Morning Routine…It’s my sort of non-negotiable habit. I originally wrote about my routine back in 2016. Back then, I was nowhere near being a flight attendant, nor was I living in Florida. That feels like a lifetime ago. So it looks a bit different now. The first of the year is when we usually try to turn a new leaf. So this is the perfect time to share my updated routine as a flight attendant.
Having a morning routine is meant to set the tone for the day and start you off on the right foot. Being a flight attendant, any “routine” requires adaptability. If you know me, you know flexibility is my kryptonite. That has been my biggest area of opportunity from the minute I applied to become a flight attendant.
With the unpredictable hours of the job, the routine needed some tweaking. Actually, the tasks stayed the same. Turned out, the only tweaking needed was on my part. I needed to be flexible as to what time time my morning routine took place.
For me, keeping a morning routine while having unpredictable hours is crucial. While it may not happen at the same time every morning, it’s the one thing I know will happen each day, regardless of my report time.
Why Start a Morning Routine
A morning routine signals your brain and body that it’s time to get going. Whether that’s prayer, reading, or having a cup of coffee, your body gets the message that it’s time to start the day, similar to a starting bell. A positive routine to start the day has, both, mental and physical benefits.
- Add Time to Your Day…Sort of: While it’s impossible to actually add time, boosting your productivity is a direct benefit of a morning routine. Establishing a routine will actually help you complete mundane tasks more quickly.
- Motivation: Following a routine gets you excited for the day ahead.
- Productivity: Think of a morning routine as a starting bell. Once you start the tasks, your brain will be ready to start your day.
- Sense of Accomplishment: If nothing else gets done, you’ll at least have completed your non-negotiable tasks list.
What Should I Include in my Routine?
This is a broad question. Your morning routine should be unique to your personality and goals. If you’re following intermittent fasting, then breakfast wouldn’t be something to include in your morning routine. There are, however, some basic tasks I recommend:
- Silence: Whether you pray, meditate, read, or journal. It’s important to take a moment to be silent and free of distractions when prepping for the day. Most importantly, this should be a screen-free period.
- Hydration: Even though sleep is spent resting and recovering, it is a time during which our body dehydrates. Therefore, it’s important to rehydrate.
- Planning: It’s also essential to have a clear idea of what your day will look like. It doesn’t need to be a hard & fast schedule. But at least a blueprint of how you expect your day to go is essential.
Try a new routine tomorrow. It doesn’t need to be extensive. Just pick one of the tasks above and gradually add more. You’ll have an established, productive morning routine before you know it.
