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8 Things to Do Before 8 AM

I never used to be a morning person. I would have to drag myself out of bed every morning, but one day I decided that in order to be productive, especially with working from home full time, I have to learn to be a morning person.  And just like that… I changed.  I would get up earlier and earlier every morning (with the help of an alarm) and it has transformed my mornings.  There’s something so sweet about being up before the rest of the world (or at least it feels like it, because it’s so quiet outside). Before I knew it, I became a morning person and my morning ritual is honestly sacred! It’s the best part of my day! Maybe my morning isn’t how you want your morning to be, but I encourage you to make it yours — add activities and rituals you enjoy in there!

8 Things to Do Before 8 AM

tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl

Tee: Reformation Perfect Vintage Tie Dye Tee | Shorts: Abercrombie Mid Rise Boyfriend Shorts | Shoes: Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie (60% off) | Belt: Free People Eternity Leather Belt | Purse: Amazon Dumpling Bag (designer dupe!) | Necklace: Initial Necklace

tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl

Journal

Look, I’m not a ‘journal’ type person and honestly, have never believed in journaling ever… until now.  Jordan and I snagged this Five Minute Journal and it has made such an impact on our lives.  Devote 5 minutes out of your day to this and you will feel the change too.  There’s just something about waking up and writing what you are grateful for.  It’s the first thing we do in the mornings — and it’s the last thing we do before bed.  I’m naturally a pretty negative person (anyone else have this issue??). This has made me so much more positive and there’s something special about counting your blessings daily. I’ve loved this journal so much that I even sent a few girlfriends this gift during quarantine to lift their spirits.

Stretch/Yoga

I bet you didn’t think this would be on here, unless you’re new here, then you probably think I’m a yogi because I love fitness.  Yoga is actually out of my comfort zone, which is why I decided to start incorporating it in the mornings.  Before you think I’m doing an hour of this, think again (haha). I typically just do a quick 10-15 minute flow that I find on YouTube, iPhone app, or IG.  It just prepares my body and mind for the day.  Hey, if I can influence people to be more fit and active, why can’t others influence me too?

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Productivity Planner

Another five minutes that have transformed my day.  I sit down, focus, and write in my Productivity Planner.  I like planning out the day and seeing what my most important task is.  It has made my day 10x more productive! See more on my WFH tips post!

Coffee with J

Sounds simple, because it is simple.  This is something we do every day.  We sit together, write in our 5 minute journals, and have our coffee and chat about the day.  The days are hectic and these 10 minutes with him are calming and peaceful.

Many Hail Marys at a Time

I don’t do this every morning, but this was my Lenten promise a few years ago and ever since then I’ve loved tuning into their IG lives every morning.  Some days, I tune in and listen while I’m picking up around the house or doing the rest of my morning routine.  Other days, I sit down, focus, and pray with them.  Some days, I don’t tune in at all, but if you’re Catholic and you struggle to find time to pray the rosary, I highly recommend checking them out! They have IG Lives praying the rosary every morning at 7:45 AM EST.  If you find some downtime during the day, their Lives stay for 24 hours so you can tune in whenever you feel like it.

tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl

Make Our Bed

Simple but effective, trust me.  I can’t seem to get the day off to a good start if the bed isn’t made.  I feel like once the bed is made, the day can begin! No clutter provides a fresh blank slate in my mind so that I can conquer the day.

Water the Plants/Take the Dog for a Walk

Depending on what time of year it is, I’ll water the plants (I love getting outside at this time) and/or take Jeter for a little walk.  Not anything crazy, just a 5-10 minute walk to get moving and J-man loves it!

Prepare Breakfast and Lunch for the Day

This also includes drinking 32 oz of water! I always drink a huge water filled tumbler before doing anything (this one is a great amazon find!), and then I’ll make a farm fresh omelet for breakfast. If J is going off to work (and not working from home), this is when I would prepare his lunch for him. Since I WFH full time, I sometimes prepare my lunch ahead of time, but I sometimes don’t.  If you work a 9-5, I highly recommend using this time to prepare a healthy nutritious lunch for yourself! Preparation is key.

tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl

Did y’all enjoy my 8 Things to Do Before 8 AM? If so, which ones do you think you’ll implement?!

tie dye shirt, 8 things to do before 8 am, morning routine, morning tips, lifestyle tips, productivity tips // grace white a southern drawl

Photography by Erin Trimble

  1. Jordan says:

    Love all of these ideas!! I’m going to start incorporating the short flow/walk and the 32 oz of water for sure and will go from there! What a great way to wake up.

  2. Robin says:

    I enjoyed reading your blog! You and your hubby are a joy and blessing to many.

  3. Vulnavia says:

    Everyday I drink a glass of water, “wake up” the house, meditate for 10-15 minutes, write 5 things I’m thankful for in my gratitude journal, & read a plan on my bible app. I’m weird but I’m a morning person & night owl. I would love to see what your evening routine is too.

  4. Love these ideas.. going to evaluate my morning routine and see what I can do better!

  5. Stephanie says:

    This is great Grace and your workouts are getting me through !
    My sleep schedule is way off right now, so this is a gentle push lol !

    • Grace White says:

      Hi Stephanie! Hope this is helpful! Sometimes my sleep schedule gets ‘off’ just by one late night or late morning. You can slowly get it back to normal though!! xx

  6. Montana G says:

    Love these tips! I always starting my morning off with a litre of water and a workout, and I often save my journaling/Bible study for the evening.. and sometimes I forget to do it! I should start setting aside time to do it in the AM

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