Hello Ballet Beauties,
I'm Ballet Beautiful NYC Master Trainer, Anais. If this year has taught us anything, it's that life can sometimes throw us a curveball (or two... or three...) It comes with unexpected changes, challenges, and sometimes requires us to adapt to a new 'normal'. This is why creating a strong, consistent morning routine is so important!
I have never been a morning person, and I am definitely guilty of struggling through many mornings, but the days I have stuck to my routines have made a huge difference. It's a constant practice to create balance in our lives. Here are a few tips to create a morning routine which keeps you both positive and motivated.
Wake up at a set time everyday
This is so helpful for the body and mood. My schedule changes often; as a performer, I would sometimes work late evenings in the theater. It’s often tempting for me to sleep in, but I learned to force myself to wake up at a regular time to get my body going right away. We all hate to rush, and I find that waking up at a set time allows me to focus, and set a pace where my mind isn’t panicked to catch up to what I need to be doing next. Going to sleep at a set time is important as well, as it keeps me from wanting to sleep in.
Don’t look at your phone when you wake up
This is a hard one for me - especially when reaching for my phone has become a reflex. I try to keep my phone in another room. But if I do need to have it in the bedroom at night, I put it in Sleep Mode which silences all notifications. Only when I’m up and going, with the momentum of my day already in progress do I turn it back on.
Rise and shine!
Get out of bed, lift the shades, let sunlight in, and stretch! Stepping outside to feel the fresh air can be a little added boost. Getting out from under the covers and moving right away is so important. I also try and drink a glass of water as soon as I can. Water rehydrates me, lubricates my joints, and helps get the body and metabolism going.
Make the bed
It only takes a minute, but accomplishing the first task for the day encourages me to have a positive attitude about the rest of my day. And then you’ve already ticked off the first thing on the to-do list! It makes a world of difference to get going with your day this way.
Breakfast & goals
Then it's a warm shower, dress for the day, and have tea and a light breakfast. As I eat, I like to write out three goals and three things that I am grateful for. This is my favorite part of the morning, as I immediately feel a mindset shift there. Beginning the day with intention makes such a difference in how I move through it. I write out my day’s to-do list, which I try to keep realistic. I’ve learned the hard way that making too long a list only sets me up to feel a sense of failure at the end of that day.
Kara's Routine
Need more inspiration? Ballet Beautiful NYC trainer Kara has also shared her morning routine. She wakes up around the same time every day to make her morning green juice for a boost of energy, and then do a 10 to 15 minute meditation. Kara loves to use the Insight Timer app! After that she showers and gets dressed, usually in dance or lounge clothes. Her top tip is that getting dressed will help you feel more productive throughout the day!
Everybody's morning routine will naturally be different. But establishing one that is both personal and makes you feel good can be life-changing.
If drinking green juice and a morning inner thigh workout is your thing, that's great! Or, if you prefer long morning bath salt soaks - amazing! Perhaps it’s coffee, and a quick affirmation. The important thing is to keep a morning routine that works best for you to set your body and mind up for the rest of the day.
After that I’m ready to get to work with a workout or dance! Share your own morning routines with us below, and then join us for an Online Live Group Class. We can't wait to train with you!
Love,
Anais
