3 life-changing morning habits

One of my favorite sayings is, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” I would say 100% of my private clients identify as perfectionists, and I see first-hand how crippling and stagnating leaving no room for error can be. The issue with perfectionism is that we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to celebrate small changes. We’re hyper-focused on getting to the finish line, doing it all, and doing more that we forget little shifts and markers of growth are JUST as impactful as hitting our larger goals. In my private practice I encourage my clients to make a list of “small victories” so on any day where you don’t feel like you’re doing enough, or get a little lost or uninspired you have an incredible list of tiny triumphs to go back to and celebrate. What we don’t realize is that the little things make the MOST impact. So today I want to share with you 3 things that I do each morning that aren’t earth-shattering or bio-hacking, but make a big difference in my day and really, overall life and well-being!

I make the bed

I know. I said it wasn’t earth-shattering! But I actually view this as self-care. Organization and cleanliness creates more space for us in ALL aspects of our lives. You do these things around the house when you take value in yourself. And you make yourself a priority. And that feels really good. This year I finally got a beautiful quilt, and 3 decorative pillows that put an extra special touch on my bed, and bedroom space. It’s something I can walk by during the day (especially since I work from home) and climb into at night that makes me happy. Sometimes we take these little thing for granted! 

On this note I also only get into my bed at night. This means I don’t hang around in here in the morning, take a nap in there in the day, or get in before bed to scroll on my phone or watch TV at night. There was a time in my life (many years ago!) that I would eat oatmeal for breakfast in bed while I watched TV before work in the morning. And watch TV in there at night. I got rid of that TV many years ago :) Beds are for sleep! And your body will get accustomed to that if you get in the routine of it being the place to rest, restore, and regenerate at night and not for anything else.

My mornings are social-media free

For a few years, I got in a really unhealthy routine of checking my phone immediately when I woke up. Social media is designed to be addictive, so it’s no surprise that time would get lost each morning scrolling mindlessly through Instagram. I knew I need to create a better boundary with this.

After all I was finding I was starting my day in comparison-mode which was defeating and unproductive.

For a few days however, my instinct and auto-pilot reaction was still to go on the second I turned my alarm off. So what I found has worked for me, is to actually go to bed with my phone outside my bedroom. I know this may not be ideal for everyone depending on the size of your bedroom and home — but I charge my phone right outside the door and I can hear my alarm go off in the am. Honestly, you don’t have to do it just like this, you just need to put your phone somewhere in your bedroom that requires you to get up in the morning and turn it off, instead of just turning over to do so. 

I have also found that I’m SO much more awake in the morning and less groggy when I get out of bed right away vs. lounge and snooze. Some mornings it can be a bit of discipline but I really think it’s worth it! And then of course, I’m not scrolling on my phone. I go for a morning walk every single day so I’ll still go on my phone to play a podcast, or glance at my emails to check in on clients, but other than that I don’t go on social until after I’ve eaten breakfast — and I mean after, not durning. And of course this means I’m not scrolling through Instagram in bed at night either, because it’s not on my nightstand. I’m really really loving it, and it’s helped my mindset and stress levels in the morning and before bed quite a bit! Will you try it too?

I make breakfast a priority

For too many years I skipped breakfast. I was either trying to eat less and save up my calories for later, or I was punishing myself for eating too much the night before. Today, I understand the importance of nourishing myself, and in simplest of terms, feeding myself. Restricting ourselves in the never the answer, and finding joy and pleasure in meals again instead of guilt or shame is absolutely crucial — for all of us. 

Breakfast sets the tone for the day. And unfortunately we are all so dang busy that we end up rushing the meal, taking it on the go, or making choices that aren’t in alignment with us feeling our best. Many of my mornings are different, sometimes I have an early call I need to be ready for, and sometimes I have more flexibility, but no matter what your schedule is, I highly recommend carving out some time to sit down and be present with your breakfast. This may be the only time in your entire day that you have for you, to sit, be quiet, or breathe, or move slowly. So use it! 

Whether you have more time and can cook up a warm meal, or on Sunday or Wednesday you’re meal-prepping to make things more convenient, make breakfast a meal you really like to eat, then sit down, chew, look at your food, and be grateful for what’s in front of you. 

Back when I was struggling with disordered eating, I remember feeling like I had nothing to wake up for in the morning because I wasn’t going to eat breakfast. Or even if I did, it was a banana out the door, or yogurt out of the container on my break at work. But now I honestly feel like I sleep better because I know I’m going to wake up tomorrow and eat! Right now I’m on a huge smoothie bowl kick with wild blueberries, mango, banana and spirulina. It makes me happy, and really represents how far I’ve come with my relationship with food - something I never take for granted. Hope you feel the same! 

What’s your favorite morning habit, or something that’s improved your life? Let me know!