Courtney's Simple Morning Routine
Before the pandemic, “morning routine” wasn’t really in my vocabulary. I would pretty much roll out of bed, shower, and grab a granola bar on my way to work. Although sometimes it would leave me flustered and slightly disheveled, I just knew I was never going to be one of those productive-at-5:30am type people, and I decided that was okay.
Courtney here - and today I’m talking about my morning routine. Once the pandemic hit, I realized I needed some structure to my day to keep me grounded. If I don’t have at least some semblance of a plan going into my day, I will sit in bed on my phone or just stare out the window and overthink. That never really gets my day off to a good start (although I do admit that still sometimes happens), so I usually make a small (flexible) schedule in the notes app on my phone to plan out my day.
I’m sure this will evolve over time, but so far, this morning routine has worked out better for me than chilling in bed until I have to start working.
1. Make the bed
I started this habit a few years ago and I don’t think I’ve missed a day since. Before I even open the curtains or leave the bedroom, I make the bed. My fiancé naturally gets up earlier than me, so before I even step outside to say hi, the bed is made. For some reason it just makes me feel way less anxious and like I’m starting the day on a good note. On weekends, I usually wait until later to make it so it feels more relaxing, but Monday through Friday, the bed is made by 7am.
2. Make coffee and catch up on news/social media
Before the pandemic, making coffee would be the last thing I’d do before leaving for my commute into the office, and now I don’t think I can do anything until I’ve had coffee, haha. I make an oat milk latte with my Nespresso machine and bring it to the (made) bed, turn my space heater on, get under a blanket, and sip on it while I catch up on news/social media.
I know a lot of people say you shouldn’t immediately look at your phone after you wake up, but it seems to work for me. I check social media and the news for about 20-30 minutes until my coffee is done, then I don’t — or try not to — check it again until later in the day.
3. Movement
During the nicer weather, I love to go for long walks or runs and listen to a podcast or call my mom, but lately the weather has been so cold and snowy, so I’ve kept my movement inside.
I recently changed my perspective on working out, and rather than having a really strict routine, I just remind myself that moving for 30 minutes a day in any way possible will help me feel mentally better, no matter the effects it could have on my physical appearance. Lately, I’ve loved doing 30-minute YouTube videos with PopSugar Fitness. I know a lot of the routines now, so I will usually mute the workout and turn on House Hunters or a fun show with 30-minute episodes, and the time flies.
4. Shower and get ready
It usually takes me about 30 minutes to shower and do my skincare routine and makeup, which isn’t very long, but I don’t really know how to do all the cool makeup tricks, so I try to keep it simple.
I wash my face with Alaffia Coconut Cleanser, which is a clean, fair trade, and sulfate-free product that cleanses your skin and removes makeup. Sales from Alaffia help fund Empowerment Projects that provide maternal care, education, environmental sustainability, and eyeglasses to African communities. I am all for a great product that helps those in need! I then put on my makeup, which is 90% ILIA. I recently switched over to this brand because of their clean ingredients and don’t think I’ll ever go back. Here’s what I use every day:
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation (9 Paloma shade)
ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder (Drawn In)
ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner (Twilight)
PYT Beauty Defining Brow Pencil (Blonde) - I only do this on days I’m feeling super fancy, but I seriously have like one eyebrow hair so I’m not sure what to do LOL.
I also take Ritual vitamins every morning and have for the last 3 and a half years. These multivitamins are formulated to help fill nutrient gaps that many women have in their diet, and ever since taking them, I’ve had more energy and have just felt better overall. They send them right to my home every month so I never have to go out and get more!
Shop My Morning Routine:
Overall, my morning routine probably takes an hour and a half, from about 7-8:30, then it’s time to eat breakfast and log on to work! Once we’re back in the office, I will probably push everything up 30 minutes to an hour so I have time for my commute, but in the meantime, I’m letting myself be flexible and change it up if needed.
I’d love to hear about the key parts of your morning routine! Does anyone meditate or journal? These are two things I really want to incorporate, but I just can't quiet my mind enough to meditate. I’d love any tips you have!
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