Welcome! Thanks for coming back. How has your August been so far? I'm confused how it's suddenly halfway through the month. While I am excited for Autumn (especially since it's my favorite time for reading, writing, and content creating), I am sad to watch the summer of 2018 come to a close. While the situation with my mom has been horrendous, I've made so many priceless memories with my loved ones. Despite the struggles, I think this has been the best summer yet.
I'm going to give a few more life updates. Feel free to skip ahead, but the information will make sense in context with my mornings; life is about to be absolutely hectic, so my mornings are more important than ever.
The beginning of Autumn also means that Halloween is approaching. I've been an associate at Party City for over four years, so this time of year becomes very focused on the holiday preparations. This year is slightly different, however, because I'm a temporary manager for the season. On top of that, I'm still working at my catering job on the weekends. And on August 27th, the school semester starts.
Working anywhere from 45-60 hours for the next three months is daunting, not to mention those online classes. But I feel capable for two reasons: I am passionate about accomplishing these things, and I am planning ahead.
Hopefully this shows you how crucial it is for me to get a solid amount of sleep to refresh myself, as well as wake up early with ease. Mornings are my "me" time as well as my productive time. I thought that instead of always rambling on about how much I love this part of my day, I'll actually walk you through how i utilize my time.
My Typical Morning Routine
*I try to give myself at least two hours before I have to be anywhere*
-Upon waking up, my first priority is to feed the cats while chugging my full water bottle. Drinking water right away has changed the game when it comes to my body feeling more awake.
-Next is to get the coffee brewing. My coffee concoction changes a lot in terms of flavor, but the basics are: 1 scoop of powdered collagen, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and almond milk frothed with my handheld milk frother (only $6 at Target!). Lately I've been adding in some sugar-free salted caramel syrup from T.J. Maxx. While the coffee is filling my mug, I try to stretch. I'm so sore and stiff in the morning so I have to be quite gentle. Mainly I focus on my legs and lower back.
-I'll then take my coffee and a refilled water bottle to my desk. I'll pull out my planner and check over what's coming that day, as well as make a To-Do list. I'm the type of person that has to write down everything or I will definitely forget. This includes the little things like "fold laundry" and "night out with the girls." I'll also jump on my laptop to check my personal email as well as my school email.
-If I'm not working the opening shift and have a bit more time, I'll then write in my journal. I do have to set a timer for this to avoid getting carried away; I could write for hours on end.
-Breakfast! A lot of people don't care for food in the morning, and I used to be one of those people. I've just been making it a priority to adjust my sleep and food schedule to match my work schedule. If I don't have breakfast, I won't be able to eat until my lunch break. Lately my breakfasts have consisted of eggs (always), avocado, and some sweet potato or sausage. I rinse my dishes after because I won't want to do that when I get home really late.
-I set up the Keurig to brew coffee in my to-go cup (I have an afternoon coffee at the end of my lunch break, which is about halfway through my shift). While that's being prepared, I'll go into the bathroom. This is when I brush my teeth and wash my face. I never fail to wash my face morning and night, and my skin is so happy. It's a quick and effective skin regimen: wash with Oxy Sensitive Skin cleanser, tone with witch hazel, and moisturize with vitamin c serum (all products from the drug store).
-I then get dressed and do my hair. I don't use any heating tools, just brush it or braid it for throw it in some kind of bun. I don't wear makeup day to day; I've been on a skin mission, which means going natural in order to let it breathe. So just deodorant and perfume to finish.
-I make my lunch the night before, so I just have to load it into my Spiderman lunch box (of course). I also pack one or two snacks just in case. Lately it's been those cute little single serving packs of almond butter.
-Put on my shoes, refill my water bottle again, grab my to-go coffee and bag, and head out the door!
I find that hearing about other people's routines always inspires me to be more productive and tweak my own routines. Something about it is so satisfying!
When school starts next week, mornings will be my homework time as well, which means I'll be waking up an hour earlier to designate study time.
Thank you for being here, as always, and I hope this week is everything you want it to be!
"You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself." -Glinda