My alarm goes off at 4:00am every morning (except on Fridays when I can sleep in until 5:30a). Anyone that knows me might be smirking right now, because I do NOT consider myself a morning person. I’ve prided myself on my ability to sleep in, but over the past few years, my schedule has dictated otherwise. I have a solid morning routine down now, and I admit, it feels good to be up and at it before everyone else. Here are a few things that worked for me, to transition into earlier mornings.
drink water. I keep a large glass of water (with a pinch of himalayan sea salt) by my bed, and I chug water as soon as I sit up. The heat in my apt keeps me cozy at night, but I wake up feeling completely dehydrated. I usually drink 2-3 glasses of water while I am getting ready for work. I always have coffee in the mornings (also dehydrating) so I make sure I start out the day hydrated.
center myself. Yoga is how I make a living, but it’s also how I live my life. I give myself extra time in the morning to arrive early at the yoga studio and sit quietly. Sometimes it’s a proper meditation, but most days, it’s just quiet time in the space. I have a game plan for my classes, and I go over it in my head so I’m prepared.
stretch. After years of teaching yoga, I’ve learned which stretches my body needs every day. When I put on my shoes, I hang in a forward fold to stretch out my hamstrings & low back. Side stretches and twists can be done any time you are seated, and I go through a quick routine sitting in my bed while i’m waking up.
plan ahead. This one has really been a game changer for me. Even though I wear yoga pants & a workout shirt for work, you’d be surprised how long it takes me to find the right pair of black lululemon leggings. I started setting out my clothes for the entire week (Weds & Thurs consist of three outfit changes as I teach multiple hot yoga classes both days). This has given me so much time back in the AM.
go to bed early … and NAP. Best case scenario I’m in bed by 9:30pm, but, few days a week I don’t get home from teaching until after 10pm. I usually have a small snack, shower, and get to bed. I love naps – it’s the perfect reset during the day. I set my alarm for 20 minutes and either meditate (equally restful) or I fall asleep for a few minutes. Either way, it helps me maintain my energy throughout the day.
