How do you wake up in the mornings? Do you wake up happy or grumpy? I mean, we all wake up a little sleepy, at first, but I’m convinced that the way you spend the first couple hours of your day can make a huge difference in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health the rest of the day. (Not to mention, in your productivity!) Today, I’m sharing my morning routine, along with the cutest pair of Valentine’s PJs you’ve ever seen!
First of all, let me say…you’ll have to excuse my bedroom in these photos! It’s in big-time transition! If you’ve been watching my Instastories, you know that I’m in the process of completely redoing the bedroom decor I’ve had for over 14 years. I’m making huge changes! If you want to see the new fabric I’m basing everything around, I included a swatch in this post, although it really isn’t very true color-wise. In the meantime, I snagged these inexpensive faux-fur throw pillows to give me a nice white background for these photos. I told you in my New Year’s Resolutions post that I was going to be sharing more of myself with you this year than ever before (yikes!), so I actually did my January photo shoot at my house! We shot outside by the pool, on the staircase, in Bob’s study, etc. This photo was shot in our in transition bedroom, of course! (Don’t worry, I’ll do a fun before and after reveal when everything is finished!)
Okay, now onto my morning routine!
If you Google “self-discipline,” this is what comes up:
Dictionary result for self-discipline
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the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.
I second that definition! I am tempted to abandon most parts of my morning routine, most days. But I don’t. Self-discipline is difficult.
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Good Sleep Habits
Lots of women over fifty suffer from sleep struggles. I do, sometimes! In fact, when my nest first emptied, it was one of the first things I decided to work on. (I shared some tips that have worked for me in this post.) I’ve found it’s really important that I send my mind and body strong signals that I’m getting ready to go to sleep by keeping a fairly consistent bedtime-time routine. The biggest challenge for me has been to discipline myself to go to bed and get up at consistent times! I’m more of a night-owl, and I have a hard time switching my brain off at night. Do you have that problem too? I found that if I didn’t have a firm bedtime, it would just keep getting pushed back a little more all the time and pretty soon, it was midnight and I was still up! Then I had trouble waking up at early enough to do everything I wanted to do before I had to either leave the house or start working. 🙁
Lately, I’ve started going to bed at 10 p.m. and setting my alarm for 6 a.m. If I can’t fall asleep right away, I remind myself that my body is resting and that’s good for me too. I tell myself that between now and 6 a.m. is the time I’ve designated for sleep, and during that time, that is my only job! I wouldn’t try to write a blog post and make dinner at the same time, so doing anything other than just focusing on my “job” between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is ridiculous! That self-talk has really helped me, as has writing a to-do list for the next day sometime before I climb into bed.
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Getting Up
Listen, even if you’re the most morning-est person ever (um, that would be Bob…), nobody feels good for the first minute or two after the alarm goes off! And the snooze button only makes things worse. DO NOT let yourself hit the snooze! The sleep you get after your initial alarm goes off is not quality sleep, and you’re only deferring the inevitable. One thing I’ve started doing first thing after I turn off the alarm is these six stretches. Doing them prevents me from falling back asleep and helps me get my body moving slowly and gently. They feel really good and now I find myself really looking forward to them when the alarm goes off!
As soon as I get out of bed, I strip off my jammies and put on my workout clothes! Since we just exercise at home, I only wear a sports bra and shorts, so if it’s cold, I put my yummy pink fleece robe on top to keep me warm. Y’all, I am super picky about robes! They have to be soft, warm, and well, kind of, comforting! This one checks all the boxes, and I just adore it! (Have no fear! If you’re not a pink person like me, it comes in lots of other colors.)
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Nourishment
After getting dressed, I head straight to the kitchen to eat! I know there are people who like to work out on an empty stomach (Bob is one of them.), but I just can’t do it. If I do, I end up getting shaky and light-headed while I’m working out. So I eat a light breakfast before I exercise and drink a cup of tea. Lately, I’ve been using this protein powder, but sometimes I just do sunflower butter on a piece of gluten free toast. (Note: This doesn’t hold me until lunch! I always eat some kind of snack around 10 a.m.)
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Exercise
I always do some body weight strength-building exercises plus some cardio. For cardio, I either do a 15-minute jumping jack workout, a free Fitness Blender workout video, or a combo of the treadmill and elliptical, depending on how much time I have that morning.
