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Elyssa Nalani

5 Things I’m Doing to Win at My Morning Routine

self care· STYLE

13 Jun

If there is one thing I have struggled with FOR YEARS, it is my morning routine. Ever since I quit working a job that requires me to punch the time card in the a.m., I have struggled with getting myself up and going in the morning. And for a long time, I have felt guilt and shame about it, like there was something seriously wrong with me. 

  • Why do I have such a hard time rising and shining in the morning?
  • Everyone else on Pinterest, YouTube, and IG is rocking the morning routine life and I’m over here pressing snooze!
  • There is something physically wrong with me because I can’t wake up at 5 a.m. and hustle like the other women who get all the things done.
  • Why can’t I just get it together????

Ugh. 

Now, here’s the thing – my brain doesn’t do well with that kind of self-talk. If I have learned anything in my 20s it is that I don’t thrive on you stink at this, now fix it. And here’s why – I enjoy the path of least resistance. As much as I love the idea of a good self-development challenge, I’m really rather lazy. Self-discipline is not my forte. So simply telling myself that there is a problem doesn’t light a big enough fire under my backside to move me to action. I have to change my self talk to even get me motivated to make change.

So instead of

Elyssa, you stink at morning routines, you always have and you need to figure it out and get it together.

I need to tell myself

Elyssa, you know what you want to accomplish in life and you know you’ll only help yourself if you master your mornings. You need to discipline yourself in this area if you’re ever going to win at adulting.

That’s just the start. I still have to do the thing – win at my morning routine. But while I can not and will not accept my lack of self discipline, I will be kind and gracious to myself as I pursue faithfulness in the tasks set before me. If God can be patient and gracious to me then I can too. So this summer I’m going to give it another go. And I’m going to start small. I’ve read blog posts about the 27 things you need in your morning routine. Posts like that stress me out before I even click to read and always set me up for failure. I’m going to keep it simple and start off with 5 simple changes! 

(this post contains affiliate links. see disclosure here)

1. Make the bed

To be honest, I’m not terribly consistent with this one. But I know it’s important so I’m working on it!

2. Go outside

Okay so I’ve just recently gone from living in a travel trailer park to a house with a fenced in back yard (hallelujah, thank you Jesus!). I really need to take advantage of the luxury! Because I am slow to shine when I rise, I’ve decided to head outdoors in the early morning with my picnic blanket and get in some devotional reading and stretching. Perfect way to wake up my mind and body!

TIP: If you’re going to lay out on your lawn in the early morning, make sure you’re on something water proof since there will still be dew on the ground. You don’t want to get damp! I’d suggest something like this!

waterproof picnic blanket

3. HYDRATE

While I’m outside reading and stretching, I’m drinking my first glass of lemon water. I drink it in a mason drinking jar like this one.

I drink it at room temp and by the time I’m done with my reading, I’ve finished almost, if not all, 32ish ounces! My body feels great and ready to go! 

3. Do one chore

This is usually emptying the dishwasher or throwing a load into the washing machine. Once I start working on projects, it’s easy for me to totally forget household chores until late in the day. I want to start the work part of my day already having accomplished something even if it’s something small.    

4. Create an atmosphere of praise

I’m constantly consuming content – audiobooks, podcasts, YouTube videos. There’s nothing wrong with listening and watching great content but for the first few hours of the day, I need to be intentional about tuning my heart to His so I can start the day on the right note (see what I did there?). So while I’m getting ready, the music will be playing and there will be singing, praising and praying in the shower!


That’s it! There’s more that needs to happen after that of course like breakfast and Bible study and reviewing my planner for the day but I feel like this is a good start! I’m going to work on this morning routine this summer and see what happens!

What does your morning routine look like?

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
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TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG! And if you’re inte TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG!

And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ☺️ 
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Link in my bio
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#goalsetting #staymotivated #motivation #goals #2021goals #cultivatewhatmatters #stayfocused #yourdreamsmatter #dontgiveup #plannerbabe #plannercommunity #planner #plannersgonnaplan #plannersofinstagram #plannergirl #plannerlove #plannerd
The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🥰

📷 @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ❄️ Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ☺️
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
❤️ February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🥰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ☺️ Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
New month in my Stalogy 💚 . #b6stalogy #journal New month in my Stalogy 💚
.
#b6stalogy #journaling #marchjournal #beyoubravely #workhardstayhumble #planner #plannercommunity #plannerbabe #plannernerd #stickers #stickerspread
TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG! And if you’re inte TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG!

And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ☺️ 
.
Link in my bio
.
#goalsetting #staymotivated #motivation #goals #2021goals #cultivatewhatmatters #stayfocused #yourdreamsmatter #dontgiveup #plannerbabe #plannercommunity #planner #plannersgonnaplan #plannersofinstagram #plannergirl #plannerlove #plannerd
The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🥰

📷 @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ❄️ Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ☺️
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
❤️ February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🥰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ☺️ Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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