The importance of morning and evening routines 

I want to start off here because as humans we like to know why we are doing something before we jump into it. I have done SO MUCH  research and learning about routines. I never use to have routines growing up or throughout college. I was always waking up to rush to work or class. When you wake up in a mood of rushing it follows you throughout the day. You feel like you are always behind. This brings up my first point.

1. To get things done that matter to you before you “have to” go anywhere or do anything. 
2. To make time that is just for you before you have to be there for everyone else. 
3. To get yourself in the headspace you want to be in to live the life you want. 
4. To live a consistently conscious life. 

There is a reason you are here reading this right now. It is because you know that you want more out of life. You do not want to move through the motions. You want to live each moment with intentionality. Having a conscious life allows you to live life and not let life live you. 

People stay away from routines because they feel it has to be this intense experience where you go do a workout and things you may not want to do first thing in the morning but that is not the case here. I think your routine has to be perfect only for you. You just have to give yourself the time to have it. In doing so you are telling yourself you matter, you are important and we are going to start the day for you before anyone else. As a mother I see this as essential. If I miss my routine (which is rare) I see the big difference in my attitude towards everyone. Whether your routine is as simple as coffee/tea while reading a book and you make your bed or it is meditation, journaling and working out it will be about the same affect because you are doing it intentionally. 

However I have some rules for the routines because this will impact the quality 

• You can not have your phone/computer/tv electronic device on or with you.
• You have to set an amount of time that you are commiting to, maybe you start with 15 minutes before you have to get going. Then the next week try 20 minutes. It should be the same time and you have to show up for all of it at the same time every day in order to see the best results. 
• It has to be only for you, this is not a team activity with your husband.
• There has to be at least 3 things you do but no more than 6. 

Now think of what you like. What makes you happy? What do you always say I wish I had time to do that? Maybe you read a chapter everyday. Maybe you draw. Maybe you meditate. Maybe you do yoga. Maybe you journal and drink tea. It is for you to decide. Then show up for you everyday. How is it that we can show up to our jobs on time. Our children’s doctors appointments. Yet we can not show up for ourself. If you have a hard time showing up for you this is even more reason to start. 

My Morning Routine 

I want to start by saying my routine has not always been like this. This is a few years old. I use to be terrible at this so do not compare yours to mine. It takes time and practice to get good at it. 

I wake up at 5:30 am (6am today because of daylight saving time). My son wakes up at 7/7:15 normally. I have a long routine but also I do some work before he is up so the whole time is not a routine as I get my phone at the last 20-30 minutes to post but if I do not make it on time I wait till lunch to do it. 

• I start my morning everyday by meditating while Michael is showering. It is in the dark and when the majority of people are sleeping and the moon is still out there is a powerful energy to my meditation. 

• I then Journal and also read a mantra I have for myself. I ask myself four questions everyday to help me stay accountable to the life I want to live. I pray to God and give thanks. 

• I then stretch/yoga poses. I use this acupuncture mat and lay on it because it helps me release a lot of tension. 
• I then make my bed, get dressed and brush my teeth ( get ready).
• I make my tea and read a little. 
• I post my instagram caption/respond to DMs. 

Avan will wake up right on time normally. Today I had extra time because Avan woke up at 8am so I did my workout in the morning as well but that is hit or miss. I use to do it in the morning but found I enjoyed that only during the summer because winter gets so cold for all that. 

It is a simple routine but it gets me in the head space to show up as the best mother, wife and person. I am calm, happy and centered. I feel ready to take on a challenge. On the occasion that Avan wakes up and hour early I feel really off like I use to when I’d roll out of bed and get to work/class. 

Michael also has a routine but his is completely different. So if this all sounds terribly boring find one that works for you. Stick to it a month then see how you feel. 

My Night Routine 

This is a lot more basic. I want to get myself in the mood for sleep. I turn off all harsh lighting besides lamps. I do not journal or work on things because the way my mind works is then I will never sleep because I have a million ideas. I do not read (anymore) at night either because of the same problem. I think maybe fiction would help? I am trying to find something that is not just learning at all times haha leave your suggestions down below. 

• I dry brush (SO MANY BENEFITS) I could do a whole post but basically it knocks off dead skin and gets your digestion working well and blood flowing. 
• Then I shower (I only wash my hair 3 times a week but body daily). I put my pjs to signal to my body that it is time to relax and sleep is coming. Studies show you get better sleep if you prep 1 hour before bed. I also put my phone away 1 hour before bed. 
• I stretch again. I drink my tea and hang out with Michael. 
• I put my essential oil diffuser on and it made the room smell so great! 
• I answer four questions again to hold me accountable for my day and read a different mantra. I pray to God and have deeper conversations at night. 

Whatever you decide please do something for you. Do something to set your day for more happiness. To close off the night in a way that is nourishing to your body, mind and soul. You deserve it. 

Love,

E. Maloku