Since being in lockdown, I’ve been doing a lot of new activities. Most of which, you can find out on my post “How I’m coping with quarantine”. Despite this though, I didn’t really mention what I’ve been doing in the morning. I will admit that this routine has only developed during lockdown but it is a routine I intend to keep to. I’ll keep this intro short and sweet so we can get right into it.
Wake up
Wow, obviously! I’ve been setting my alarm for 9am but I’ve been waking up at 8:30 instead. I think this is due to me going to bed earlier. Before I structured this routine, I had been going to bed late and waking up late. This meant I had less time in the day to do what I wanted so I started taking myself to bed earlier. It’s helped me feel a lot more energised as I’m getting in my 8 hours sleep but also having time to do what needs to be done!
Read
I’ve been incorporating this because I wake up earlier. I just get in half an hour of reading to start my day off right. I do this on my phone on the iBooks app and it’s a good relaxing way to start my day off calmly. I also reply to messages in this half an hour because it’s the only way I’m keeping in contact with my boyfriend, friends and relatives that I can’t see while in lockdown. For me, reading transports me away for a while and at a time like this, it’s nice to be whisked away for a little while.
Make my bed
I love making my bed simply because I love getting into a freshly made bed at night. It makes me fall asleep so much easier for some reason and seems so much more comfortable. The room also looks a lot tidier with the bed made too! I like to make sure my blanket is neat and my pillows are plump. You simply cannot beat a freshly plumped pillow to sink your head upon at night! I also like to spray a little lavender spray on my pillow to help me fall asleep earlier at night. I just use the Gilly Hicks one from Hollister.
Basic hygiene and skincare
Obviously I’ll brush my teeth and wash my face as you would any morning. This is also the time I’d get dressed too and sort out my hair so I look slightly more presentable to the outside world that won’t see me during this time. In terms of skincare, I splash my face with cold water and wash my face properly after my workouts, which leads to…
Workout
So I’ll fill my water bottle up and I’ll retreat to our conservatory to complete around a 40 minute workout. I’m doing the 2-week shred challenge by Chloe Ting. I’m not too far in and my abs are killing, I’ve seen results of this challenge and they’re insane! I’m so excited to take part and if you want to join me, I’ll link her playlist here. I do the 4 videos every day and finish absolutely exhausted! I got through my water so quickly so you may have to stop and refill before the next video. I personally workout by myself but you may feel more comfortable doing it with someone else.
Shower and change again!
After a workout I feel so disgusting until I’ve had a shower so I’ll quickly have a shower to wash all the sweat and I’ll change into some normal/lounge clothes. These days it’s usually leggings and a hoodie or oversized t-shirt so I can be comfortable for the rest of the day. My go-to shower gel is of course Snow Fairy by Lush as it smells so good and lasts all day! If I’m feeling really groggy, I’ll make sure to use my Foreo Luna mini 2 so ensure all the sweat and grime is out of my pores. I like to keep my Morning skincare routine fairly simple.
Have breakfast as I write my to-do list
I’ll usually have a bowl of cereal after my workout and I’ll eat as I write out what I need to do for the day. Of course, I write this in my bullet journal. My last bullet journal post showed my April theme and if you want to start a bullet journal, you can read my popular post on how to start a bullet journal. I usually set myself 3-4 tasks that I “must” complete and is usually related to my university work but I also have a few blogging ones per day. University is my main priority at the moment as exams are still set to go on; just online. This sets me up to be particularly productive for the day and is essential for my morning routine.
Get started on university work
I usually spend around 2-3 hours on studying per day. This includes: taking notes, making flashcards and attending online lectures. I usually get started at around half 10 or 11 so my university work takes up the rest of the morning. I do like to be productive in the morning and if you’re struggling with this, I have a post on how to be more productive and organised. It can be hard, and you may just want to sit and watch Disney+, trust me, I know the struggle! But you’ll feel so much more better if you’ve had a productive start to the day. I do spend the rest of the day relaxing after this so I’m not a working machine! I just like to get stuff done! It rounds off my morning routine and I can revel in the fact that I’ve been productive!
How is your morning routine looking during this time? It can be hard to be productive but adding some extra little bits of work into the morning can really put you in a better mindset for the rest of the day!
I’m up at 6:30 most mornings for a tea, catching up on my favourite blogs, a bit of crappy morning TV and my skincare routine. I just need to buildup to a bit of exercise but I hate the idea!
