Saturday, March 5, 2016

This morning I woke up around 7, like I normally do. I laid in bed for a while, trying to decide what to do with my day. It's my first full Saturday in Washington and I wanted to make the best of it. I planned on going for a hike around 12, when my weather app told me it would stop raining for a few hours. I didn't hear any rain outside, though. I rolled over and opened my blinds, still in the comfort of my bed. To my surprise, the sun was out- something I've barely seen since getting here. I could see a small sliver of blue sky through the trees. That was my signal. I (literally) jumped out of my bed, scrambling to get ready for the hike I had planned on doing later in the afternoon. It was 7:30. I got dressed and brushed my teeth, then wandered into the kitchen. I made my coffee and poured a bowl of cheerios and banana with soy milk. I opened up my park map and decided on what trail I wanted to do, all the while being grateful that I'm a morning person.

Perks of being a morning person: morning fog makes for great photos.


I haven't always been a morning person- when I was in high school and the early years of college, it wasn't uncommon for me to sleep until 10 or 11. Sometimes I still do. But there's something special about waking up while the rest of the world seems to be asleep. Here's what I've taught myself over the past few years to help me be more of a morning person.

1) Coffee prep
This one is my favorite. It makes my mornings go by quicker. I grind my coffee the night before, throw it in the french press and put it next to my kettle. All I have to do in my sleepy state is turn on the burner. Bonus- not waking up any sleeping neighbors/roommates with a noisy coffee grinder at 6am.

2) Meal prep
I started doing this when I started grocery shopping for myself. Whenever I hit the produce isle at the market, I pick up extra veggies. I'll chop them, mix them, throw them in individual baggies and toss them in the freezer. That way I can just fire up the stove, throw them in a pan with a bit of oil and garlic and throw some fresh eggs over them- instant omelette. It's quicker AND there's less dishes. I love that it takes half the work out of preparing a healthy and filling breakfast.

Morning hikes are the best.

3) Breakfast with a view
Your view can be whatever you want it to be- your favorite morning news program, out on the porch, across the table from your significant other- whatever makes you happy and keeps you relaxed. I like sitting at my favorite seat in the kitchen, with my "Pretty Music" playlist playing, curtains drawn so I can see the world wake up while I enjoy my coffee and eggs.

4) Get dressed
Once I'm in my clothes for the day, there's no way I'm crawling bad into bed. Not just because sleeping in jeans is one of the most uncomfortable things in the world, but because once I'm dressed, I'm mentally prepared for my day. I try to do this as soon as I get out of bed- before brushing my teeth or making coffee. It helps me get into the "I'm awake and I've got shit to do" mindset.

Having the trail to yourself is a plus too.

5) Stretch!
I stretch every morning before breakfast- usually while I'm waiting for my coffee to be done or bagel to pop from the toaster. It wakes up my muscles and allows me to get my blood flowing. I usually stretch my legs and do a little bit of jogging in place- sometimes if I'm feeling real ambitious I'll throw in a quick ab workout. Depends on my mood really. Anything to get your heart rate going a little bit will help get you alert and awake.

6) Have a plan
The days I find myself sleeping in are the days I have nothing on my agenda (rare, but it happens). I try to give myself something to do in the morning- on days when I'm not in the office or otherwise booked up. This morning was a hike. Tomorrow is a haircut and a new coffee shop. It's easier to get out of bed when I have a plan and obligations for the day. It's all too easy to turn off the 8am alarm and fall back asleep. That being said...

7) Allow yourself to sleep in
I know I just gave every reason why being a morning person is awesome, but there's still a little love in my heart for sleeping in. There's something to be said for rolling out of bed at 9:30 or 10 and bumming around in your PJ's for a few hours while you drink your fourth cup of coffee. Even better is getting brunch at 1pm with your friends.

Sometimes making breakfast feels like more effort than climbing Rainier.
Waking up before 8am makes me feel productive and energetic. I love feeling like I got the most out of every day, even if I sat at my computer for hours, writing and editing photos after my hike. I love being a morning person.

Contributors

My photo
I like to play in the mountains with my friends.
Powered by Blogger.
 
Twitter Facebook Dribbble Tumblr Last FM Flickr Behance