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of a Quiet Time
After I work out, and once I’ve cooled down, I sit down on my bed for some quiet time with the Lord. During this time, I work on my Bible Study lesson for the week, pray, and write in my journal. This year we’re studying the book of Judges in Bible Study (this is the book we’re using), and it’s so good! If you’ve never studied the Bible before, but you’d like to learn how, I highly recommend this book. It’s the one I used when I was trying to learn. I was so clueless that I was too embarrassed to go to an organized Bible Study for fear I would make a fool out of myself! (I later realized that those feelings were so silly because everyone was so welcoming and encouraging!) I spend some time in prayer (BTW, this book has revolutionized the way I pray for my kids). and then I journal for a few minutes.
Journaling is one of those disciplines (kind of like exercise) that I have to make myself do, but that I’m always so glad that I’ve done in the end. One thing that I’ve found helpful is to jot down the things I’m thankful for at the end of each day in the same journal that I use in the morning. It helps me remember God’s blessings from the day before, and anticipate that the blessings of the day to come will be just as wonderful. I use the “official” Empty Nest Blessed journal that I designed just for my readers in conjunction with my friend, Steph Weibring, who owns Joy Creative Shop. She’s got a couple other adorable journals in her shop right now (click on any of the images below for more information), along with some darling Valentine’s Day gifts and cards. BTW, Joy Creative Shop is going to be one of the vendors at my FREE Makeup Class for Women Over 50 on February 7 in Dallas. The deadline has passed to enter for one of the twelve actual seats in the class, but it’s not too late to sign up to attend, watch, learn, shop the vendors, participate in the amazing raffle, meet me, etc! For more information, click here. To sign up to attend, click here.
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Self-Care
I lay out my clothes, accessories, and jewelry the night before, so in the morning I can get ready without giving it too much thought. While I’m doing my hair, I usually listen to one of my Spotify playlists or watch something on Netflix or \ Amazon Prime. You may remember that I told you last week about the series I just finished on Amazon Prime called Vanity Fair. I’m obsessed with period pieces, and I went into deep mourning when I finished Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Call the Midwife, so I was happy to find something else I liked! Of course, I’m done with Vanity Fair now too, so I need some more recommendations! 🙂 Please leave me a comment and give me some ideas, okay?
My Morning Routine: The Discipline of Work
By 9 a.m. at the latest, I’m usually standing at my desk getting to work! I always start by putting up an Instagram post, planning my evening Instagram post, and touching base with my precious assistant, Emily. (More about her in this post.) Then I tackle emails, answer blog comments and social media DMs, and get organized for my upcoming posts, photo shoots, appointments, or events.
Although I’m a person that thrives on variety, I’ve found that the sticking with a disciplined morning routine helps me go into my day with joy! By 9 a.m., I’ve “exercised” my mind, body, and heart. Everything that happens the rest of the day sits on the firm foundation of the disciplines that I’ve already accomplished.
Heart Pajamas (XS & S only) | Heart Pajamas (All sizes) |UGG slippers (similar) | Gemstone Heart Hoop Earrings | Apple watch | Nail Polish
This super soft jersey knit heart pajama set was definitely more than I usually spend on jammies, but I just love the quality and the feminine details that Kate Spade always works into her clothes (and PJs!). I just love the flounce sleeves—and hem (!), the hi-low top, and the pants pocket. #welovepockets 🙂 They run large (pretty much as jammies should, right?!), so you might consider ordering a size down. I’m wearing an XS. I paired the jammies with these darling UGG slippers. Mine are from last year and have a satin bow, but this year’s version has a velvet bow.
Although I don’t usually (ever!) wear earrings to bed, I couldn’t resist adding these darling gemstone heart hoop earrings from Soul Stonz. They come in three sizes with lots of different gemstone options. (I’m wearing the small ones with a white moonstone instead of this pink stone.) I gave away a pair on my Instagram this weekend, and I’m so excited that Soul Stonz will also be one of the vendors at my FREE Makeup Class for Women Over 50 on February 7. We’ll be raffling off another pair at the event. Dallas gals! If you haven’t signed up to attend yet, you still can!
I’d love to hear about your morning routine! How do your morning disciplines (or lack thereof!) affect your days? What do you do to wake up happy? Let me know, okay?
Blessings,
P. S. Have you checked out the Empty Nest Blessed Valentine’s Gift Guide yet? I can’t stop adding to it as I run across good gift ideas! Just this weekend I added about 10 new items- LOL!
Photos by Megan Weaver.
