Are You Missing These Key Morning Routine Checklist Items?

I like to be organized in making sure that I get my day started by being productive and taking care of myself. One way that I do this is by having a morning checklist. Having a checklist ensures that I do not forget anything and that I stay consistent. It feels really good when noon hits and I have already done so much with my day. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and puts me in a good and energized mood for the rest of the day. Below is my morning routine checklist.

Make my bed

I like making my bed because it makes the room seem more clean and, when it comes night, it is nicer to climb into a nicely made bed. Making the bed is simple and it doesn't take too long. I don't use a bunch of fancy pillows or have a pretty comforter or anything. It's just the act of making the bed and having a sense of tidiness in the room.

Drink Water

I tend to get pretty dehydrated during the night for some reason so I spend my mornings drinking plenty of water. That is the very first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and then I make sure I continue to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the morning. It helps me wake up and start my day feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Stretch

Stretching is a great way to get my body ready for the day. It gets me going for a day full of movement whether that be going for a run, working, how getting housework done. Sometimes I just do a quick stretch when I wake up and other times I will do some yoga. It's easier to get moving with the productive parts of my day when my body feels ready for some movement without being too stiff.

Prepare a Healthy Breakfast

For breakfast, I usually cut up some fruit and pour melted peanut butter and honey over it and then sprinkle some seeds on top. If we don't have fruit around, then I use whatever produce we happen to have. Sometimes it's potatoes and eggs, taco salad, or a protein shake. Whatever it is, I try to keep it healthy because I'm not much of a sweets in the morning type person.

Get Dressed

I get dressed according to whatever it is I am doing that day. Sometimes I'm getting dressed into some leggings, a t-shirt, my running belt, and my running shoes so I can go for a run. Other days I put on a pair of jeans, a sweater, and my less fancy running shoes because I usually do a lot of walking throughout the day. And if I'm just hanging out around the house, I get dressed into my warmer pajamas.

Meditate

Meditating helps me get myself calm and focused so I can be more effective in doing what I need to get done throughout the day. Sometimes I wake up and my brain gets really busy and panicky with all the things I need to do. Meditation slows me down so I am less overwhelmed and more focused and can take on the tasks with less stress.

Open the Curtains

I open the curtains so that there is more sunlight in the house. It's easier for me to feel motivated and in a good mood when there is sunshine compared to darkness. It also helps me to feel less isolated from the rest of the world because then I am able to see the birds, the weather, and sometimes the neighbors.

Read

Usually I read my assigned textbook reading for school so I stay caught up. If I am plenty caught up on homework and my son, A, isn't awake yet, then I might read whatever book I am reading for fun. When A is awake, sometimes he likes me to read him one of his books. It's a good way to wake up my brain.

Listen to Music

As I am making breakfast and doing the dishes, often I will turn some music on. It puts A and I in a good mood because we take little breaks to dance to some good songs. While I'm busy, sometimes I sing which bugs A and is funny and worth it for that reason. You can't be in a bad mood when you're listening to Taylor Swift.

Brush Teeth

Of course, I brush my teeth because that would be gross if I didn't. I feel much better about myself when my breath tastes fresh and my teeth are freshly cleaned. Once my teeth are brushed, I feel ready to leave the house and do whatever needs to be done past my front door.

What is on your morning routine checklist?

• Make your bed
• Drink water
• Stretch
• Prepare a healthy breakfast

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