For a lot of people waking up in the morning can be a process. We’ve often heard the expression “I’m not a morning person” and for some people it does take a little longer to get going in the morning, both physically and mentally. While everyone has their own way of functioning, I challenge the concept of not being a morning person.

In the months leading up to the New Year I began to fall into the habit of going to bed later at night (typically falling asleep on the couch to the news or The Late Show with Seth Myers) which led to sleeping in later than I would have liked. I would kind of just wake up on my own which was inconsistent and led to a handful of factors reducing my efficiency and productivity. Some of these factors included missing breakfast, feeling groggy and ultimately not being as prepared for the work day as I would have liked. For me waking up late is like missing a pregame warm-up in hockey. Without a proper warm up you can feel stiff, your timing can be affected and it can leave you not mentally prepared to play at a high level.

Luckily, around this time of year we all get the chance to make resolutions in the hopes of bettering ourselves in a variety of different ways. One of my resolutions this New Year was to start going to bed earlier at night allowing me to wake up earlier while ensuring a solid eight hours of sleep. I truly believe that anyone can break a habit or routine no matter the circumstance to better themselves in business or in daily functions. Mind over matter! So, I made the conscious choice to be better and here is how I now choose to spend my precious morning hours.

7:15am – Up and At ‘em

I’ve already laid my clothes out the night before so it’s an easy transition from my bed into some warm clothes that I can throw on and go! I head downstairs and brew 1/3 of a cup of coffee, yes a 1/3 of a cup. Just a few sips of caffeine gives me the perfect amount of zip I need for my morning activity without that heavy coffee feel.

7:30am – Strap on the Jets (Aka Hockey Skates)

My Christmas gift to myself and Shannon was a 30’ x 60’ skating rink conveniently located in our side yard which has become my happy place in the morning. 45 minutes of skating around stick handling a puck in the cool crisp air really does wonders to wake me up in the morning (especially on mornings like today when it was -14°). It also gives me chance to clear my mind and revert back to the joy I have always felt playing the game I love. A walk or run are also great substitutes.

8:20am –Namaste

Once I’ve shed my skates and a few layers, I roll out my yoga mat in the living room and open all the curtains to let the natural light shine in. I set YouTube to some calming music and fire up Shannon’s essential oil diffuser. Peppermint got the green light today! After 30 minutes of stretching and some time to clear my mind I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day.

8:50am – Shower

A quick shower tops off a great morning leaving me refreshed and with an open mind.

9:00am – Breakfast

After my shower I rip downstairs and make a hearty breakfast. Usually an egg white omelette with veggies and some type of meat paired with a protein shake filled with fruit. This whole process takes about 15 minutes and I’m on my way! Don’t skip breakfast! There are plenty of things you can prepare that are quick and easy and can be eaten on the go.

9:15am – It’s Go Time!

My FanSaves work day begins and I’m ready to get down to business.

Now, I understand everyone has different work hours, kids and/or other circumstances but I firmly believe finding a morning routine that works for you is essential to a productive and efficient work day. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, I’ve made my commitment to myself, have you?

Kris McCarthy
Co-Founder & COO
FanSaves