MY SUMMER MORNING ROUTINE

MY SUMMER MORNING ROUTINE
This post is a promotional feature, created in collaboration with Danone Light & Free. All words, opinions, styling & creative direction are, of course, my own.

I’ve spoken a bit about my daily rituals and routines in the past; but I thought I’d give you a little insight into my new morning routines for the summer months (it’s important to switch things up from season to season), and how I like to inject more energy into my life, whilst making the most of the longer days.

I always feel so much more motivated to get up and get going when the weather is warm and it’s bright at the crack of dawn (sure I’m not the only one!). I rarely have a lie-in and I’m more often than not geared up and ready to start my day. I recently attended a super fun Morning Rave with Danone, in celebration of their new Light & Free Greek-style yoghurts. With an energetic and fun fitness class, followed by a delicious breakfast – I was inspired by the concept of switching up your routine; really focusing on doing positive things as soon as you wake up. I mean, there is nothing worse than starting the day with boring chores, oversleeping, cancelling your workout, having a heavy breakfast… That’s not say it’s not fine to do this every now and again – but creating those positive, fun, focused and healthy routines first thing in the morning, making sure your first waking hour is solely ‘me’ time – is everything.

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Be it attending that morning class, setting aside enough time for a proper breakfast (and even some healthy lunch prep), getting organised for the day ahead (so you don’t feel overwhelmed when you get into the office). Whatever makes YOU happy, and whatever gives you energy, lightness and positivity – focus on that. The chores can wait (they’re not going anywhere) – but the important thing is setting yourself up for the best day you can.

Here are my summer routines which I always like to tick off my list before 10am.


#1
1-MINUTE MORNING RITUAL + MEDITATION

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You might have read my recent post about my go-to 1-minute morning ritual (if not, check it out here). It’s a simple and energising flow of movement, to get your body going, invigorate the circulation, wake up the muscles and clear out any stagnation! In other words – the ideal thing to do upon rising.

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After the shaking, twisting and drumming – I always like to take 5-10 minutes of meditation. This is a great time to just focus on my breathing, trying to clear my head and think positively about what the day will bring. This is of course, easier said than done; sometimes my mind is all over the place (I call it “monkey brain”) – and some days I just can’t manage it. But the challenge is to at least try every day (and not beat myself up if I’m not up for it). I like to tune into Headspace – a great mediation app to get you started; or there’s lots of other great ones on YouTube or Podcasts (if you need a bit of guidance in the beginning).


#2
A HOT MORNING BOOST

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I always have some kind of morning drink elixir; from my go-to hot lemon water, a green juice, a shot of apple cider vinegar – or another favourite drink of mine – the Hot Morning Boost. You might find it strange that I have a hot drink during the summer; but they do in fact cool you down! Consuming tea or hot water, will raise your core body temperature, which makes you sweat at an increased rate, and as it evaporates, the sweat effectively cools you down.

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With lemon, ginger, dried turmeric, apple cider vinegar and manuka honey, the drink is a great way to start you morning, and the ideal pick-me-up!


#3
BREAKFAST TIME

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Breakfast is by far my favourite meal of the day. After a good nights sleep, I always look forward waking up to my first meal of the day. I love my eggs and avocado – especially during the weekend – but for every-day, and especially when I’m on-the-go – I just want something tasty and quick!

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I’m a big fan of yoghurt – especially greek yoghurt. It’s super tasty, full of flavour and such an easy choice in the mornings; just pour it into a bowl and top it with your favourite nuts, seeds and fruit – and you’ve got yourself the perfect summer brekkie.

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I’ve been trying out Danone’s new Light & Free range – which is so delicious. I usually prefer my greek yoghurt plain, rather adding on my own toppings to add taste; but I was pleasantly surprised with the flavours.

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My favourite? Strawberry, blueberry and peach. So creamy and sumptuous.

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Some of my go-to yoghurt toppings include chopped nuts (I love almonds and walnuts), quinoa pops, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, strawberries, blueberries, banana, peach and apple… I mean, the list is pretty much endless.


#4
SET CONCRETE GOALS & PLANS (AND STICK TO THEM!)

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I pride myself on being pretty motivated, organised and goal oriented; but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy! I’m all about structure and to-do lists – it’s what makes my head clear and focused. So really setting concrete plans and goals; listing down and specifying exact pointers for the day – is key to my organisation.

