My Morning Routine: Tips To Help You Stay Fit

 It’s been a little while since my last blog, so I thought I’d update with some tips to help you stay fit, healthy & strong. 

Keeping yourself in peak condition can be difficult. We live in a world of temptation; food, laziness, distraction. I’ve long been known to front load my day with a strict routine to keep me in check, and there is good reason for this. Starting your day with intention and discipline is likely to result in a more positive day, which is in keeping with your smaller goals. Therefore, each day becomes the consistent stepping stone towards your bigger goals and maintaining fitness. 

Here are my tips to a morning routine that’ll see you smash your day: 

Early to bed, early to rise

Getting a good nights sleep is essential, we know. It assists with muscle growth, injuries and reduces hunger. However, it also means an early workout can form part of your day. I routinely wake up to workout at 6am. I don’t always want to. But it’s become a set part of my day, having done this for years. An early workout (fasted) not only keeps me in shape, but also boosts my mood/mental health, keeps me sharp for work and fits around my family & social calendar. It’s a winner. 

Don’t say no to H2O 

Now, I am notoriously a caffeine hound in the mornings. Regardless of your morning drink, staying hydrated on waking is a must. After up to 8 hours of sleep, your body definitely needs refreshing with liquid; be it coffee, tea, protein shakes or good old water. I try to drink at least a litre during my first hour of the day, which is made easier when working up a sweat during my workout. 

Morning fast, not morning slow

I workout fasted, drink a tonne, but I don’t eat until around midday. That might seem extreme to some. But I genuinely live by the rule of eating when hungry and that fasting during and after a workout can be extremely beneficial. You’ve activated your body to its fat burning setting during exercise. It’s time to let it do its thing for a bit before filling it with food. Fasting also assists with resetting blood glucose levels and resting your digestive tract. When I do eat, I try to consume lots of protein and salad/veggies to refuel efficiently. Honestly, I feel better for it. 

Meditation for the win

I know so many people who swear by morning meditation. It hasn’t been part of my routine up until recently, but it truly makes a big difference. Meditation and mindfulness are key in keeping your head on your shoulders when it comes to offsetting stress and focusing on goals. Its a bonafide secret weapon. One I intend to utilise moving forward. 

Make a list, check it twice (like Santa!) 

The great thing about a morning routine is that it allows you more thinking time without the rush. Whilst exercising (firing up your body and brain), whilst hydrating (refuelling your brain) and whilst meditating (clearing the noise from your brain), you can allow capacity for more intentional and actionable thoughts. Making a list of your daily priorities and goals can be really rewarding and can mitigate stress and overwhelm. If you lead a busy life (who doesn’t these days!) your morning routine can be a proactive tool in managing it. This is how I manage (as a single parent) my fitness, vacations, career, appointments, social activities, studying, finances, diet, and on and on. Some of my best work (career wise) has been formulated during a round of burpees or whilst wizzing up a protein shake.

When all is said and done…

So, once I’ve completed my morning fitness, hydrated, fasted, set an intentional list & meditated, what then? Well, you’ve got to love the skin you’re in. Clearly, good hygiene is a must in the form of a shower. But don’t be stingey with your self-care. Moisturise, use sunscreen, celebrate your body by nourishing it with a good body lotion, throw some serum in your hair. Pick out a nice outfit. Wellness isn’t just about workouts and diet. It’s about feeling good. Even if you work from home and have no social plans, take care of yourself as if your boss or best pal is meeting you for coffee. It’ll boost your self-esteem and help towards loving your body for all that it is. It’ll also set you up for the day with intention. You’re more likely to smash that work project if you’re dressed intentionally, rather than sitting in 3 day old joggers with your hair unwashed. It’s amazing the difference self-care can make. Make loving yourself a priority. I promise, it’ll ripple out into your life in positive ways. 

In conclusion, morning routines are amazing! Yes, the rolling out of bed is hard. But push past those 10 seconds and you can start setting a higher bar for your day & achieving your goals. You can do it! 

Love, Gigi