This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tropicana Essentials® Probiotics.
Your morning routine sets the course for the rest of your day. Make sure you’re implementing 11 of the best secrets for a successful morning routine so you can carry that success and confidence with you all day long!
Y’all know I love the morning…I am THE morning person. The “golden hours” as I call them are my favorite time of day. Over the years I’ve refined my morning routine to perfectly fit my needs, wants, ambitions, and success. A morning routine truly does set the tone for the entire day and that’s why it’s so important to develop one that will cultivate and bring you the confidence, success, and preparation you need every single day. I’m sharing 11 of my best secrets for a successful morning routine below so you can try some of these actions out and start implementing them so YOU can bring success into your life!
1. Prepare the Night Before – Every night, before I go to bed, I make sure everything is clean and tidy (in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc.). Waking up, knowing there’s no “stress clutter” is a must for peace of mind. I also look over my weekly planner and see what’s on the “to-do” list for the next day. I shift things around if something didn’t get done that day and just move it to the next. Knowing what I have planned on the schedule before I go to bed is a must; this way you can glance at your planner/list in the morning and know exactly what to do.
2. Keep It Seamless – If your momma didn’t teach you as a kid to set out your clothes for the next day the night before, prep your lunch to-go in the fridge, and have you bag ready to grab, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and “running late syndrome”. If you work from home like me or don’t have a “start time”, same rules apply! It makes everything easy and flowing smoothly.
3. Movement – 1, 2, 3, hop out of bed and start moving! My workout is the FIRST thing I do in the morning. I attribute this to the reason why I’m totally okay with waking up at 4am. Within the first few minutes my body is awake and the earliness doesn’t bother me. Pro tip: sleep in your workout clothes or if you have a home gym like me, I just sleep in a t-shirt and shorts. Super easy, I know exactly what I’m doing, I feel SO good and awake when I’m done, knowing I can relax and not worry about it the rest of the day!
4. Chug Water – My day can’t start without drinking 24 oz of water. Obviously, this is a must if I’ve just worked out and a must to take my medications, etc. It also just tops off the “waking of the body” and gets the internal system going. (If you’re wondering, I just drink plain room temperature water; none of this “hot water and lemon” trend).
5. Get Essential Easy Tasks Out of The Way – After I’ve finished my workout and before I go to the kitchen for breakfast, I get all the essential, easy, “nitty gritty” (kind of mindless) tasks done. For me this means checking emails, blog promotions/tasks for the day, etc. There is nothing difficult about these, but they must get done and it’s easier to get them out of the way and out of mind so I can focus on the more difficult work (i.e. school!) later. It’s those quick wins, a snowball effect, that keeps the productivity and “checklist crossing off” going all day!
6. Power Up The Microbiome – As convenient and delicious as pouring yourself a glass of the new Tropicana Essentials® Probiotics 100% juice, which in every 8 oz. serving has one billion live and active cultures to power up your gut! Plus, each serving provides your whole day’s worth of Vitamin C. You’ll be starting your day with a healthy digestive tract and immune system boost (perfect for the winter season!). There are 3 delicious flavors to choose from: Strawberry Banana, Pineapple Mango, and Peach Passion Fruit, all available in 32 oz bottles next to the other refrigerated juices at Walmart.
7. Have A Satisfying Breakfast – I am a firm believer in breakfast not being skipped. It fuels you for the entire day and gives your brain the power it needs to think clearly, focus, and help you be the success that I know you are! Have something that’s enjoyable, filling, nourishing, and eat in a relaxed way. No protein bars while driving the car. Sit down and calmly eat breakfast (I do this while reading!) Another reason why waking up earlier is key!
8. Reading – Whether it’s an actual book, the newspaper (do people still read those?), an email newsletter, online articles, etc., consuming some written content with intention is a great way to get the brain’s gears going. I love consuming the articles I have saved on the Pocket app and any newsletters full of content that come to my email.
