Why is it that every time a Monday rolls around, it feels like it was just Friday 0.35 seconds ago? Honestly, I’m convinced that time moves at one and a half seconds fast on Saturdays and Sundays, because before you know it, another Monday morning arrives. There’s no secret that a good night’s rest will lead to happier days, but your morning routine can also set the tone for the day, and the rest of the week. Here’s my stress free morning routine that’s been helping me have (fewer) stress-free days:

Wake Up and Pray

I’ve realized that mornings which start off with me reading some devotions on my YouVersion app, the verse of the day, and saying a prayer lead to MUCH happier days than those where I skip getting in the Word. Currently, I’m reading a few devotions – Rick Warren’s Daily Devotional, the NIV 365-Day Devotional, and one that covers marriage/relationships (this week is The Lies Couples Believe), and they help me start off the day in a reflective mindset before all the busywork sets in.

Whether you’re spiritual or not, spending the first few minutes of your day in silence, reflecting on things that you’re grateful for will help get your day started in the right path.

After I’ve read my bible, I allow myself to do some social media snooping/read some emails – but I’m trying to cut back on this because I don’t think it’s a great practice for the first thing in the morning!

Bathroom & Brush My Teeth

Once I’ve put my phone down – or sometimes I’ll take my phone with me ? – I head to the bathroom to freshen up. I don’t shower immediately, but I do brush my teeth to get rid of the night’s bacteria. Lately I’ve been using an all-natural oral care system called Boka, which sends you a new brush, paste, and floss every 3 months – so you won’t have to worry about remembering to change your brush as recommended!

Even though I’ve been on a journey to use all-natural health and beauty products, it didn’t occur to me to find a natural toothbrush and toothpaste until now. I feel so fresh and ready to conquer the day after using the natural minty toothpaste that doesn’t have any sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fluoride, triclosan, artificial flavors or parabens. The Boka toothbrush is different from any one I’ve ever used, since the activated charcoal bristles (which kind of feel like the bristles of a makeup brush) naturally help prevent bacteria from growing on your brush. I’ve even begun oil-pulling with the Boka Cocorinse, which is coconut oil spiced up with spearmint & peppermint that combines the mouthwash flavor with the benefits of oil pulling. Ever since I stopped using a whitening gel on my teeth, they’ve yellowed a bit, so the Cocorinse should help get them whiter again.

Caring for my teeth with Boka definitely helps me feel fresh and ready to tackle the day, au naturale!

Have a Cup of Tea & Make a To-Do List

After the bathroom, I usually make my way to the kitchen to warm up a cup of tea and make a to do list. I love green tea, and enjoy the corny inspirational messages on Yogi tea. My mom recently put me onto ginger tea, which improves digestion, improves circulation, and address muscle and joint problems. You just boil chopped up ginger and some water, and add a bit of honey or brown sugar if desired – we store ours in a clean orange juice container which lasts a few days.

As for my to do lists, I’m a list monster. I have to do lists on my Notes app with every possible thing I have to do EVER – from booking a hotel for my upcoming conference presentation for grad school to YouTube video ideas to returning my cousin’s phone call. But each day, I like to write on paper a key few things I’d like to accomplish, and if I’m particularly coming off an unproductive day, I’ll add a loose time frame for what needs to get done. For example, 9-11am should be spent reading a certain book, 11:30-12:30 is for emails and social media, 1-3 is for dissertation research, and so on. I try to be as specific as possible with my tasks, and allow some wiggle room in case I need more time to finish something.

Although I don’t achieve all of these every single morning – with the exception of brushing my teeth – I know that starting off the day with prayer, serene planning, and a fresh mouth is the foundation for a day that has minimal stress!

What’s your morning routine? Do you think about what you use to brush your teeth and how that could be influencing your health?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.