• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Recipes
    • sweet tooth
  • ZERO WASTE
    • DIY
    • zero waste beauty
    • zero waste bathroom
    • zero waste travel
    • zero waste holidays
  • Contact
  • youtube

Eco Goddess

July 7, 2016 bottom

5 Steps to Creating an Epic Morning Routine

I used to be the most anxious, scattered person in the morning, and it wasn’t because I dreaded waking up. I simply didn’t know what to do with my excitement for the day ahead, or how to organize my day to ensure a productive, meaningful one. My mornings used to consist of an abrupt alarm clock wakeup, a rushed shower and getting dressed (this would typically result in clothes being flung left and right, only to come home to a mess), a quick breakfast where I could hardly appreciate what I was eating, and a “YES!! I will only be 5 minutes late” out the door. That all changed one evening when I attended a local women’s group in San Diego. We all went around the room and introduced ourselves. We then were encouraged to share something that was troubling or exciting us. I expressed how disorganized and stressed I was, and one woman looked at me and asked, “Do you have a morning routine?” I told her, “Well sometimes, but I’m pretty inconsistent with it.” Needless to say, I adopted a morning routine and WOW. This lady knew what she was talking about! Keep reading to learn about my current routine that has changed my life and my top 5 secrets for creating a routine that you LOVE.

First, a Glimpse at My Morning Routine

My morning routine changed my life, and brought balance in a way I never experienced before. It’s quite simple, really.

I wake up early around 5:30 – 6 AM. I aim not to be woken up by an alarm clock and instead have trained my body by going to bed early. Once I am awake, I immediately greet the day with gratitude. I am here for another day, I say to myself. Today will be an amazing and productive day, I positively affirm to myself. I head to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I learned recently that there are toxins that build up in your mouth and on your tongue when sleeping, thus– you should never drink water before brushing your teeth in the morning. Once my teeth are brushed, I head to the kitchen to fill my water bottle up with water. Not always do I do this, but some mornings I like to add fresh lemon juice.

After I drink my water, I head to the blender where I throw in all sorts of goodness. I have really been enjoying Sunwarrior Protein powder, and I will add my own greens, hemp seeds and Omega 3, 6 & 9 oils. I let that smoothie digest for about 10 minutes as I stretch in my bedroom on my yoga mat. Once I feel ready, I bring my yoga mat outside and exercise. I like to switch things up day-to-day, but recently my routine has been a 10 minute workout video off of YouTube and then I will do muscle work such as squats and sit-ups. Overall, my stretching and exercise routine takes 30 – 45 minutes out of my morning. I find when I exercise in the morning I am significantly more productive and energized throughout the day.

After I exercise, I come inside the home and take around 10 minutes to meditate. This connects my mind, body and soul. Sometimes I focus on a future goal. Sometimes I focus on a family member who is not well. Sometimes I focus on nothing. Where focus goes, energy flows. Use your time how you wish.

Once I am done meditating, I take my journal and write down the major tasks I have to do that day. I used to do the little tasks first, but the little tasks are typically the easiest, and in the morning I am most productive; therefore, I have now taken on the hardest tasks first to get them out of the way, leaving the lighter often times more fun tasks for the end of the day where my energy and concentration levels are lower.

To watch the YouTube video of my morning routine, click here.

Now, My Top 5 Secrets for Creating Your Own Morning Routine

  1. Wake up earlier. When you wake up earlier, you have more time to do the things that are important to you. Whether nourishing your body, taking a yoga class, or journaling for an hour, waking up earlier will set the stage for you time which will allow you to feel fueled up for the day ahead.
  2. Nourish your body. Water and a light breakfast are what I recommend. If you are exercising, you will definitely need something for your body to work off of. I suggest a smoothie or high-protein oatmeal with blueberries. Experiment with different breakfasts to find the breakfast that you like best.
  3. Movement & stretching. I like to think of movement and stretching as the magical ingredients for a more productive day. Notice how I say ‘more’ productive. For sure, you can have a productive day with skipping this step, but I believe it is crucial to get your blood flowing, heart beating and sweat pumping to reach new levels of awesome in your personal and professional life. Stillness can cause fatigue or cause a buildup of anxiety and emotions. Get all of those emotions moving every morning with moving around, and see how you feel for the rest of the day.
  4. Meditation. Meditation is one of those things I never thought I would adopt on a daily basis. I always enjoyed it, but didn’t realized how much it actually improved my wellbeing until I committed to an entire week of mediating in the morning for 10 minutes. Try a guided video online if you are first starting out. Once you get the hang of it, set a timer and do it on your own. You can focus on something or you can focus on nothing. Meditating is a process of flowing energy through your body and moving things through your spirit to allow for a healthier body and mind.
  5. Plan your day. Lastly, make a list of the things you need to get done in the day. Rank each item on a scale of 1 – 5 in terms of importance. I like to do the most important things first because I often work on tight deadlines and my biggest wish everyday is to stay true to my word, whether my word to someone else or to myself.