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Suzy, thank your for this post. You have motivated me to get organized with my mornings. Working from home can be challenging, there are days I am in my workout clothes well into the afternoon yet still haven’t worked out. I usually get my bible study in first thing in the morning but after that my days can be harry carry with no set schedule then I end the day feeling unaccomplished and disappointed. I love the idea of laying out your outfit with accessories etc. the night before. Also, I will be ordering one of your journals today. I’ve never journaled before, it seems daunting, but I’m willing to give it a try. Have a beautiful day. ❤️
Suzy, I forgot to mention – I ordered the City Lips clear gloss and a matte too. OH MY GOODNESS! I am obsessed. These are the best lipsticks I have every used! Thank you for that post as well. xoxo
Stephanie,
Wow! This makes me so happy. I love them too! Thrilled to hear you are enjoying them! So sweet of you to let me know! xoxo Suzy
Stephanie,
You are so right that working from home can make things harder in some respects – but I so enjoy the flexibility it’s brought! Don’t you? I’m so glad you’re motivated! Some days it’s tough to stick to my routine, for sure, but I’m always glad when I do! Praying you are successful at establishing a routine of your own! Let me know how it goes, okay? Also, PLEASE don’t be intimidated by journaling! It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Sometimes I just write a little, and sometimes I pour out my heart. It can be anything you want it to be! Make it your own! xoxo Suzy
I really enjoyed the content in this post, Suzy! Thank you! I tend to get my coffee and then clean up the kitchen, throw in a load of laundry and prep ingredients for dinner. Oh – and then there is the dog to take out and feed. Before you know it – I’m still in my PJs by 10:00 A.M. , if I don’t have to run out in the morning. I teach Pilates at different times during the week. Sometimes early mornings and sometimes late at night. I think I need to come up with a more consistent day time schedule for classes. I’m going to be 54 with 2 daughters that are in college and they are not yet out of the nest. I guess I’m trying to get things done in the morning – but I should try harder to have a routine in the A.M. for my soul before I start these other tasks. Thank you for the inspiration. I need a better plan!!
Marjie,
I hear ya! For me, it’s about taking care of the most important things first thing. (But then again, I don’t have a dog to take out and feed!) When your schedule varies, it can be challenging. I tend to set out everything for dinner the night before if I can. I find that if I do that, I just wake up more peacefully, with a sense of where I’m headed. I’ve found that I do better when I’m making proactive decisions about my day and my time rather than getting myself into a position where I’m just reacting to whatever comes my way. I mean, we all have to do that some, but I want to be in charge of what I can! Hahahaha! Thanks for sharing your routine! xoxo Suzy
Thanks for sharing your morning routine! I definitely need to be more disciplined in being consistent with my mornings. I also struggle with planning dinners. My people are picky and everyone has different tastes. I workout at home too. Do you ever use workout Dvd’s? I am always looking for some new ideas to mix things up. I will have to check out vanity fair since I enjoy period pieces too. I recommend Poldark and Outlander. Both are very good!
Daniela,
Planning dinners can be challenging when you have a lot of picky eaters at your house! I finally just told my group that not every meal would be their favorite and I was going to mix it up. If they would rather fix their own food, they could be my guest! One of my sons is allergic to poultry and white fish, so that meant cooking with no chicken, so I feel your pain! I was so happy when he got married and I could give his wife all of my pork and beef recipes! Hahahaha! I don’t really like workout DVDs, but some people really do, so if you’ve got a good one, then just go for it. I think I like the variety of new workouts, so that’s why I like the FREE ones at fitnessblender.com. (They have some paid ones as well, but they’re much less than the other stuff I’ve seen out there.) Thanks for the viewing recommendations! I do have friends who’ve loved both of those! Hugs to you, and thanks so much for your comment! xoxo Suzy
Thanks for sharing your morning routine, Suzy. I have struggled mightily with self discipline in my bedtime and morning routines, especially since I am not currently working. I am often up ’til midnight and then move very slowly in the mornings as a result, usually still in my pajamas until noon! Your post has given me hope! I also followed the link to your bedtime routine post – also very helpful. I have always believed that a good morning starts the night before. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with your readers! Also, we are enjoying watching Poldark at our house right now.
Holly,
Aw, thank you for sharing your struggles! There are def some days that are easier to get going than others, and that’s why I ended up really calling the components of my morning “disciplines.” Although “Daily Disciplines” kinda sounds like a schoolmarm from the 1800s made it up! Hahahaha! I just couldn’t think of a better term for it!
