My 5:30AM Morning Routine | Why You Should Wake Up Early

It's safe to say that mornings and I never used to have a good relationship. I used to wake up 45-30 minutes before I was meant to be leaving for work, rush around to get ready, eat a bowl of cereal super quickly then run out the door. It wasn't very enjoyable.

Lately, I've been on a journey of self-improvement and wellness. I figured that something needed to change. One of those things has been my morning routine. I started watching YouTubers such as Lavendaire and Muchelleb, who talk about how they start their mornings early and become more productive.

I also researched the book 'The Morning Miracle' and this book is actually on it's way to me now, which I'm quite excited about! The idea of waking up early is so that you can have more time to yourself - whether that is working on a side project, meditation and yoga, journaling, reading, working, whatever you want to do is fine!

So, I started getting up earlier and earlier until eventually, I began waking up at around 5:20. This is a huge accomplishment for me! I do want to wake up at 5AM at some point but for now 5:20 is good.

As well as feeling much more motivated and productive, I've also seen an incredible change in my mental health. I am positive and start my days with a better mindset.

I want to share with you what I do with my mornings, why it helps and why you should start waking up earlier too (if you want to!).

The first thing I do is get ready as soon as I wake up

This has proved to be much easier when I get everything ready the night before. I pick my outfit, lay it out along with my makeup and I am usually finished getting ready in about 25 minutes. This means I get at least 2 hours of the morning to myself before I have to leave for work.

Getting ready first is best in my opinion as I find that it's a normal, mundane task, and as soon as that's done I can get on with what I really want to do that morning.

Hydrate

As soon as I've got ready, I head into the kitchen and fill up my water bottle. This is something I've never been good at, so I decided to change that. 

I drink as much as I can because when you wake up you will be dehydrated and your body will love you for chugging down some water. I keep the bottle with me throughout the morning and try to drink the whole thing.

Start with the mundane tasks (or tasks you don't want to do in the evening)

I usually then do the washing up that was left the night before. I always find this satisfying as I know I will thank myself for it when I come home from work.

I heard someone say that if something is going to take you 2 minutes to do - just do it. Don't put it off. I could leave the washing up and do something more productive, but it only takes a few minutes and then I don't have to worry about it again.

Journal

I've started journaling. I have always wanted to, I just never knew how or what I would even write. Luckily, youtube can help. I started to watch videos on journal prompts and things to write.

What I've decided is best for me is three main topics.

The first thing I write in my journal is my to-do list, I only focus on the important things plus things I might forget during the day. (I have a new free goal setting worksheet download for you to help!)

Secondly, I write down my gratitude list. Writing down things you are thankful for is an amazing way to start (or end) your day. Find three things you are grateful for. This could be from the day before, or just in your life in general.

Lastly, I write down my intention for the day along with an affirmation. An intention is how you wish to feel. For example, I might write - Today I wish to feel motivated and inspired.

An affirmation is a statement you say to yourself such as 'I am worthy of love' or 'When my intentions are clear, the Universe cooperates with me and I can achieve anything.'

They are positive statements that are said in present tense - these are great for your confidence, self-esteem and positivity. I write one every morning :)

Meditate and/or Yoga Stretches

Yep, I've started meditating. There are so many apps you can get for guided meditation and I am still learning how to properly meditate. Even if you can do 5 or 10 minutes of meditating in your morning routine, it can help to clear your mind and relax.

I also like doing some yoga stretches, particularly in the morning so that my body can relax and feel good! Again, you can find most of these online and on youtube!

Read

I'm really into reading self-help books. As I mentioned before I am currently waiting for The Miracle Morning to arrive. I think reading is a great way to learn new things, especially if you are reading self-help books.

I am going to be reading many more of these types of books, so be sure to look out for a reading list post soon!

If you like reading, these mornings to yourself can be the perfect time and no one can interrupt you.

Listen to a podcast

I sometimes do this at home, or in the car on the way to work. Either way, I listen to them in the morning. I like to pick motivating and positive podcasts to listen to. 

I am currently listening to 'The Lavendaire Lifestyle' created by the lovely Lavendaire. She focuses on topics such as wellness, self-improvement, motivation, creativity and much more. They have really helped to put me in a good mindset for the day.

Let me know if this is something you would want to try for yourself. What would you do with your earlier mornings? Leave a comment below as I would love to hear your ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! :)

Also, I have created a Goal Setting Workbook for you to fill in. It includes questions to ask yourself to help set your goals, and lists to help you achieve them :) Click here to download it for free.

Jessica