I feel energized and motivated by the potential that this new day holds.
The first thing I do to have a better morning is to get up earlier. I know it's hard, and occasionally I fail, but giving myself the time to be able to get ready without being in a frantic rush makes my morning better. Having time to eat breakfast is important. Studies show!
The second thing which made a big difference for me was Sean getting up with me. The months when I got up and got ready while he snoozed away made me (unfairly) resent him. We have opposite schedules, but when he obliged my request to get up with me it improved my mood a great deal, and not just because he's making me lattés while I do my hair. We have breakfast together, get to share a few quiet moments in the morning, and then he can go back to bed as soon as I leave.
Commutes can be a pain. 22 minutes without traffic is generally 30 in the morning, but on some unfortunate days, can be stretched to an hour. Which brings me to the third way I make my mornings better; keeping myself from fixating on how slowly I'm going by having something good to listen to. I love the NPR One app. There is so much great content, including podcasts like Radiolab and a new favorite, "How I Built This". If I'd rather listen to music and I'm bored of my Spotify playlists, Radio Paradise is usually on point, and commercial free.
I'm not going to tell you that I have my outfits planned out, because I never do, even though it would probably make for a better morning. Planning out lunch is also really great, and I'd highly recommend that.
What do you do to have better mornings?
The Rundown
Sweater Dress Target c/o Swap similar
Brown Leather Jacket c/o Wallis similar
Over the Knee Boots Marc Fisher
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop
Hammered Pendant Necklace Avon similar
Beaded Bracelet Alex & Ani
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Sweater Dress Target c/o Swap similar
Brown Leather Jacket c/o Wallis similar
Over the Knee Boots Marc Fisher
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop
Hammered Pendant Necklace Avon similar
Beaded Bracelet Alex & Ani
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
and
Since I work from home, there is less pressure on my morning routine. But I still get up two full hours before my work day starts, a routine I established when I was a full time blogger. This gives me time to spend fifteen minutes in bed scrolling through my phone before I get up to do yoga. I give that between 25 minutes and an hour, depending on the day, before a quick shower, getting all my blog content out in the world, and settling down to work. Admittedly, I eat breakfast at my desk. This is a bad habit, but when Ian worked night shifts there was no point fussing with a sit down breakfast, and now that he works a day shift, he is out the door before I'm even out of bed. I don't succeed at all of these things every day, of course - I usually sleep a bit later on Fridays as a reward for a week of hard work, for example. But having a good morning routine sets the tone for the day, which is so important. On a fashion-related note, I love the combination of colours in this look - the warm tones really suit you!
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
I am for sure an early bird and I always get up before my husband. Usually I don't mind but yes sometimes it can be really annoying. LOL I love your use of colors here Lydia! The deep purple of the dress and fun camel of the boots is a great combo!
ReplyDeleteOh I do love that jacket, such a rich color!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for mornings, I used to make sure my outfit was picked out and that was about it, haha. But that's because I got up at 5am to catch a train and that was NO FUN!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
For me better weekday mornings is all about fresh orange juice :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds silly but it's just an instant way to pick myself up.
I always try to get up about 30 minutes before I need to be so I can have a cup of coffee and do a bit of yoga as I watch the morning news - it makes a big difference for me!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Lovely, lovely outfit Lydia!! This is something I will have to recreate!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the mornings, it doesn't hurt that I'm a morning person! And we're trying hard not to push that snooze button. But I do get up with Rob (I'll work on the computer while he's getting ready) so we can have breakfast together. I know he'd do the same for me!!
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
My morning routine is non existent. I have to bee an work at 6:40 AM. It is hard for me to get up. I am not a morning person at all. Love purple and brown!
ReplyDeletexo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
I'm an early bird and I love quiet mornings. You look so chic, love this outfit.
ReplyDeletexo
Pinksole
You look so chic! I love that jacket and amazing clutch! I am such a bad morning person!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Getting up earlier has always been helpful for me too. How nice that he gets up with you so you all can have some time together. That dress color on you is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
First of all, thanks for the warm welcome back to the blogging world! I'm excited to be back.
ReplyDeleteHaving a better morning is something I've struggled with also. I think your tips are spot on. I think the biggest thing that has helped me is getting into a routine of going to bed and getting up around the same time every day. Unfortunately, my body tries to get up early on the weekends also, but getting up during the week has gotten much easier.
Also, if you are looking for more podcasts, Freakonomics and The Time Ferriss Show are 2 of my current favorites. I love NPR so I will have to check out the app!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Love the color of this dress! Super cute pictures, feel like I should invest in knee high boots.
ReplyDelete- Avalon from simplyavalon.blogspot.com
Planning my outfits out would make for such a better morning! I am just trying to get my daughter to be more independent in getting ready. That would make my mornings much better too! Love the color of your dress and jacket together. And that clutch is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm a total night owl and want to have better mornings too! I think I really need to go to bed at the same time every night like you suggested!
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
Love that clutch! I think getting up and giving yourself that extra time so you don't feel rushed is super important.
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to find a system that works for you. I find getting up a little earlier makes things much better. It improves my mood and getting together easier. Love your outfit Lydia and that jacket is gorgeous.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/