Happy Monday! At least, I HOPE you’re having a happy Monday!

If you’re feeling not-so-hot this morning, let’s talk about what you need to do to improve your morning routine. I know that things get so busy so quickly as soon as the weekend is over, but taking the time to take care of yourself is just as much of a priority as that urgent e-mail is! If you’re looking for tips on how to make your Monday mornings feel more wholesome, and less hectic, here are five tips that I swear by:

1. sleep off your sunday scaries

I don’t play when it comes to my sleep, and if there’s one day of the week I always plan to turn in early, it’s my Sunday nights! I’m usually in bed by 9:30pm which is early enough to not even need an alarm to be up bright and early on a Monday morning, feeling refreshed. If you tend to spend your Sundays dreading the week ahead, one of the best things you can do for yourself getting enough sleep so you’re not spending the rest of your week struggling to stay alert!

2. make your bed & declutter your space

When I’m up early on a Monday morning, it gives me ample time to take care of my personal space before turning on my computer and getting to work. I usually start my day making my bed, washing dishes, taking out trash… and any other remnants from the weekend, so I can clear out my home for a busy week ahead! I also love burning a candle to refresh my space with a beautiful, relaxing fragrance.

3. create a morning ritual

We all have our individual ways of centering ourselves, even if we do it subconsciously and aren’t aware of it! Do you meditate? Pray? Repeat affirmations? Indulge in a self-care skin treatment? Whatever it is that you like doing for YOU — find out what that is, and make it a non-negotiable routine part of your Monday mornings! Life can get so busy that we forget to take time for ourselves, but it’s so important to care for yourself because the best version of yourself is what you, and everyone else around you, deserves!

4. get moving

Getting Willie is probably one of the best things I could have done for myself in this regard. Before I got my pup, I could spend my entire day at home working in front of my computer… which is no good for anyone’s mental health! Now, my mornings start with a walk (I’m still working Willie up to short runs!) and it feels SO good to get some fresh air into my system before starting my day.

5. spend an hour with a book, playlist or podcast

Immersing yourself in culture is such an important part of your personal development. Understandably, not everyone has the time to spend reading books or going to museums and art exhibits — but there are so many ways to learn about the world from the comfort of your own home! Put on an informative podcast while you’re in the shower, try that new music playlist your friend recommended to you last week, or press play on a new audiobook while you’re commuting to work. It’s a great way to learn more about things you’re interested in, as well as a mini-escape from the mundane e-mails and work obligations you have ahead.

I hope these tips help you to improve your morning routine, and that you all have a WONDERFUL start to your week! xx