Maybe you could become a morning person?

Have you ever wished you were a morning person? Maybe you wished that you could get up early and get your workouts in before the busy-ness of the day distracts you?  Have you ever entertained the idea that you could become a morning person if you wanted to? 

I’m a morning person…or at least that’s what I tell myself!  I’ve found that my life just works better when I’m a morning person.  I get more accomplished, I’m able to spend more time with my family and I actually get my workouts in.  I don’t necessarily think I’m any different from non morning people other than I decided to be a morning person.  When I look closely at my morning routines I’ve discovered that I do a lot of little things without even thinking about them anymore (because they are habit) that help me enjoy my mornings and make the most of them.  

1. Gratitude is number one on my list on because I think it is probably the most important.  A long time ago I read about practicing gratitude before you even climb out of bed in the morning and I can tell you it’s the habit that helps me the most on those days where I’m exhausted and just want to snuggle in my covers and push snooze. Before I climb out of bed I start running through my mind all of the things I’m grateful for…my family, my dog, my friends, a career I love that fulfills me, fun things to do that day, etc.   It’s kind of amazing how it can instantly get me excited to get out of bed and get going for the day!
2. Purpose and faith rank right behind gratitude when it comes to my motivation to get up early.  Having a deep awareness or knowing that what I do no matter how little or big it is, makes a difference in the world and to others, always inspires me to take advantage of the time I have.  On those mornings when my bed is sucking me in…I like to remind myself of what a gift each day is and how lucky I am to get to experience whatever life throws at me!
3. Music.  I usually head into the studio pretty early most mornings and I can tell you if you saw me driving in you would probably see me singing along to my favorite songs on my drive! Usually after I get to the studio I turn them on again as I get set up for my day and sneak a little movement time in.   I always have a playlist of my favorite songs handy and it always puts me in a good mood and starts my day off right when I can listen to them!  
4. Movement….I don’t always do a full workout first thing in the morning but I do allow myself a little time to “just move”.  For me this is often some gentle stretches, gentle movements through my spine, and anything that gets my body moving.  I always feel a little more energized and ready to go after I start moving! 
5. Oils…  I realized the other day ago that one of the things I often do in the morning (usually when I’m at the studio as we have a variety of oils) is open a bottle of my favorite scent of essential oil and smell.  Sounds pretty simple but I always love how my favorite  blends of essential oils seem to wake me up a little bit and almost give me energy! 
6. Happy Space... I think it’s important to have spaces in your life that you love.  My mornings are usually spent at the studio and I’ve come to realize that even though it’s technically work for me…the studio is one of my “happy spaces”.  The atmosphere from when I walk in the door always makes me happy and that makes it so much easier to be excited about spending my mornings there. 
7. Coffee…I’d be lying if I didn’t include coffee in this list!  I kind of love my morning coffee (flavored with too much flavored coffee creamer!)

Want to try out being a morning person? Join me on:

Tuesdays for a 6:30 am Sunrise Pilates Equipment Class or on
Thursdays for my 5:30 am Beginner Friendly Foam Roller Pilates Mat Classes.

Both these classes are designed to get your body moving gently and safely first thing in the morning and will definitely leave you feeling energized and accomplished (because your workout is done) for the rest of your day!    Register now!