Do you constantly feel like you're dragging yourself out of bed? You can't predict your poops? You're basically just off track in a major way? Ya know what helps me? A routine. Sounds boring, right? Well, it can be - but I would never let that happen.
I wanted to share my morning and nightly rituals with you in hopes that it inspires you take control of your days and nights. It's that easy.
let's start with the morning
- If you work a stressful job, don't check your phone right away. Thankfully, this is no longer me. I had to adapt this pretty early on in San Francisco though. Checking my phone right away meant immediate negative emotions. My e-mail inbox would be out of control with demands of the day and I felt defeated right off the bat. That's not healthy and anything waiting in your inbox will still be waiting there in 30 minutes. Some days I wanted to respond to my e-mails with "CHILL"... :P
- If you have a few minutes, read a favorite chapter (or half chapter) of a book you love. Something that inspires you. This could even be a blog you love. I LOVE the Elephant Journal.
- Make your bed. My husband does this every single day because he's VERY particular. But, it's so nice having a beautifully made bed. It's a feeling of closure once you get up and get moving.
- Drink hot or cold water, add lemon if you can stand it. This will instantly make you more alert. Not to mention the boost you will get to your immune system!
- Drink a shake or juice that benefits you. I do this because you never know what your day will bring - at least you know you've gotten in your daily nutrition right off the bat. You can work your caffeine into your shake or have it later. Either way, don't have coffee on an empty stomach.
- Workout. Some people just aren't morning gym people, and that's ok. But I find that at least 30 active minutes in the morning makes me feel stronger and more in control. Find a workout that works for you, even if it's just a quick walk.
- Eat breakfast. Try to wake up early enough to stop and take a moment to do this. I know for some, that's impossible. But if you can work it in, do it. You can prepare this in advance. Make a quiche or scramble a couple of eggs. Try out some of my breakfast recipes, they're all quick and nutritious. Try my cauliflower scramble, whole grain pancakes, avocado toast, or cauliflower and egg fried "rice".
- If you're a coffee drinker, try adding mct oil, ghee or coconut oil to it. I switch it up but the extra fat will give you a more sustained energetic feeling. With the added bonus of the nutrition from butter and coconut oil.
- Wash your face lightly and always give yourself (even your body) a splash of cold water right before you're done.
- Simple skincare and makeup routine.
- Take a shot of turmeric and honey.
- Leave your house feeling fresh, but always give yourself enough time to get to work on time.
before bed
- If you can, try heated or hot yoga as a way to wind down. I go to a 6:30 pm class. It's nice because the sun is setting as I'm driving there. I go and wind completely down, and it's night time when I leave. I feel amazing after a shower or bath.
- Always wash your face. Develop a simple skin routine.
- On some nights, I like to take a bath, do a face mask, pop in a bath bomb, turn off the lights and turn on Norah Jones. But this can't happen every night. It's a great way to recharge though!
- Always brush your hair and work rosehip oil through it. I like to add this to my neck, chest, face and eyelashes as well.
- Lotion your feet and cuticles, and treat your lips. I use coconut oil but you can use rosehip or jojoba!
- Take a magnesium - will help to calm you down and help you have a great morning poop :)
- Take a few sips of aloe vera and take a probiotic. This helps to reset your body to have a smooth morning.
- I turn on my Himalayan Salt lamp about an hour before I go to bed. And I either diffuse lavender by my bathtub or by my bed, depending on whether I get a bath that night or not.
- Wear a sleep mask, even you, boys.
tips
Make sure your bed is extra comfy. This should be your safe place. All the troubles should melt away when you climb into your bed.
You need a space for your morning rituals. Even if it's just a big comfy chair by a window in your bedroom. Make it your space and go there every morning. Always think positively in this space. Make it comfy and organized.
