This post was sponsored by Twinings of London in partnership with the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some people are driven by a strict routine. They like to adhere to a schedule, where their entire day or week is planned out; they thrive on consistency.
I am not one of those people. I’m the kind of person that writes my to do list and shopping list on a post it, which I stick somewhere never to be found again.
Sometimes, I sleep in, other times I snooze the alarm clock a dozen times; needless to say I am not a routine driven person, yet I am really trying to become one.
I recognize the benefits of having a routine, or following a to-list, or organizing information in a coherent manner. 2018 is going to be my year. The year in which I start to follow a routine.
It all starts with the right approach to the day first thing in the morning.
For starters, no more snoozing my alarm clock; as I have read, snoozing immediately sets the wrong tone for the day – you’re programming your mind to wake to a first thought of ugh, I don’t want to get out of bed. Now how could that attitude allow me to live my best life every day?
So for my morning routine this is what I’m thinking:
- Write in my Five Minute Journal
- Meditate for 10 minutes via the Headspace App
- Go for a morning run
- Make myself a cup of tea
- Enjoy a high protein filling breakfast
I received the Five Minute Journal as a gift for New Years and the main focus is on gratitude and setting the correct attitude and mindset first thing when you get up and last thing before you go to sleep. After reading my daily quote of the day or seeing my weekly challenge I jot down 3 things that I am grateful for, 3 things I will do today to make my day great, and an affirmation. I keep it right by my bed as a constant reminder to start my day this way.
Next, I meditate for 10 minutes. I purchased the Headspace app for my phone last year and love the various guided meditations. The voice is super soothing and is perfect for meditation newbies like me.
Now I’m ready for some exercise. 2018 is going to be my year of consistent daily exercise. I’m frequently drawn to laziness and not the biggest gym fan but I am going to fight this. I am going to get a 30 minute work out in daily.
From there I am ready to head to the kitchen – for my favorite part of the day.
My cup of tea. I’m switching from caffeinated beverages in the morning to herbal teas instead and in that category Twinings of London has me covered.
Some fun facts; Twinings of London has been around since 1706, when Thomas Twining opened the House of Twinings in London with the vision to sell only the finest teas, herbs and infusions. The teas start with the finest ingredients sourced from all over the world. There are nine Twinings master blenders who travel the world to find only the best teas, spices, herbs and fruit infusions available. If there’s a job opening in that department I know I’m qualified.
I’m currently alternating between the latest Twinings herbal blends including Lemon Delight, Berry Fusion and Buttermint. The Lemon Delight is currently my favorite for the mornings; think white hibiscus together with lemon grass, lemon peel, verbena and natural lemon flavor. When you need a lift, this is it. If you’re looking for some different herbal blends there is a range of 17 to choose from.
With my tea cooling down, I can start to prepare breakfast – my usual being fried or boiled eggs served with sliced avocado, capers and alfalfa sprouts.
As I sit down and take my first sip of hot comforting tea, I know I am ready to take on the day and get to work.
Sues says
How have I not seen that Buttermint tea yet?? It sounds so good!! I’m definitely very into my routine, but I wish I wasn’t so much sometimes! I get annoyed if something disrupts my routine and sometimes have a hard time being spontaneous… I guess it’s all about a happy medium 🙂
Vicky says
Yes definitely trying to find that happy medium! I so wish I was driven by routine – it seems clear chaos is an easy environment for me to be in (which is no good)!!
Demeter says
Finding the right morning routine can definitely be a challenge. Sounds like you’ve found a pretty good rhythm. 🙂
Vicky says
They key now is to stick to it!
Teri Stephens says
I have to get one of those 5 Minute Journals…great post. I am going to have to find my own routine to reflect. I am going to have to find the Berry Fusion tea. Love!
Vicky says
THe berry fusion is delightful! And I’m loving the 5 min journal – you can buy the hardcover book or get it as a phone app instead!
Traci says
I love your morning routine! I’ve been doing 16 oz lemon water daily and, it’s life changing! These teas sound perfect for mornings when I’m having tea instead of coffee…or for a warm, evening beverage. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Vicky says
Yep I have them every evening too! Need to start the 16 oz lemon water too then ! Do you drink it warm or cold?
Ruchi says
Writing a five-minute journal that’s such a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing! This Twinings ‘Berry Fusion’ Herbal blend looks so good. What a refreshing start to your day!
Vicky says
Yes it definitely helps me start my day off on the right foot!