From the second my alarm goes off at 5:30am I start my routine and I have a list of things I want to accomplish in order to feel my best today and long term. Some are small and some are bigger, but everything adds up. Here are my 10 non-negotiables:
- Sleep. I’ve learned I need 7-8 hours of sleep a night and anything less and I don’t feel well. If I get less than 7 hours it impacts my decisions around food and movement the rest of the day. Not to mention I’m in a grumpy mood if I don’t get enough sleep ;). Here is my sleep routine.
- My morning routine really sets the tone for my day. I like feeling organized and productive in the morning or else I feel like I’m playing catch up all day.
- Make my bed. Every single morning I HAVE to make my bed. It literally takes less than 5 minutes and even if I’m in a total rush it’s a non-negotiable. It sets the tone for my day having my room picked up and organized even if there is chaos going on around me. I also can’t stand the feeling of getting into an unmade bed at the end of the day…anyone else?
- Take my supplements. I updated my supplement routine a few months ago here, but of course have already made a few changes since because I’m always trying new things. I added in colostrum in place of my Pique elderberry packets. I also did not like the Cymbiotika omegas and switched to Athletic Greens omega supplement. Lastly, I’m back to my Moon Juice magnesium supplement before bed. I did not think the Cymbiotika had a high enough dose of magnesium and L-theanine to be therapeutic.
- 10,000 steps. is the absolute minimum of steps I get a day. Of course I have my off days when that is not possible, but most days I get 12-15k steps. I wrote a post here about the benefits of waking.
- Drink A LOT of water. Between taking all my supplements and sipping on my Stanley (although this new water bottle is on my wishlist) all day I get in a lot of water. I aim for 80-100 oz/day. Ideally I’m closer to 120 oz/day but that doesn’t always happen.
- Movement. This is a goal on top of my steps goals. I can usually get 10k steps just doing my normal daily activities with the kids and cleaning up the house, etc. I feel my best when I have a structured workout first thing in the morning (sometimes nap time). I strength train 3-4 days a week, HIIT 1-2 days a week, yoga, etc. I’m always mixing it up and making sure my workouts are balanced.
- Balanced Eating. Food had to be on the list since I’m a Registered Dietitian ;). Eating well really impacts how I feel physically and emotionally. I don’t eat perfect (or even try to) because I also believe enjoying your food is important. Not to say healthy food doesn’t taste good, but I like my treats ;). I’ve found a nice balance in my eating and it feels good to have food freedom. Getting caught up in nutrition fads and diets isn’t my thing.
- PM routine. Every night I basically do the same thing once the girls are down. Tidy up the house and clean up the kitchen. I cannot go to sleep with even one dirty dish in the sink. Then I take a shower, PM skincare routine, stretch/foam roll while drinking my magnesium drink, sometimes watch a show with my husband, and get into bed my 8:45-9pm.
- Read. I listen to audible book throughout my day, but I always read a book before bed. I love getting into bed at the end of the day and getting back into my book. It really helps me relax and prepare my body for sleep. Even if I only get through one chapter it’s a daily habit I look forward to.
If you’re wanting to start a new routine and create your own non-negoatiables to help you feel your best I wrote a post about how to start a new routine here.
xx, A
