Today I want to share with you my daily morning routine: WFH style. I hope you guys are inspired to create your own morning routine that sets your day off right.

I used to think I was productive during my final year of college. Every morning after my 8:00 am class, I would work out, then I’d go home to make delicious meals to support me throughout the day. However, after undergoing grad school and working in the field, I realized I had time to do those things because I had no real responsibility. It’s hilarious to think about now, since I was so flight-y and scatterbrained back then. But the older I become, the more I want to make sure that my morning is intentional and peaceful. As much as I used to hate routine, I’m learning how important and stabilizing it can be to our day.

Now, to be honest I’m not the type of person that wakes up and drinks coffee or has and never-ending to-do List. As a therapist & private practice owner, I’m never sure how my day is truly going to go. However, I can say that I have somewhat of a structure for the day, which has given me a baseline to create a routine that works for me. Today I want to share my daily morning routine: work-from-home style, and a checklist that I created to help you cultivate your own morning routine.

The breakdown of my daily morning routine

7:00 am: My alarm clock goes off.

I think it’s so important for us as adults to recognize that poor sleep from the night before does not set you up for a successful day. This has not been the easiest for me, since I am a night owl, and I struggle with occasional insomnia. However, I try my best to get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society “recommends that we get at ours or more of sleep to promote optimal health”.

7:15 am: Have morning worship, journal, and read my bible.

I haven’t always been able to get up early to have quiet time with God. But lately, I’ve been praying and asking God to create space in the day for me to spend time with him. I’ve also let go of the notion that quiet time with God must specifically be in the morning. If you can do it in the morning that’s great. However, if you’re able to do it later at lunchtime that’s still meaningful. Being able to carve out time for reflection and worship has been doing wonders for my mental and spiritual health. There is an abundance of research that suggests that individuals who are part of a spiritual community and practice prayer, experience “a greater sense of life satisfaction over time”.

8:00 am: Head to the gym, and eat a bar for pre-workout fuel

I am so grateful to be able to have the time, to wake up in the morning and go to the gym. Writing this post is honestly a testament to our ability to change and grow as human beings. I’ve never enjoyed working out in the morning. It has always been more convenient for me to work out in the evening after work to relieve stress. However, my work requires me to work evenings on most days, so I had to come up with a different approach. Initially, I started working out one day a week, and over time it developed to three days a week. Now I’m aiming for 5 days/week.

Research suggests that exercise can improve our mental health by allowing our brain to release endorphins and serotonin (chemical neurotransmitters), which elevate our mood. Exercise is also a way to channel frustration or negativity into something positive. When I work out, I try to balance cardio and strength. Part of what allowed me to have a successful and productive workout was shifting my mindset around exercise and body image. I have a post that talks more about that here.

9:00 am: Shower, eat breakfast, and work at home (or get ready to head to the office).

My favorite thing about coming home from the gym is eating. I know we do not work out to eat, but my excitement for food truly increases after a great lifting session. Usually, I go for a meal that has a great balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. My meals can vary from oatmeal bowls to yogurt bowls. Or I might have a protein smoothie with a side of toast and a spread. It all depends on how I’m feeling. But at the end of the day, I eat for pleasure, fuel, AND, health.

To be fully transparent, my day may not always go this way, and I’ve learned to have peace about that. Routines can give our days structure, and allow us to feel a sense of purpose as we navigate the day. However, there is also something to be said about being flexible. Things won’t always go as planned, so it is important to be gentle with yourself while navigating your routine. I recognize that everyone does not work from home, so having a routine like mine may be more challenging. Also, I recognize that I am in a privileged position as a single, middle-class, individual without children. My goal is not to have you copy me. But instead to create some sense of structure that allows you to accomplish your life goals, and enjoy more of your day.

Ok as promised, here is a “Morning Routine Checklist” that can help you figure out what a morning routine might look like for you.