Morning Routine: College Student Edition

Calling all early birds or anyone who loves routines! Ever heard of a type A minus personality? Because that's what I would consider myself. I keep this routine for at least five days a week, with the occasional hangover day to break it up just a little.

As a college student with classes and homework taking up the majority of my time, I like to get out of the house at least once a day to do something for myself. By going on a walk, eating outside, driving to a yoga/workout class, or meeting a friend for coffee, it is CRUCIAL for me to leave the room that I sleep in, work in, and Zoom from. Here are my favorite things to do in the mornings that keep me calm, optimistic, and overall a happy being.

M O R N I N G R O U T I N E

• start off with a smile (cheesy, I know, but it's true!)

• make my bed

• lemon water

• journal, read

• move my body

• ice roll

• skincare

• caffeine and breakfast

First, I have to smile when my alarm goes off because I wake up to the most peaceful sound (shoutout to Apple for the amazing bedtime feature). Next, I make my bed immediately so I'm not tempted to get back in it and linger in the comfiness of my bed. If we're getting granular, I also put in my contacts and brush my teeth right after making my bed - I am a dentist's daughter, afterall.

Moving into my kitchen, I always start my day with a big ass glass of iced lemon water. This is so refreshing to me, and lemon water has so many health benefits which I'm sure you know by now. My day almost feels thrown off without this step! Once I have my lemon water and take my vitamins, I read a page of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, with the according date. I make sure to journal, or at least write down my affirmations and gratitudes. Getting words onto a page helps me clear my mind and get into a good headspace for the rest of the day.

I typically will go on a walk, go to a yoga class, or move my body in some way. Using my ice roller after a workout is the BEST feeling (p.s., I got mine from The Skinny Confidential. it's the best IMO). I then shower and do my skincare routine, which always includes sunscreen as my last step. Finally, I make a delicious cup of coffee or an iced matcha - both with almond or oat milk - and make a yummy and nutritious breakfast. Green smoothies, chia pudding, or avocado toast with eggs are my go-tos.

I think the typical "that girl" trend is slight bullshit. Not every day looks like this, but I try to stick to a routine because overall, it makes me feel my best. Balance is the key to life (well, of course I think this; I am a Libra afterall). But, I also think health is wealth and keeping a strong routine is extremely beneficial to wellness and overall well being. That being said, a morning routine helps start my day off right, and makes me feel more accomplished. Before doing any of my other tasks that revolve around school or work, I need to focus on me. Why would you not do something for yourself every single day? You definitely deserve it. What I’ve learned over my 22 years of living is that in order to lift others up and have more energy, you have to start with yourself. Start with setting yourself up for success and it will be easier to help others.

With my class and work schedule, I’m lucky that I have more free time in the morning to fit in everything I typically do, but this isn’t always the case. This brings me back to my point that balance is KEY. If I follow my morning routine for five days out of the week, I'm content. It takes a lot of work to follow a strict routine every single day. Of course, that's the goal. But you have to start somewhere.

I hope this inspires you to try your own morning routine! Let me know if I should add anything into my day.

xx,

Paulina