My Organized Morning Routine
During the holidays my family's schedule slipped quite a bit and that's okay. We enjoyed movies, dinners with family and friends and going out to eat a time or two. Almost all of these activities got us home later than usual which leads to later mornings than usual.
Now back to school and back to work, we have transitioned our schedule for organized mornings. Here's the big secret to an organized morning routine: "A good morning starts the day before."
Next month, I will share my afternoon and evening routine. For now, let's get on to my morning routine.
I get up early, really early. For almost two years now, I have been waking up at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday. It's not easy, especially in the cold mornings, but I find it so worth it.
Getting up early allows me to take care of myself first, before my husband or kids or dog need me to take care of them. During this time to myself I typically drink water, use the bathroom, exercise, sit in meditation/prayer, read, journal, take a shower, get dressed, put on makeup, dry my hair, tidy the bathroom/bedroom, make the bed and put in a load of laundry.
I am ready to go by breakfast. Every morning I eat breakfast, usually something high in protein, like eggs. After breakfast with my kids, I get them off to school and walk the dog. In the summer, I walk the dog first thing, in order to enjoy some quiet in nature before the chaos of having kids home.
After walking the dog, he gets a chew bone and I make myself a warm drink (usually Japanese green tea). My focus work and client sessions happen before lunch, when I am at my best. I am most productive on the days when I do not take calls, check e-mail or social media during my focus time.
For 2017, I will experiment with "theme days". By this I mean, having certain days of the week for certain tasks. What new routines or rituals will you entertain in 2017?
On my products page you can purchase my Routine Worksheet and/or Monthly Resolutions Chart.
Of course, I would love to chat with you personally. Just fill out the Productive Lifestyle Scorecard™ on the Start Here page. Carolyn will contact you to schedule your complementary 30 minute Discovery Session via telephone.