9. Make The Bed – The peace of mind and satisfaction that comes with tidying up the bed before you leave the room is so rewarding. It’s a visual manifestation of not leaving the house in a rush and proves that you actually have a successful and productive morning routine. When you go to bed that night, your bed is nice and welcoming for a good night’s sleep without chaos.
10. Coffee After Breakfast – This is what we call “delayed gratification”. Nourish your body first (have your water and breakfast first), and allow your body to wake-up on its own before you douse it with caffeine and acid. It’s always been much more satisfying to “end my morning routine” with my pot of coffee. It seals the morning routine success in and lets the rest of the day progress.
11. Consistently Early-To-Rise – It’s one thing to wake-up early, it’s another thing to do it consistently every day. 7 days a week I wake-up either 3:30am or 4am. I’ve been doing this for years now and I would never change it. You don’t have to wake up as early as I do, but give yourself TIME to actually “wake-up” and do the things I’m suggesting in this post before rushing out the door to tackle the hurdles of the day. The morning is still part of the day, and most people squander those precious “quiet” hours when they could be made productive, fulfilling, and setting you up for ALL day success. Pro tip: If you want to start waking earlier, you need to go to sleep earlier and consistently as well and slowly set back your rising time a little each day. Little by little you’ll get to the hour you want on your alarm and it won’t be a “shock to the system”!
So tell me:
+ What are your secrets for a successful morning routine?
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tropicana Essentials® Probiotics.
Confessions of a New Mummy says
Having to get the children out of the house in the morning means I like to do as much as I can the night before to make it easier. Some great tips here.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! We all need that smooth sailing when we wake-up!
Susan says
Having an organized and calm morning sets the tone for my entire day. Great tips, my favorite is tackling easy essential tasks first.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It sure does! Thanks!
Honest Mum says
Love this. I don’t use my phone in the am. I get up, eat, do the school-run then exercise before my work day starts. We live by Windsor Castle so I tend to go for a long walk pre work and it sets my day off right.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Glad to hear you have a morning routine!
Christie Hawkes says
I have to be at work by 7:30 each weekday morning, so I get up by 4:45 in order to meditate, write, and eat breakfast before work. While I don’t love getting up, I have come to love my mornings. It’s my “me” time. I haven’t yet been able to convince myself to get up that early on weekends.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O Yes! I love that! There is something so personal about a morning routine!
Malin says
Great tips, I admire your discipline!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well thanks!
Kim~madeinaday says
My goodness what time do you go to bed? I do like my day better when I get up early. I feel like I would get more done. I wish I was motivated to get up that early. I’m going to try that juice.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There is nothing better than early morning starts!
Michele Morin says
Powerful and practical advice for our bodies and our brains.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You bet!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
If you start the day well it will follow through all day. Thanks for sharing your tips to improve our mornings!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s exactly right!
Kristin's Peppermints and Cherries says
Love all your great tips! Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Megan says
I always feel better if I look over my calendar the night before and get any necessary items ready to go for the morning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Takes that many steps out of the process in the morning!
Whitney says
Great tips! I always do so much better if I prepare the night before. Thanks for the reminder!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Seems to be a must for everyone!
Katie | Hospitable Homemaker says
Great thoughts!! Preparing the night before is a HUGE help with young children too! It is the only way we get out of the house on time ever!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I could imagine! Prepping is even more key with more individuals!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such a great list. Planning in advance is one of the things that helps me the most.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Planning is essential…all day!
Latasha Peterson says
Awesome list !:) Movement in the morning is super important.
My favorite drink is water so I make sure to get some first thing in the morning. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yup! Always need it with my workouts anyway!
Bailey says
Water in the morning is SO crucial! Thank you for the reminder to chug water.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
YES! Flush out the system!
Jenny says
These ideas are must haves for a successful morning. I always prepare as much as I can the night before and take care of things. Starting the morning off right, usually turns into a great day. My husband also gets up that early, but I can’t do it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Those morning hours are just so crucial to overall daily success!