I so agree with you that the night before is key! You can do it!!!!!
Thanks for the Poldark rec. Must check that out!
xoxo Suzy
How long do you normally take with each part of your morning routine? I sometimes have a hard time budgeting my time and figuring out a realistic amount of time to allow for all of this.
Sandra,
That’s a good question! I didn’t want to include that because everyone is so different. Some women who work outside the home might have to be out the door by 8 a.m., so their morning might look totally different than mine! I tend to adjust my times based on what I have to do that day. For example, I left the house this morning at 7:30 for an 8 a.m. appointment, so I just did Pilates for about 20 minutes, ate breakfast and got ready. I was home by 8:45, so I did my Bible Study then. After that, I put dinner in the crock pot (CHILI!!!) and turned on the computer.
If I’m going to be home all day, I would probably work out for 45-60 minutes, then spend about 20-25 minutes on Bible Study, journaling, and prayer, and about 45 minutes getting ready. In fairness, I pray all day, though! Hahaha!
I’m a person who likes variety, so what I end up varying are the times I spend on each thing, and what I do during that time frame. But I always do each of them! For example, I might do a cardio only workout, or if I’m sore, I might do yoga and stretching. If something big is going on with one of my kids, I probably spend more time journaling about it and in prayer than actual Bible Study that day. Does that make sense? Hugs to you, and thanks for that good question! xoxo Suzy
Thanks for the details! My biggest question would probably be about the self-care routine, like skin care, hair, make-up, etc. It’s not something I’ve been in the habit of doing well, so I’m trying to figure out a realistic amount of time to spend. Getting older means I can’t get away with ignoring it forever. LOL.
Sandra,
You’re so right – it takes WAY more time than it did when we were younger (and we didn’t appreciate it at all)!!! I have a short version, a medium version, and a long version. LOL. If I have to be out the door fast, I use an in shower moisturizer (http://bit.ly/2EiBa8d) instead of going through all the body lotions, etc. Same with makeup. If I know I’m staying home all day, for instance, I might just use a tinted moisturizer with SPF (http://bit.ly/2IKjaGg), since my desk faces a window, instead of my favorite foundation (http://bit.ly/2LgPQYG). Also, know that you’ll get faster at it the longer you do it!
I hope that helps!
Such a good question!
xoxo Suzy
It’s very helpful to read your AM routine. I am an empty nester, and have struggled with having a disciplined morning and evening routine. Interesting to hear others’ routines, and how they start the morning. Comforting to know that others struggle with this as well! Very much enjoyed your post today!
Aw, Fran,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! It can be challenging, for sure! We’re all in it together! xoxo Suzy
I’m going to try those stretches in the morning! I have a very hard time getting out of bed and the snooze button is too tempting! Thank you for a great post!
Lisa,
I hear ya! That snooze IS tempting! But if you don’t hit it, you’ll already have one victory under your belt for the day!!! xoxo Suzy
Great post, Suzy! It\’s amazing how quickly the clock goes from 9 p.m. to midnight! As far as Netflix, I just finished the first season of Hart of Dixie, and it\’s super cute. Not a period piece, but I think you\’d really like it.
Shannon,
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you liked it. That really means a lot to me! I agree, the time just GOES!!!
I’ll look into Hart of Dixie. Thank you! I trust your taste implicitly! xoxo Suzy
Routines are so helpful but we shouldn’t ever feel we can’t deviate from them. I am a morning person and I always try to tell my husband an evening person never to rely on the snooze button. It creates frustration. I do get up and go. I like working from home but I miss the routine of an office setting. My challenge these days is finding things that spur my creativity. I cannot write for 8 hours straight.
Anyhow, I’m encouraged by the fact that you do your quiet time with God AFTER you’ve done everything. Somehow I’ve felt compelled to do that first and I tend to beat myself up when I don’t, so reading this order was liberating. One other thing I love the OT. When I studied the Book of Judges it was eye opening (literally) and gave me a new perspective on God’s love, grace, and sovereignty. I’m studying Ezra now.
Blessings.
Nylse,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, as always! I am really enjoying the study of Judges, and it is so convicting. I keep thinking, “Why do those Israelites keep disobeying God even though He makes perfectly clear to them what they should do?” And then I realize that I do the EXACT same thing! Yeah…
Hugs and blessings to you! xoxo Suzy