My morning routine

Today’s post won’t be about an infectious disease. I will talk about myself. Specifically my morning routine, which has evolved over the years. There was a time when I got out of bed really late – sometimes at 7 and even 7:30am, and rushed to get ready for work, leaving without having breakfast. Over the past few years my morning routine has evolved to a more stress free and productive one, productive both for my own health and wellness, and to prime me for a more productive day ahead.

– I now wake up at 5am to the alarm clock. I lay in bed for about 5 minutes and think about what I am grateful for, then about my day ahead.

– The first thing I do when I get up is drink a cup of tea, usually some sort of loose green tea. My favorite is jasmine green tea. I remember reading on Dr Andrew Weil’s blog some years ago that he recommends drinking a cup of tea first thing in the morning to “wake up the embers.” While drinking the tea, I try to read something inspirational, and then 1 or 2 chapters from whichever new book I am reading at the time.

– After having the tea, I eat a cup of greek yogurt. This is to get me energized for some exercise. If I exercise without eating anything, I feel a bit faint before its over. Eating yogurt before hand gets me through the work-out.

– Exercise – I try to exercise at least 4 times per week. If the exercise does not happen in the morning, it won’t happen at all for me! I am too tired in the evenings. My husband and I exercise at home most times, but occasionally we go for a walk (in the park some weekends). The P90 program is our preferred exercise regimen. No need for a gym membership, and extra time to get to and from a gym is eliminated. I feel amazing when I exercise, very energized. I am of the belief that exercise keeps us youthful and agile, as well as more toned and overall healthy.

– I eat a bowl of fresh fruit after exercising, while preparing for the work-day ahead. I usually review medical charts (electronically) for the events over the previous 24 hours, so that when I get to the hospital I am well aware of what is going on with the patients, and can address family’s concerns and provide updates accordingly. I may read a few emails during this time, also.

– I then head to the bathroom to groom myself for the day. This usually takes at least half an hour to an hour and I listen to music or a podcast during this time.

– I usually leave for work somewhere between 7:30 and 8:30 (sometimes later) depending on how busy I expect the day to be. Fortunately I live less than 10 minutes away from work. I usually listen to lively music on the drive to work to get me further “pumped-up.” I LOVE music.

Nowadays, I don’t rush very much. I do try to be quick and efficient but at the same time I go through things as thoroughly as possible (because of my obsessive compulsive tendencies), rather than frazzled and haphazardly.

I try my best to enjoy every moment, everything that I am doing. Obviously, there are always unenjoyable moments, but I try not to dwell on them.

I won’t say that I never get annoyed but I almost never get upset or angry. It’s not worth it. I have done a lot of reading over the past few years, including several personal development books. I try not to sweat the small stuff, and I take things One. Step. At. A. Time.