I did but once I started I actually enjoyed it! Xx
I also love to start my day with reading, I find that it makes me feel like i’ve accomplished something even before the day has started! That workout you’re doing sounds really good, I’ve just saved the playlist and i’m excited to give it a go! Great post I loved reading how you spend your morning xx
Thank you so much! The workout is a killer but it gives great results! Xx
I’m trying my best to actually wake up in the MORNINGS during lockdown haha! I once slept in till after 12pm and I felt super guilty about that. I love that pooh plush you have he’s so cute!
🌸 Marissa Belle | marsybun.com x 🌸
Aw that’s okay, everyone manages different ways- very relatable! And thank you! I got him when I went to Disneyworld xx
Great routine! I’m definitely going to be checking out that workout playlist.
Lauren | http://www.laurenyloves.co.uk
Thanks! 100% recommend it! Xx
I love reading everyone’s morning routines, mornings are such a good time for me! I love the Winnie the Pooh teddy too!
Al x
Thank you! He’s from Disneyworld xx
Lovely routine. I have a one year old so my morning routine is pretty much dictated by her. Haha.
A made bed is super important & something I make sure I do straight away. I even make my side of the bed while my husbands still sleeping. Ha.
I’ve also learnt to give myself a short to do list of 2-3 things. I used to give myself too many jobs, which never got done & would stress me out, but now I’m much more chill about what I can achieve.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Aww I can imagine that’ll take up a lot of your time and yes! Small goals are loads more likely to get done xx
Sounds a great morning routine, and I absolutely LOVE your blog design – it’s beautiful! I’ve started to become more productive during lockdown (I thought it’d have the opposite effect), I’ve been getting up much earlier than usual and managed to read a lot more.
Take care and stay safe,
Sophie | Love and Literature x
https://www.loveandliterature.co.uk/
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying reading! Xx
My morning routine is so shot at the moment and I’m desperately feeling the impact that it is having on the rest of my day. It sounds like you’ve got it really working for you at the moment and being able to utilise your time properly. Great post.
Thank you. You’ll definitely find a good routine for you soon! Xx
Great post! Deffo needed at this time and lists are always the best way I find to help me🤍
Thank you! And I agree, lists are so so useful!
I can relate to this post! I have started a morning routine too for the sake of coping with quarantine. Really enjoyed reading your post, and learned new things out of your mornings that I can incorporate to mine😊 https://angiewaves.com/
Thank you! Glad it could help in some way xx
I love that you still keep yourself busy during the quarantine. YESSS on making your bed. You don’t want to be in a mess. Love hearing that you work out too. Good luck with all of the studies!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thank you and keeping me busy is helping the days pass quickly! Xx
I’ve begun to realize how important it is to have a daily routine for maximum productivity. I’d like to create a schedule for myself and start time blocking one of these days. I think it would really help me focus and get more done as I tend to be easily distracted. Thanks for sharing your routine! I’m going to use it as motivation. 🙂 – Briana @ https://www.nextdestinationunknown.com/
That’s a good idea and thank you so much! Xx
Gosh, you are good! I wish I could stick to a routine like this 😂 My structure is get up at 9, brush teeth, wash face, moisturise. Have breakfast, stay in pj’s all day blogging 🙈
Usually I get distracted by TV and food.
I’m glad you have a routine and it makes you feel good. Stay safe x
Thank you! My afternoon is generally centred around blogging tasks and Disney+! Xx
I love your morning routine but unfortunately mine is in no way as successful. I have told myself that I’m coming out of this lock down more healthy, so I’ve started hooping again but I’m going to have a look at that work out you mentioned!
Tori
Mama & Illustrator | https://torislittlebubble.com
It’s a killer but it works! Xx
Lovin’ your morning routine! I think it’s a really good idea that you start it by squeezing in half an hour to read a book. I’ve been meaning to read more books but I’m not been feeling very motivated! Maybe I should wake up a little earlier, too…
I love reading first thing in the morning xx
I have to agree with you about this productive morning routine thing. I’ve been able to create one and I’m feeling soo much better about myself. It’s crazy what can happen, some mornings though, I definitely do not feel like doing anything.
Gemma | http://www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
It really is! Sometimes I lay in a little later because I can barely open my eyes! Xx
Ooo I’ve never thought of reading in the mornings, must see if I can try it. Wish my mornings were as successful, I’m lucky if I can get before 11pm on my days off. X
I was like that before I set myself a routine xx
i usually wake up at 7:30 have my breakfast and then study until lunchtime at 3:00pm then i have fun with my family.
I wish I had the motivation to wake up at 7! Xx
I would recommend slowly starting from 8 am and week by week taking out ten minutes. xxx
That’s such a good idea! Thanks! Xx