So, how you structure your morning is entirely up to you. Everyone is different so what may work for me may not work for you. Reading this blog post among others on the internet is a great place to get inspired and begin the process of creating your very own routine that you LOVE!

Let’s close with a recap of my daily morning routine checklist:

  • 2 minute: Brush teeth to remove toxins from your tongue, then drink a big glass of water. Add lemon if you wish, and best to have room temperature water as opposed to cold water so it is less of a shock on your body.
  • 2 minutes: morning high-protein smoothie.
  • 15 – 30 minutes: Do some light stretching as your food settles, then take on some exercises that make you sweat. You can find great workout videos on YouTube!
  • 10 minutes: Meditate. Even if you can only afford 5 minutes for this part, trust me– you need it! We all need moments of silence. With silence comes clarity and with clarity comes growth.
  • 5 minutes: Journaling and scheduling of your workday. You may also fancy scheduling your workday before you go to bed. Care to know my evening routine before bed? Leave a comment on this blog post if you’d like to see that on the blog!

Here’s to a more productive & fulfilling day. You deserve it!

Love,

Screen Shot 2019-08-24 at 4.04.41 PM

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Categories: bottom Tags: how to create a morning routine, morning routine, self love

Previous Post: « How to Dry and Store Your Garden Herbs
Next Post: 5 Tips for Packing and Traveling Like a Minimalist »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Marina!

I am so happy that you found my blog, Eco Goddess. On here I share zero waste living tips, gluten-free vegan (GFV) recipes, and soulful wellness inspiration.

It is my hope that in sharing my journey to living a more vibrant, ecologically conscious lifestyle with you, you will feel inspired and supported to embark on your own journey.

Keep reading →

LOAD UP ON NEW RECIPES, ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE INSPO + MORE

Subscribe to the EG newsletter here.

Lookin’ for something?

