My morning routine & other life updates.
How discipline makes me productive, and why I'm trying new things.
What role does routine play in your daily life?
I have always underestimated the impact of a strong routine until recently, and my god it has been a dream bringing just a little bit of order to my daily chaos.
You see, recently, I changed jobs… again. Props to Sofia from
who just always happens to articulate what I’m thinking about, exactly when I’m thinking about it (you should read her newsletter on celebrating career crisis, by the way).
If you’ve been following me for long, you’ll know I left my dream media job about 7 months ago for a very different career. It wasn’t the right fit, but that’s a story for another time, and so I’ve decided to pivot yet again into a career in PR.
You’ll be glad to know I love this new job, so far. PR is very me. And the silver lining of moving companies again (once you get over the self-loathing that comes with ‘failing’ at sticking to a career for the mandatory 12-24 months [minimum]), was that fresh start I could implement across all areas of my life.
So today, I wanted to share the new routine I’ve been practicing day in, day out since changing jobs. Not only because it keeps me sane and productive, but also because I’m also super pervy about other people’s routines, so it’s only fair I afford you all the same pleasure.
Vamanos!
6AM: Alarm goes off. Some days it’s painful to get up, other days not so much. I grab my phone and check my emails because my boss is in the UK and responds to yesterday’s work overnight and I don’t care what you have to say about whether this is healthy or not, I like to know what lies ahead & she’s always very lovely anyway, so it doesn’t particularly spike my cortisol.
6.20AM: I’m up and I immediately put on my activewear. I drink a glass of water, have a small breakfast (maybe a piece of toast?) then my dose of caffeine. Some days it’s pre-workout and others it’s a double shot of iced coffee. It all depends on how quickly I need to get out of the house & whether I have time to enjoy my morning bev. (I never enjoy the pre-workout, but it's a necessary evil).
6.45AM: Gym! My weekday morning non-negotiable. I alternate on Monday-Friday with 3 strength + 2 Stairmaster days. I love it.
7.45AM: Home again and straight to the shower. But first, look at this morning light. Love my pretty lil home.
I usually have an idea what I’d like for breakfast #2 and prep it so it’s ready to go by the time I’m done showering. Today I made baked oats which was a slay. All I needed to do was blend up some oats, banana, protein powder + milk and voila! This was waiting for me after a 20-minute shower + skincare routine. Very cool.
8.15AM: If I’m running well for time, I’ll have a look over my planner, add anything that comes up to my to-do listm and read a few pages of whatever I’m currently reading.
8.35AM: I’m heading out! I drive to work nowadays and it’s such nice time on my own - traffic aside. I listen to a podcast, get angry at drivers that are going too slow and ruminate on the many things I need to get done for the day.
9AM: My new job has flexible working hours. I choose 9-4pm, but everyone else in my office chooses 10-5pm. (P.S. which would you pick?)
I arrive and enjoy an hour of focus on my own. It’s the best.
And there you have it! Thanks for following along this morning and I’d love to hear if you have any non-negotiables in your routine. I know this one had no lemon water & journalling, but hopefully it was a realistic look into how I function.
What else is going on rn?
I just finished reading Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield. The details aren’t necessary, just know that I LOVED it. Highly recommend.
I’m in my ‘creative ways to socialise’ phase. Currently finding fun lil events to attend like a ‘How AI will impact the marketing industry’ breakfast this coming Wednesday, and Sydney Writer’s Festival talks over the weekend. What are your favourite, creative ways to socialise that aren’t going out for drinks? And relatedly, how do you feel about going to such events like the ones above, alone? I want success stories - or not!
I will have more to say about my side hustle soon. Just know the flexibility of my new job has allowed some exploration in that space and I am booked and busy! Hence the lack of substacks recently. I do love writing for fun though, and I will always make time for you guys. <3
Also let me know if you liked this breakdown of my morning routine. I’d love to do a Day In My Life sometime if this was interesting??
Ciao for now! 💃
I think I must be really nosy, I'd definitely be here for a 'day in the life'. I enjoyed reading about your morning routine :)
... I'd always pick the earlier hours!
I've never heard of anyone saying creative ways to socialise but I love the sound of it - might challenge myself to start thinking of things like that!
Knowing when to quit or pivot I think is a skill, there's no failing there I don't think! :)
Need the baked oats recipe! I loved this post x