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The first part of a good day is a good morning! Learn what we do to set ourselves up for success for our busy work days. This is part one of a two part series.
In order for you to succeed in this profession (and in life), you will find that habits and routines will become one of your main tools for success. So we thought we would each share what our morning routines look like.
Look, being a vet is hard. There are enormous amounts of things you are being asked to do at all times at your workplace, and this can easily lead to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion if you are not caring for yourself.
When we were experiencing 50-60 hour work weeks, both of us had let our routines and mental and emotional health spiral out of control. Getting back on track can be hard, but it is habits like a healthy morning routine that can help you to reassert order in the world.
So, do you have a great morning routine?
This week and next week, we share the morning routines that have allowed us to practice at our best for our patients, run Veterinarians on the Rise, and function in leadership positions at our workplaces.
We will start by sharing Monica's morning routine.
Monica’s Morning Routine
For me, it is all about taking care of myself and getting in the right mindset to take care of my patients, coworkers, and clients.
5:30 am: Wake up and Hydrate. On work days, I start early! I usually have a glass of lemon water by my bedside that I grab and drink while I am letting the dogs out. On non-work days, I let myself sleep in, but the routine is basically the same! Getting hydrated right away is so important, and I try to keep things simple and easy in my life. So, instead of squeezing lemons, I use a preservative free lemon juice that I add to my water every am. Really important - if you drink lemon water in the morning, make sure to use a straw, so you don’t harm the enamel on your teeth!. These silicone straws here are my favorites and have lasted us years!
5:45 am: Workout. Next, I throw on workout clothes and do a 15 min to 30 min workout. If you haven't tried morning workouts as the first thing you do after getting out of bed, do it. I was committed to afternoon workouts for a long time, but there is something about getting your body moving first thing in the morning that can really set the tone for your day. I have everything laid out from the night before including my yoga mat, towel, and workout gear so that I can just show up and get to it. I often pick something from Youtube and am really intentional about starting my day with a workout because it is one of the best ways to connect with yourself and feel more grounded throughout the day. Lately, I have been really into these workouts here and here.
6:15 am: Meditate and Journal. I will usually throw on some tea and sit and journal/meditate for 20-30 min. I journal with these fine tip pens that I love and simple composition books. I have a stack in my garage that I go through every so often as a check in. If I am tired, this is THE PART of my routine I insist on.
6:45 am: Shower and Get Ready. Next, I hop in the shower and get ready for work. I try to keep things simple and low scent for working with animals. I find that when I take the time to dedicate a few simple steps to taking care of my skin, hair, and more that I feel so much more put together and ready for my day. Here are some of my staples: Nivea body lotion, lash serum, mascara (no expensive mascara can beat this!), vitamin C cream, CC cream, lip and cheek tint! At this point I am feeling good, fresh, and excited for my day.
Now that I have taken care of myself, it’s time to start feeding the dogs and giving them their meds.
7:30 am: Vitamins, Coffee...and Out the Door! I take my vitamins (Ashley got me onto this one here!), supplement to help with focus, and grab some coffee (usually pre-made with our moka pot the night before). Dogs go out one more time and off to work I go!
Note, I have NOT touched my cell phone, checked emails, or social UNTIL all of the things listed above are done. It is important that you set the tone to your day (not those around you). Next week, join us as we learn about Ashley's morning routine!
Feel free to check out the above linked items that I love to help get me through my morning routine! They are staples! Please share with us this week what really helps you in your morning routines in the comments below.
We love hearing from you!
Monica
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