I know to-do lists can seem quite stressful – but personally, if I manage to get everything down on paper; really mapping out my day and list of priorities – I find I enter it so much more positively, and feeling really charged for the day ahead.

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I used to get so overwhelmed by my to-do lists – but now I just really try to embrace it in a more calm and collected manner. Not everything is urgent, and it’s not the end of the world if I don’t complete every single point on my list. Although I am firm believer in not postponing things; there are certain things which can wait and are less important than the others.

Some useful tips is categorising your to-do’s; i.e home, work, fitness, life, ASAP… Thereby, it’s a lot easier to focus within each of the lists, and not get overwhelmed by grouping them all together in one!


#5
SWITCH UP YOUR WORKOUT

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I´ve been talking a lot about fitness recently, which I’ve noticed has been quite popular too! Working out has always been a big part of my day-to-day routine, and I´ve tried just about everything. At the moment, I´m really into my power walks, yoga and low-impact toning routines. But next month I might be craving boxing (my fave), or feel motivated to do some HIIT training again – basically just following your body and whatever it craves!

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NIKE Customised Trainers


The key to a healthy and strong body, is keeping it challenged. Which means switching up your fitness routine every now and again and trying out new classes and workouts. If you do the same old continuous workout routine, your body will adapt and get used to the movements and pace, and after some time, it will simply stop creating any change. The key is confusing your body by doing new things; which will in turn make it work harder to keep up – and ultimately give you the results you’re after. At the moment, I’m really craving more slow paced training – but every week I like to change things up; I try another yoga class, add in some power walks with weights, go bicycling, and focus on different body parts (i.e bum, arms, abs). It keeps it fun and interesting!

Oh, and if you really need some motivation to get going – my close friend and fellow lifestyle blogger, Poppy Cross, has just released her amazing Ebook  a 12-week exercise guide based on her own experience of training like a Victoria’s Secret model – it’s brilliant!


#6
GET THE GLOW 

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I’m a self-confessed skincare junkie. My beauty routine is one thing I never (ever) miss, and although I sometimes might skip a few steps if I’m short on time, the core always remains the same; cleanse, tone & moisturise. When it comes to products, I have a lot of favourites, and similar to my ethos with fitness; I am a firm believer in switching things up every now and again, making sure your skin is continuously reactive to the products – as well as adapting it according to the seasonal climate. Although, changing things too often, might end up irritating your skin; so make sure you swap and change within a brand or type of product which us already suitable to your skin type!

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Even if I’m just at home working all-day, I always make time for my skincare routine. And if I’m out for the whole day, the first thing I do is remove all my make-up and do a thorough cleanse – it’s so important that you let your skin breathe! When it comes to my morning routine, it’s important preparing the skin for the day ahead, and protecting it against the city environments such as UV rays and pollution.

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At the moment, my morning routine starts with a light rinse using the clarifying Zelens Z-Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser, followed by the refreshing toner, La Roche-Posay Serozinc. Then I dap a bit of the Creme de la Mer Brilliance Brightening Lotion, followed by the cooling SkinOwl Eye Gel. Once that’s all properly absorbed, I apply the Creme de la Mer Brilliance Brightening Lotion (great for skin discolouration) and the radiance boosting Renewal Oil. Sometimes, if I feel my skin needs the extra moisture or defence, I apply the Odacite Time Release Delivery Crème – then I always finish off with some SPF; I love glo-therapeutics Solar Shade SPF50. Finally, once all my lotions and potions are on, I lightly spritz the Dr. Jart+ Most Moist Water-Act Skin Mist, for that added boost of hydration – then I brush my teeth with Sarakan (a natural toothpaste).


…and there you have it guys – my summer morning routine. What are your morning routines? Please feel free to leave a comment and share it with me – I would love to hear from you! 

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9 Comments

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      August 16, 2016 / 16:17

      Thank you!

  1. Ana
    August 13, 2016 / 11:32

    Love this post! Very inspiring. Can I just ask where you bought that poster? (The first picture)

  2. Holly
    August 15, 2016 / 11:05

    Really lovely post Anneli! Xx

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      August 16, 2016 / 16:17

      Ah thank you Holly! x

  3. Linda
    August 15, 2016 / 20:53

    Hi Anneli, where do you buy the Glo Therapeutics spf? The website says they don’t ship outside of the US. Thanks! X

  4. safetoto
    November 4, 2022 / 09:29

    Hello ! I am the one who writes posts on these topics safetoto I would like to write an article based on your article. When can I ask for a review?

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