Weekdays look about the same day to day. I keep the same routine as long as my body is feeling good. Are there mornings when I wake up maybe a bit tired? Yes. Are there mornings where maybe my body feels sore? Yes. I know when I need to sleep more, or when I need to take a break from my usual early morning routine. Mornings are truly the time of day when I feel most accomplished. If I am able to successfully tackle my morning list, the rest of the day usually falls into place.
I start my morning by waking up at 4 am. Sometimes I will wake up anytime between 4-5 am depending on if I am working at the hospital closest to our house. 4 am is usually my sweet spot though. I get up and have some coffee as I get ready for my workout. I workout for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. I like to ride the peloton and strength train. Currently I enjoy doing full body strength workouts. Each morning I am grateful for my health and that I am able to wake up to exercise.
After my workout I get lunches ready. I usually prep some of this the night before though. I jump in the shower and get ready for work. As I am getting myself ready, the kids are waking up and getting ready for school. They are at the age where they can fix themselves a small breakfast. We all finish getting ready about the same time and then it’s off to school and work. I am typically on the road driving before 7 am to get to work. Most days my morning commute is about 45 minutes. There are days though when I work closer to home and only have about a 15 minute commute. City traffic is no joke most days. I am fortunate that I work a schedule to avoid the traffic heavy hours. Don’t get me wrong I still sit in traffic, lol.
A majority of my work days are spent behind the computer. So my morning routine and my morning drive allow me time to think freely and not have to focus on anything. I truly cherish the mornings. It can be difficult to wake up a bit earlier each morning, but it is worth a try. Even if it is just to have a cup of coffee in a quiet space, or if it is just 5 minutes earlier to think about all the things you are grateful for in your life. As a mom this has been so important for my own mental space. I take that time to myself so that I can pour myself into others the rest of the day. It feels good to drive home from work and focus on family time, without wanting to do something of my own. For me, getting my time in the morning gets rid of any mom guilt that I might carry as a working mom.