Elke says
Excellent advice. I’m really trying to incorporate the6ae consistently, like preparing the night before and drinking more water. I also have to do raving workouts instead of mornings, but I am moving early morning nonetheless.
Oh, and my hubby still reads the newspaper. 😁
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Real reading is great!
Sarah says
Really enjoyed reading this, some great tips. Although I might not be waking up at 4am anytime soon haha. Xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahaha 😉
Sincerely Nicki says
Okay, I have so much RESPECT for you to wake up at 4 am to workout. I definitely need this type of discipline in my life. These are so good tips. Will def try some of these tips. Thanks
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Lindsay | Splendiferous Mama says
I love all these! I’m not a morning person, but I’m trying to be. I’ve been reading a lot about what others do. I love the tip about being consistent with waking up. This is something I’m going to start doing. When I wake up earlier and give myself more time, I always feel refreshed and ready for the day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Be consistent and it will become second nature! No hassles!
Marisa says
I’ve been doing really good with my water intake, but I would love to try this juice. It comes in alot of great flavors.. I think I would love the Mango -Pineapple! These are great tips I will definitely be trying some of these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Great, thanks!
Sandy says
I am a morning person too so love this post. I like the idea of planning ahead the night before. I could really use this especially deciding what to wear! I am often rushing around too much in the morning. I also like the idea of chugging water. I don’t drink enough and can see the benefits to start off the day nicely hydrated!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Planning everything out the day/night before is so helpful! And starting the day with water is the best to get going!
Rebecca says
I love that you included drinking water into your morning routine. The body just functions better when it’s properly hydrated.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
24oz is a must! Can’t leave my bedroom without!
Elise Ho says
These are great tips for a great morning. My all time favorite is the one that starts the night before. Getting prepped at night has helped me to kick off many fine mornings.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That is such an essential and a great habit to develop!
Rebecca Rice says
I really like this post! I want to be a morning person so badly but I have never gotten the whole thing down. I am definitely pinning this for later! Can’t wait to get started with a new routine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well cheers to you! Slow sustainable changes are how you’ll get to where you want!
chelsey says
This a great idea for a morning routine I desperately need a better one than I have! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There is always room for improvement! Change one thing a day!
Kelsey says
This is a great list! I’ve never been a morning person and I have two little ones so the idea of waking up any earlier sounds like too much right now for me. However, I do see some suggestions I can use now. I really think planning my clothes the night before would help so much. I’m great at planning for the rest of my family, but for myself, not so much.
My favorite morning routine I do keep is I write morning pages (journaling) every day. It helps keep me focused and inspired.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lay everything out before hand for sure! It makes everything flow that much easier!
susannah says
I’ve just started having a regular routine of a bedtime and waking up. Having a big, healthy breakfast to look forward to really help!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Breakfast is always something to look forward to 😉
Kristi says
Such great tips! I’m trying to get on the consistantly early to rise train but with kids waking at all times of the night and then it’s been a challenge, but still a goal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ll find that balance one day!
Stephanie Sobotka says
My 1-4 look the same and so is my philosophy! I also make my bed every single day and love how it makes my room (and life) feel somewhat put together!! It really is the little things that make a huge difference.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Everything feels so “messy” if the sheets are all astrewn!
Sigoni says
These are amazing tips! I don’t know why but the way you wrote this really just made me feel relaxed lol. I currently wake up around 5 every morning but I don’t have a set morning routine like this and it is DEFINITELY something I want to start. I’m probably just going to turn your entire morning routine into mine 🙂 And that drink looks delicious!! I’m definitely going to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, I’m glad you enjoyed it! There is something so wonderful about finding a morning routine or “rhythm” that can start every day with some peace and control!
ShootingStarsMag says
Oh wow, that IS really early to get up in the morning. haha That’s great it works so well for you though, and I’m totally with you on eating breakfast.
-Lauren
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A total must!