Am I a morning person?

It’s been a month since I took on another morning challenge. If you haven’t checked that out, be sure to click here before continuing! I never want anyone to feel left out or lost. We are an inclusive, space friends! 

But a short recap, at the beginning of February, I decided to use the tik tok trend for a more productive morning. As most of you probably know, I am NOT a morning person. I went in with very little hope. I mean, how could eight small additions make any difference. The only reason to get up in the morning is fresh coffee. I stand by that! However, these eight small additions made getting up feel better. 

To get the coffee, you have to get out of the bed. That’s where the problem lies. Did these eight small tips make that problem better? I mean, I am who I am, but my mornings did feel more productive. 

Step 1: Make my bed

Making my bed was no different than every other morning. If nothing else goes right, at least my bed is made! It also helps with insomnia. I always sleep better in a made bed. 

Step 2: Drink a whole glass of water

Did I drink a whole glass of water? No, I did not! Did I at least drink half a glass of water? I did! I can say it helped me drink more water throughout the day. It was also refreshing. Sometimes a glass half empty is the most optimistic way. 

Step 3: Breathwork

I don’t know if I did this correctly. I mean, there wasn’t exactly a manual on how to properly accomplish this. So, I felt it was up to interpretation. I used that minute of breathing to work on my meditation. I don’t think there was a change incorporating this, but my headspace did feel a little clearer. That clearness lasted for twice as long as the breathing. But I’d like to get better and continue with it! 

Step 4: 1 Minute of meditation 

See how easy it is to combine steps 3 and 4? I think meditation makes a difference. However, it’s not as easy as it seems. I didn’t realize how hard it can be to focus for a minute. It’s almost as hard as keeping that clear headspace, but I’m determined. 

Step 5: Journaling for 1 minute 

Did I do the journaling? Yes, but it lasted for more than a minute. There was too much pressure to write things in sixty seconds. How was I going to get a coherent thought together on paper? I wasn’t. 

Step 6: Exercise for 1 minute

I’m big into working out. My first workout is usually an hour long. So, I assumed adding one minute of jumping jacks wouldn’t be awful. It was awful. I do a lot of pilates and yoga and stuff like that. Jumping jacks weren’t fun. I can’t say I will keep those up. Jump rope, however, might be the move. 

Step 7: Gratitude 

Step 7 was the hardest. I didn’t know where to start. So, I started small and aimed low. I think I’m getting the hang of it! Another step that I think I’m going to keep. 

Step 8: Read a page from a book (or something for self-development) 

Reading was surprisingly the easiest. So was doing something for self-development. I guess it helps when you’re killing two birds with one stone. I’m still reading Calm the f*ck down by Sarah Knight. But starting my day with a page or two felt right! I 10/10 recommend it to anyone who deals with anxiety.  

Am I a morning person? No, that’s never going to happen. But my days feel more productive. Will I keep doing these steps every day? Realistically, not all of them. I do want to keep at least half of them daily. I’d also like to work the others in from time to time. Overall, I think it’s worth it!