My morning routine

The miracle morning. Morning habits. Morning rituals. Whatever you want to call it, my morning routine has been the greatest 'level up' factor that has dramatically increased my productivity and overall wellbeing. Here is the full guide to what I do in the morning.

My mornings used to be a rush to the finish line, a desperate battle to wake-up, get dressed and get to work on time. Here is what my morning routine use to look like:

• Stumble out of bed at 7:30am after hitting the snooze button several times

• Quickly brush teeth, wash face, slap on some make-up to look alive

• Rummage through the piles of clothing on the floor or dresser to find something to wear

• End up being frustrated, thinking I have nothing to wear and must shop for new pieces at lunchtime

• Grab a piece of toast or muffin because I realise I am late to work

• Run to the bus stop in hope that I haven't missed the bus

• Eat breakfast at my desk at work

I woke up frazzled, frustrated, always late. I felt tired before I even started the day at work. I remember those days clearly because I use to say to my husband "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired." After reading the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and after years of decluttering my physical environment, I've finally decluttered my mornings too. Now my morning routine is simpler, more relaxed and a joyful way to start the day.

My current morning routine:

1. Wake up as the sun rises, usually 5:45am - I never hit the snooze button, I get up immediately and am excited about the day ahead

2. Wash my face and brush my teeth

3. Meditate (I use a mantra-based meditation called Transcendental Meditation) for 15-20 minutes. I sometimes also use a guided meditation from Sarah Blondin, depending on how I am feeling that day.

4. Drink a cup of water with 1/4 teaspoon of Maldon salt - hydration is so important!

5. Write in my 5-minute journal

6. Read something nourishing for 15-20 minutes

7. Light yoga stretches for 10 minutes

Total time = 60 minutes

The whole routine lasts less than an hour. I then get dressed and cook myself a hot breakfast and I am done by 7:15 - 7:30 am. This leaves me plenty of time to get to university or to work for the day.

The benefits of a morning routine:

I no longer feel rushed.

I feel awake.

I no longer feel lethargic.

I feel inspired.

I no longer feel tired.

I feel rejuvenated.

I no longer feel overwhelmed.

I feel like I've made time for myself.

Why don't you start your own morning routine today? Start by allocating yourself 40 minutes to an hour in the morning. Does that mean you'll have to wake up earlier? Maybe. Start in increments of 15 minutes until you can wake up early enough to fit in your routine.

How to plan a morning routine

1. Start by writing everything out, plan everything out in 10 minute blocks.

2. Keep it simple and make a checklist for the first few days.

3. Commit to this morning routine for at least a week (no cheat days) and I am sure you'll see the difference in your day.

Making a morning routine is really just making time for yourself. When your nourish yourself, you can begin to nourish other areas of your life including your family, friends and work.