One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring abo One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring about a holiday gift collaboration with my tiny startup @zerowastekit. They wanted @zerowastekit to be the official gift given out to each TED employee to help them kickstart their low waste lifestyle journeys.
I read the email, screamed and danced around with joy, then ran back to my computer to read the email again and make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Well, their kits arrived safely this week so I think it’s finally safe to say with confidence that 1. this isn’t all a dream 🤣 and 2. the world is changing and waking up to our global waste crisis 🙌🏼
I founded ZWK in November of 2018 with the mission to empower people with the mindset, tools, and convenience they need to reduce their everyday waste and ecological footprint. I envisioned the kit as an ethically & sustainably made take-with-you-and-go-everywhere kit to help make daily choices such as ditching plastic spoons, straws, food containers, grocery bags, and other single-use plastic products, easy and convenient. 
While there is no silver bullet solution to our global waste crisis, one thing is for sure: nothing will change unless we begin taking small steps towards change. Our throw-away society has conditioned us to make convenience-driven choices that rarely take into account the whole picture 🌎 I believe you do not have to sacrifice convenience in your lifestyle to support a more just and thriving planet. It just takes reconditioning, patience (baby steps) and some badass tools 🚯
A HUGE thank you to my loved ones for helping me every step along the way, my suppliers for being awesome, and for all of you… this beautiful community that continues to grow, inspire the masses to make the shift and fight for the future of our common home.
•
•
•
•
pc: @southern_california_crafting 💛
#zerowastelifestyle #zerowasteliving #plasticpollutes #zerowaste #simplicity #mindbodygram #ootd #iamwellandgood #ecofriendlyliving #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainabilitymatters #sustainable #simple #fashion #wellnessjourney #beatplasticpollution #nomoreplastic
About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart to book an end-of-the-year trip. Nothing big, just a little weekend getaway to celebrate 2019 and create an intentional space for transformation in 2020. This past weekend I made that desire a reality, and holy heck. I think I started a new tradition that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 
I danced.
I explored.
I gazed at many a cloud in awe and gratitude.
I journaled.
I laughed.
I cried.
I released. 
What a gift it is to allow ourselves the space and time to do exactly what we desire. Whether it’s learning how to speak a few sentences in a different language, calling a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while, walking into a fast food joint and giving them hell for using single-use plastic straws (giving them hell politely, of course…and then giving their manager a list of alternatives), or creating an epic painting, I invite you to ask yourself what you deeply want to do before this decade comes to an end. Then, I invite you to go and do it. You won’t regret it ❤️ Happy Tuesday, friends.
Marina
Ps- here you see a bowl of zero waste buckwheat oatmeal with fresh fruit: an epic breakfast for any lover of warm lumpy soul food.
•
•
•
•
#zerowaste #fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #sustainableliving #ecofriendly #eco #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #travel #wanderlust
It’s finally feeling like winter here in Souther It’s finally feeling like winter here in Southern California and I’m celebrating in my secondhand faux fur jacket 🧥 Who else loves the cold seasons? ❄️ Happy Thursday, friends.
•
•
•
•
#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #wellnessblogger #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving
Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella waste Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella wasteful denim production to the curb like 🙅🏽‍♀️👖
Earlier this month I introduced you to a company near and dear to my heart, @tejidosroyo. TR is a 100 year old Spanish clothing company dedicated to sustainable and ethical fashion. Well they’ve created an EPIC new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. This is not just revolutionary for the fashion industry, but it is also revolutionary for planet 🌎 especially considering as a single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person drinks over 7 YEARS.
To celebrate this huge win, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #Sponsored #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
•
•
•
•
#fashion #ootd #zerowaste #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #zerowaste #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving
Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your bel Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your belly with LOTS of plants tomorrow 🌱🌱 Now, to find a shirt that says SAVE TURKEYS, EAT TOFURKY 😆🤷🏽‍♀️
•
•
•
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks car Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks carpeted with moss of the deepest green hues, mycelium and their gorgeous mass of thin threads that link the roots of different plants and act as a flippin’ underground internet, and the whole world really. Whenever news about the current state of our planet puts me in a gloomy mood I push myself to go outside and look around for a bit. This one-on-one moment with Mama Gaia, even if it lasts for a few seconds, is enough to remind me of how precious life is and why it is worth fighting for.
#nature #naturephotography #outdooradventures #outdoors #natureporn
Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed like this 😅 It’s 30 degrees here and I just landed back home to be with my family for the holidays. As I’m unpacking my things, I felt inspired to get on here and share a little bit about one of my current favorite low waste/minimal haircare tools that I brought with me. 
First, a little back story. It was sophomore year of college when I first discovered not all shampoos and conditioners are safe for the body and environment. I came home from class one day and rather than doing homework I started researching the ingredients on the back of my personal care products. What inspired this search was my journey to eating a cleaner diet 🌱 I made a goal to cut out food products that had ingredients I couldn't pronounce or didn't recognize. Then I thought, why not do the same for my personal care products that I use daily?
I was not prepared for what I found lurking in my products 😳... Ingredients linked to cancer and other health conditions such as asthma, ingredients tested on animals, ingredients toxic to wildlife and our oceans. That same day I took a trip to the closest health food store and picked up the most affordable eco/health-friendly shampoo I could find (bc broke college student lol). I didn't love how it made my hair feel, but I was happier with this selection nonetheless.
Now nearly 5 years later, I can proudly say I have found a shampoo and conditioner that don't mess up the planet and make my hair feel amazing 😹🙌🏼 This photo depicts me IRL taking a shower in a river near my SoCal home (yep, it’s still warm enough to do this) like a water nymph with my shampoo and conditioner bars from @zerowastestore. No packaging to send to the landfill/recycling, no bs ingredients messin' up my body or the earth, & I come out of each shower (especially showers in nature) feeling like a mystical being ready to save the flippin' planet 🌎✨
Have you tried out shampoo/conditioner bars yet? What has been your experience?
.
.
.
.
photografairy: @avaah_east 
#sustainability #sustainableliving #zerowaste #zerowastelife #outdoorphotography #minimalism #zerowastemovement #vegan #plasticfree #wellness #outdooradventures
My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈ I felt inspired t My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈
I felt inspired to share something a little personal with you all today, and it’s about body image. Growing up in a multicultural home (Pakistani + European) my thoughts on body imagine, particularly of my own, were an utter mess.
What was accepted by one of my parent’s culture was not by the other. This bred a very confused and insecure Marina. My internal dialogue when getting ready for the day used to go something like this:
What should I wear? Oooh that looks nice. No wait, that shows too much skin. Okay how about this? Ehh, that doesn’t even feel like me or my style 🤷🏽‍♀️ This would go on for several minutes until I finally settled on something and left the house.
It wasn’t until I moved out of my childhood home that I began feeling the gift of confidence and excitement when dressing myself. Some days I’d want to dress like Mary Poppins. Other days I’d want to dress like Laura Croft from Tomb Raider. Having the freedom to choose what I wanted to wear filled me with a creativity and passion for style that I didn’t even know I had.
But there was another gift waiting for me upon moving out of my childhood home, which was the important lesson that confidence in one’s body image and self goes so much deeper than one’s outfit or fancy new hat. It’s the ooey gooey good stuff you feed yourself with daily like positive affirmations, exercise, high vibrational foods and the people you surround yourself with. I may have grown up in a confusing home where cultures clashed often (especially around fashion), but what it challenged me to do was search for beauty and happiness beyond the external form, and for that I am eternally grateful.
•
•
•
•
#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving #sustainability #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #gogreen
The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic pause* for a responsible denim revolution 🌍👖! A single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person could drink over 7 YEARS. Now throw in the synthetic fertilizers used when growing the crops, the unethical conditions cotton farmers endure to maintain the crops, and the unmonitored energy usage during denim production and you’ve got yourself an unsettling look at our broken conventional denim system. 
But wait, there’s good news 😏 I am beyond excited to share with you an organization leading the change within the denim industry to a more sustainable and ethical world. Meet @tejidosroyo. They’ve created a new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. To celebrate, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
Load More... Find me on Instagram!

Footer

drop me a line

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2021 Eco Goddess on the Cookd Pro Theme

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.