I am a creature of habit. I drive the exact same routes, wake up at the exact same time and listen to the same playlists over and over until I have the transitions memorized. Although I've been told people with entrenched habits and routines are more likely to develop alzheimer's, it isn't enough for me to give up the comfort of routine.
I read this article about how people with strict morning routines are more creative. The habit frees up space in your brain for more interesting and important thoughts instead of "Will I shower or eat breakfast first today?" Also, you begin to crave the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a routine. It's actually quite fascinating.
My morning consists of quickly scrolling through my Twitter feed from the night before (even though I know "they say you shouldn't immediately grab your phone first thing in the morning. Whatever.) Showering followed by the top of the news cycle, typically Good Morning America, while I drink my coffee and eat breakfast (toast with jam and a banana.) Those 30 minutes could be spent under the covers a little longer, but that's the time that I begin to feel like I can actually take on the day ahead. And finally there is makeup, hair, picking an outfit, and packing up all my snacks for the office. And I'm off.
I'm more of a morning person than a night person. And thankfully I was able to work out a work schedule of 8:30 to 5:30, which, (one) allows me to miss the worst of the traffic, and (two) gives me a little extra "me" time when I feel the most alert and productive.
Even in college I took the extra time to wake up a little bit earlier to develop a routine instead of racing around trying to look as presentable as possible before my first class. Perhaps you love working out first thing in the morning. The key to making that happen is by ingraining the action into your morning sequence that you don't have to even think about "where are my shorts? socks? tennis shoes?" Or maybe mornings are your time to write and spark your creativity. Whatever it is, by doing it in the same order morning after morning, you'll have more brainpower to think of the exciting things in life.
What about you? Do you have a routine set in stone or do you begin your day however you feel like it at the time?
8 comments:
I'm not a morning person, never have been. I tried working out in the morning to create a healthy morning routine, but I just can not do it! lol. I'd rather spend my evening outside on a long run, having a hot shower and hopping into bed.
I feel like I have a loose routine but would really like to get more of a healthful, enjoyable routine going rather than the rushed, half asleep one I currently take part in!
Girl, I literally wake up with as little time as I need to get ready and grab breakfast (maybe) as I'm running out the door. I never understood how people can watch TV while drinking coffee in the morning but truly wish I could!
haha well since i go to bed before 10 p.m. most nights, i have to take advantage of my free time in the morning :)
having a calm morning seems to put me in the right mindset to take on the rest of my day. if you have the time, i highly recommend it! in school i didn't have anything until 10 a.m. and worked out every morning, which was amazing.
that definitely works too! since i go to bed early with the rest of retirees, i take advantage of my free time in the morning.
I'm the same as you. I am a creature of habit. I pretty much do the same things at the same exact times. Even my dog knows my routine. Its weird. Like she knows that me turning on the shower means she jumps down from the bed. Or when I open a medicine bottle each morning she comes running because she knows its time to eat.
Love all of these tips. It's true about having a strict schedule. I have noticed how much I accomplish in the morning.
Post a Comment