My Morning Routine

I'm attempting a new morning routine. I'm very type A and love my routines and lists. I love to be productive and have a hard time just sitting. However, I know that I need to build in more downtime during the week because I get stressed a little too easy. Stressed Olivia = meltdown.

And meltdowns just aren't pretty.

I generally wake up at 6:00 a.m. during the week, but I have decided to start getting up at 5:30 a.m. The first thing I do when I get up is clean the litter box. It's my least favorite chore, so I get it done and out of the way. After that, I shower and get ready for work. It's about 6:30 at this point, and I don't leave for work until about 7:40. From 7:00 to 7:40 I'm having breakfast, tidying up the house, feeding the cats, and doing other small chores. 

So why in the heck am I getting up 30 minutes earlier? For the newest addition to my morning routine: I read for fun.

I don't think about school, I don't turn on my computer, I try to ignore my to-do list. Instead, I read for the fun of it. I'm able to get in pleasure reading and start my day off feeling relaxed. As a youth librarian, I try very hard to keep up with the latest and greatest in children's and YA publishing. But a full-time job and two graduate-level classes each semester haven't afforded me the opportunity to read just for fun where I don't feel guilty.

If you're unable to find the time to read for fun, try devoting 30 minutes in the morning just a couple of times each week to reading whatever you want. If nothing else, it sets a really nice tone to start your day.

What's your favorite part of your morning routine?