I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read articles, listened to podcasts or watched successful professionals ensure audiences of the need to wake up early. If you research the world’s most successful people, you’ll find that most, if not all, of them are early risers. In many networking settings and casual conversation the question often comes out… ‘Are you a morning person or a night owl?’

I am a mixture of both. I’m most productive earlier in the day and most creative late at night. I usually rise at 5 a.m. and never after 7 a.m., with or without an alarm clock. When I sleep in until 7 a.m., it’s always after a late night or after giving myself permission to go back to sleep on a weekend. I had to train myself to become a “morning person” and my success is only because of my routine. It always starts with time for the most important things in my life, including my relationship with God and my personal health and wellness- mind, body, and spirit.

The start of each morning is dedicated to God. Prayer is my first responsibility of the day, followed by time spent reading the Bible and a devotional. I’ve been reading In Touch Daily Devotions from Charles Stanley for the last few years, and I love them. In addition, this year our church is reading New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. I usually start with the Bible, end with one of the devotionals and read the other during my lunch break or after work.

When I’m ready to transition from my time in prayer and devotion I stretch my body out with a yoga session or walk around the neighborhood. I find that once I get up and get moving I’m more awake and ready to get the day started. Depending on how much time I have or how tired I am I pick one of my favorite yoga videos from Yoga With Adriene, who I’ve followed since the start of my yoga practice in graduate school, or I’ll free flow based on how I feel.

I know it’s super simple but the forward fold is one of my favorite poses because I have back pain so it always feels incredible and helps me relax those muscles. I’m also a huge fan of the happy baby and sun salutations. I usually save practice sessions longer than 30 minutes for the weekend and stick to a 15-20 minute flow on most weekdays. The video below is one of my go-to flows with Adriene.

After I’ve stretched out and got a minor sweat session in I take a shower before getting ready for the work day or weekend rituals - cleaning and/or church service.

The most important meal of the day is usually the last of my morning routine essentials. Before the pandemic I would alternate between oatmeal or Raisin Bran mixed with Honey Bunches of Oats. I would choose depending on the temperature in my apartment. If I was cold, the oatmeal would warm me up and if not I’d opt for refreshing bowl of cereal. Since the pandemic I’ve tried to reduce my consumption of milk and cheese so I’ve been eating boiled eggs, fruit and nuts. I’m thinking of incorporating beyond breakfast sausage and testing out some other healthy options that are more filling. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Are you a morning or night person? Share your preference and routine below or engage with me on social media @jasminectate.

(Virtual) Hugs & Handshakes,

Jasmine C. Tate