Having a good morning routine is key to achieving goals and setting yourself up for a more productive day. Vicki Anstey, founder of Barreworks London and one of the first females to take on SAS Who Dares Wins, has put together some tips on developing morning habits that will help you start your day off right…
Night before prep
I never go to bed with a list of things to do the next morning, I need to know that everything (within reason) that I CAN do is done. Things always crop up last minute and I need to get up with some space to breathe and organise my day.
Wake early
My morning routine is waking early (5.45am – 6.00am) is non-negotiable and much as I used to love a lie in, I can’t do it even if I try now! Plus, I have two dogs, so they are ready to go by 7am!
Even if I don’t have early morning commitments, I love having that time before anyone else is up to get everything set, respond to a few emails, post on social media etc. As the Pacific Race gets closer, I find myself getting into the mindset that ultimately I will have no more than 2 hours sleep at a time, so an early start after a 7 or 8 hour sleep now, shouldn’t be a problem. It’s funny what motivates you!
Train first thing
Although I tend to have multiple training sessions in a day, I almost always have one, some time between 6 and 8am. I love to train fasted anyway, so this really gives me a appetite for a late breakfast before I get into the bulk of the day. Obviously I have to spread my training session out, so the later I train in the morning, the tougher it is to add another session in at lunchtime or in the afternoon.
Hot water & lemon
Hot water and lemon are an essentials in my morning routine. This aids digestion and (although I do also love a coffee first thing) really perks me up. Brushing my teeth has the same effect – once that’s done, I’m not going back to bed!
Don’t hit the snooze button
We are working with a sleep specialist to prepare us for the row, which is fascinating! Sophie has told us that hitting the snooze button is singularly the WORST thing you can do when you wake in the morning. The cycle of waking and snoozing and the cortisol boost that hearing the alarm causes negates any positive effect of having more sleep. Excuse the pun, but it was a real eye opener and has changed my waking habits!
I’m thrilled to be writing a monthly column for @dailystruggleuk and each month, I’ll be sharing some of the strategies that I use on a daily basis to train for general physical and mental preparedness. I do not believe that I am the most talented person out there, or even the strongest, fastest or fittest, but I do have an inner drive to be the best I can at whatever I do – and I never, ever give up.
Follow Vicki on Instagram @vickianstey and @barreworks
