Waking up with Hayley—the value of establishing a morning routine
Choose a wake-up time that works for YOU!
I have been making it a habit to get up each morning and keep to a consistent routine that helps me feel GOOD! It’s all about making your routine work for you.
For me, sleeping in is not one of my strengths. Because of this, I structure my mornings in a way that allows me to be most productive. Listen to your body, and structure a routine that works for you. Through it all, be kind to yourself as some days will feel easier than others to stick to a routine.
A morning routine sets the tone for the whole day, and if you do each day right, you'll do life right.
I start with the 7am Annex workout, followed by an additional 10 minutes after the guided cool down to lie on the ground to breathe, stretch, and quiet my mind. This is an important part of my routine, because it is sometimes the only time of the day I can be intentionally quiet and still.
I then make my coffee (accompanied by a massive glass of lemon water) and begin structuring my day in my day-planner to keep a feeling of normalcy. Following this, I begin my daily goal setting (which connects with my “bigger picture” goal setting). Starting each day like this ensures that I have a clear headspace, no matter what the plan (or lack of plan) is for that day.
Eat the Frog
"If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long." - Mark Twain
The "frog" is your most important task or work—the one you're dreading the most because it's so big and important that it’s looming over you. Building the habit to do your biggest task first can give you a huge boost of accomplishment first thing.
But starting the day with your most daunting task is, well, daunting. It can be too easy to procrastinate, making it even harder to get your day started. Sometimes, clearing away a few small tasks early on can give you the momentum to tackle your frog.
Continuing on with the morning, I answer emails, and complete whatever work I need to for the day.
Balance the calm and the productive
As much as I have tried to maintain a certain level or normalcy to my mornings, I have found time to let my mind be quiet, and enjoy a slower pace each day. To me, this is finding that balance of staying connected with people, my community, and my passions, while giving room for separation as well. I have been continuing to work and stay connected with the communities I am a part of. Aside from leading Annex online workouts, this ranges from continuing to teach high school English (now online), to leading multiple youth workouts for grades 1-12 with Flight Basketball Academy. I feel my best when I find ways to keep as close to my normal routine as I can.
Find gratitude
Through it all, the gratitude for my circumstances is the biggest driving force for each day, and I use this gratitude to fuel each day. I recognize that I am at my best when I am busy. It’s important to stay true to what works for YOU! If that means slowing down a little more, then take that. Go easy on yourself, and hold space for gratitude for whatever it is you are able to accomplish each day. Not every morning is the ‘morning of all mornings.’ Rome wasn’t built in a day (as my former track coach used to remind me). Do what you can and be grateful for whatever that may be.
This is not a productivity race. It’s all just a means of survival.
Off you go…!
Keeping consistent to a routine tells your brain, “Okay, we can begin the day now!” Finish whatever it is you need to do, and off you go to enjoy that big, beautiful life, whatever or however that might look for you.