you’re in need of the perfect planner, I highly recommend the Passion Planner.

This planner has been the perfect tool for organizing my time and makes prioritizing easy. You can create yearly vision boards, track goals on a daily basis (checklist girlies unite), and take full advantage of blank space for journal prompts or brainstorming.

My favorite part? The monthly reflection at the end of each month. I love taking time to reflect on the previous month - highlight takeaways and leave behinds, good memories and lessons learned - it’s a great tool for creating insight and paving the way for next months growth * chefs kiss *.

Passion Planner: Monthly Reflection

lay out your clothes

A classic. Whether you’re headed right into work or going to the gym, lay out and pack all of your essentials the night before. Assuming you’re taking at least one of these little morning routine enhancers with you, you don’t want to be scrambling for the shirt you wanted to wear because your breath work connected you too strongly to the universe’s calling for the day.

meal prepping

With all of our meals ready for the week, it’s easy to grab what I need, pack it in my work bag, and head out the door. As someone who is constantly curious about their next meal, not having to worry about the day’s food plan is a game changer! I’ll highlight some meal prepping tips in another post.

While it’s common to feel rushed and discombobulated in the morning, trust me when I say—it doesn’t have to be that way. Starting with as little as 5 extra minutes to splash your face or connect with your breath for 1 minute can change your entire outlook on the day ahead.

The morning should symbolize a new beginning. A fresh start and a chance to do something good for yourself and for others.

My dad always says, “Any day I can wake up and put my feet on the ground is a good day.”

Take advantage. Set your tone. And fall in love with your good morning.