As I enter week 5 of quarantine, I’ve created quite the morning routine that leaves me feeling equal parts refreshed and successful. This temporary “normal” we are experiencing has shifted all of our routines and something none of us could have predicted. It brings about a lot of emotions and I don’t know about you, but my emotions are like the craziest roller coaster you’ve ever been on each day. Creating some sense of routine to start my day has truly helped me ease into my days a little more cool, calm and collected.

When this quarantine first began, I thought I had to do all the things and be equally (if not more) productive than I was in my normal, everyday routine. I quickly felt overwhelmed and unmotivated, all natural in these uncertain times. I realized I couldn’t force things that I didn’t feel in my heart and soul, and that productivity was looking a bit different during these times. It’s forced me to slow down and really, truly appreciate the little moments of each and every single day. I don’t have never-ending to-do lists and some days I don’t change out of my pajamas…and that is okay!

What I do try to stick to is this quarantine morning routine I’ve created for myself. There’s not a whole lot to it, but its enough to let my mind and body ease into the day and really take time to focus on me, myself and I. So without further ado, here’s my quarantine morning routine!

FAMILY TEXT: THE DAILY LINEUP

Finding new ways to connect with family and friends during social distancing is something I’m sure we are all focusing on. Early on, I started a group text with my mom, grandma and aunts where each morning I send what I’ve called “The Daily Lineup.” I send a motivational/inspiration quote, a song (typically a YouTube link) and either a funny or feel-good video/meme.

Not only has this been a great way for us to stay in touch daily, but it has brought so much joy to each morning and usually a good laugh! It’s something so simple that I know each of them is enjoying more than I ever could have imagined. It’s fun coming up with each item for the day and I usually change things up with the song from something meaningful, to a classic throwback, to something with quarantine puns.

MEDITATE

Next up, I dedicate 10-15 minutes each morning to meditate. Meditation is something new for me but I cannot even begin to put in words what a difference it has made to the start of my days. It’s 10-minutes of quite me-time where I can just focus on breathing and easing into the day. I’ve been using Insight Timer but there are lots of other great (and free) apps out there!

For me right now, 10-minutes of meditation seems to be ideal. Anything less is much too short, and anything approaching or over 15-minutes is just too much right now. It’s still a new practice for me so I’m exciting to continue this journey even when the social distancing is a thing of the past.

READ FOR AT LEAST 1-HOUR

Y’all know I love reading and especially since starting my “quarantine & chill” virtual book club, I’ve been making reading a top priority during this time. After my morning meditation, I then will continue that calmness and read for at least 1-hour. I fill my water, grab some cold brew and sit by the window with the morning sun pouring in. Does it get any better?!

This slow ease into my day has really made such a difference and truly helped keep me off my phone for a good chunk of the day. More days than not, I end up reading for at least 2-hours. I don’t like to limit the amount of time I spend reading but just make sure I read for at least 1-hour in the morning. What’s a good book you recently read and loved?!

GET OUTSIDE: GO FOR A RUN OR WALK

This quarantine and social distancing can be difficult to navigate and I’ve felt like I’m on a roller coaster each and every single day. One thing that helps calm me for the time being and letting my mind just be, is getting outside for fresh air and some exercise. Anyone else feel like fresh air does the mind (body and soul, too) such good?!

As you’ve probably seen from my IG Stories, I’ve been running a lot lately. I’ve always loved running and the thrill of just letting my feet hit the pavement. I don’t set out on my runs with any mileage or time in mind that I need to run for. I just let my body do what it wants to and what feels good that day. For me when I run, my mind stops thinking and worrying, which has truly been such a blessing during these unprecedented times. Running with a mask on now certainly adds an extra challenge to my runs but in some weird way that I can’t explain, I’ve been running faster and faster…who knows! lol I’ll be sharing more about some of my running tips and must-haves on the blog soon so stay tuned!

If I’m not going for a run, I’ve become a huge fan of long walks! I’ll typically walk the same or a similar route to my runs and have been doing walks anywhere from 3.5 to 5+ miles. I either just let my mind wander while I walk and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine all to myself, or I’ll call my family to chat. It’s a great way for me still get my body moving without it feeling like exercise.

WORKOUT

You’ve probably also noticed I’ve been doing double workouts a lot lately. Let me preface this by saying no one needs to do double workouts and it’s not something I am pushing that anyone needs to do. For me, movement has played a huge role for me during quarantine and a way to let my mind escape everything going on while cherishing all the amazing things my body can do. There are certainly days where I don’t workout but I try to at least 5 times a week right now.

I’m also using all of this extra time on my hands to do workouts I might not typically be able to. I started off doing Rise Nation’s 20-day challenge. Rise Nation is the versa-climbing studio I went to pre-quarantine and love that they are still keeping everyone involved; such a great community! I also do my sweet friend Jenna’s IG Live workouts every Saturday morning (10am EST). And best of all, I’ve been FaceTiming my mom and creating workouts for us to do together. It’s a fun way for us to still chat and “see” each other with the multi-tasking aspect of getting a good sweat in.

There you have it my friends, my current quarantine morning routine. Do you have a morning routine you’re sticking to right now? Anything you love doing each morning? Share below in the comments!