Morning Rituals to Rock Your Day
Before I had babies, I worked full time as an RN and did 3 x 12 hour shifts and picked up extra work here and there and then on my days off I slept in as long as I needed to, and did whatever I wanted based on how I felt.. There is something beautiful about giving yourself the time that you need to enjoy whatever you need in the moment.
However, now that I have had kids, I do not have that kind of time. In fact, time has become my most precious commodity and I have had to learn how to be very intentional with my time and be productive with the time I give my business and blogging.
I have found that creating an automated morning routine sets up my entire day for success, no matter what plans I have to alter. So here goes, the 6 things that I do first thing in the morning set the tone for an awesome day of mom life.
Upon awakening I put a drop of Peppermint in my palm and rub my hands together and inhale.. Its the most amazing way to awaken your senses. I keep my oils in places that I will use them, so I have Peppermint, Lavender, Wild Orange, Cedarwood, and Vetiver all at my bedside table. I usually lay there for a few minutes and think about my day and set my intentions for the day. I think I forgot to mention that my kids get up at 5:45-6:30 am so i have learned that I have to get up before them to get my own quiet time. So usually my alarm goes off at 5:15 am. I get up and start my oral care, brush my teeth, wash my face and with cold water and apply moisturizer. I then go downstairs and drink at least one tall glass of water with a couple drops of lemon essential oil and take a Terrazyme, aka (digestive enzyme).
Connecting with my Higher Power is imperative and the most important action I take to set up my whole day for success. It looks different for everyone, but my Higher Power is Jesus, and God the Father. So I have my devotionals that I read out of daily, and I get cozy in my Big Chair with my glass of water and I begin by praying a prayer of gratitude and inviting God into lead me and to direct my day and put people, places and things in my path. I ask Him to guide me and ask for Peace, Love and Faith to lead my day. I often read a Psalms out of the Bible, and pray for people, and or situations that are on my heart. This really sets the tone for everything. I also love to do a Head Space guided mediation for 10 minutes after this. This whole process can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
Sipping a hot drink is something that has become a ritual that I crave. I am currently caffeine free due to adrenal rehabilitation. I start the tea kettle and will either have Decaf Organic Coffee, because I love the taste and then I make it bullet proof, or I will drink Organic Peppermint Tea. I love to create a cozy atmosphere for my family, so I usually put on some therapeutic music and get my essential oil diffusers going. I love to diffuse Wild Orange and White Fir, or Wild Orange and Peppermint. These oils are super uplifting to mood.
Dry skin brushing is something that I took up about a year and a half ago and I love it. Dry skin brushing has many benefits, and one of the most important ones is that it stimulates your lymphatic system, which helps the body to detoxify naturally. It also feels great, softens and exfoliates my skin, clears my pores, and just gives me an energetic boost. Now let me be honest, if my kids are up... I have to get them fed first and situated and then i can head up to dry brush and hop in the shower.. this does not always happen seamlessly, however if I get my prayer and mediation in with water and lemon, and get my warm drink started I am having an excellent start to my day.
Laying out my clothes the night before has been awesome, because then i don't waste time on figuring out what to wear, I usually wear black yoga pants and a comfy lululemon tank top with a button up shirt or cotton long sleeve shirt. Then I put my hair up in a messy bun or clip.. Apply my favorite face oil, and then my makeup routine takes a whopping 3 minutes... usually powder, bronzer, mascara and lip gloss or tinted chapstick. My favorite thing to apply is my essential oils, such as Rose Touch, Jasmine, or Neroli, I put the oil in the tips of my hair and back of my neck and feel and smell amazing.
Smoothies have become my am breakfast and I look forward to every morning. I love to blend up my homemade almond milk as a base,
add a cup of organic spinach,
2 scoops of organic chocolate protein powder
1 scoop of collagen peptides
1/2 a frozen banana
1/2 cup of ice.
This usually keeps me full and satiated until 10 am and paired with my supplements, I am having a great day!
I love to move first thing in the am, but have learned that I want to connect with my kids and usually don't get my work out in until later in the am or in the afternoon. But my kids and I love to stretch and do some yoga poses together and do mini workouts.. Stretching and moving is invigorating and gets my body going. I enjoy a guided Yoga routine and or just stretching with my kids and chatting with them about our day. If its light out in AK we get outside for a walk for thing in the am and that is my most precious time with them. Its such a beautiful way to connect and meet them where they are at.