THE MORNING ROUTINE
I wanted to share my experience with the varying nature of my mornings. Each day presents a unique rhythm, whether I rise at 4 AM to embark on a demanding day, 7 AM when my agenda is more relaxed, or 3 PM on my night shift days. Despite this unpredictability, I adhere to a consistent routine that grounds me, no matter the hour. This steadfast approach provides a sense of stability and helps me navigate the diverse challenges of my week.
If I’m candid, I’ve always been a morning person. I love waking up and being productive and it has just always been ingrained in me to stay active and busy. My brain wakes up in somewhat of a stress mode, so I always feel like I need to pour things out in the morning as they are fresh on my mind. I often wake up around 4 or 5 if I have gone to sleep early, but sometimes I force myself to get an extra hour or two of sleep depending on the day before. Restful slumber has never been my strong suit, but Lemme Sleep melatonin gummies have helped in that category in so many ways.
Upon waking, the first thing I do is indulge in breakfast. While many embrace intermittent fasting, I find that as soon as my feet hit the floor, I crave nourishment. This instinct has been a constant in my life, and I doubt it will ever change. Alongside preparing breakfast for myself, I also take pleasure in ensuring my boyfriend has a meal, too. I often feel like one of those nurturing grandmothers who insists on feeding everyone who walks through the door; I derive great joy from seeing others well-fed.
Coffee is another essential part of my morning ritual. After breakfast, I treat myself to a delightful latte. I recently invested in a Nespresso Breville machine, as the cost of lattes in New York City can rival that of a full meal (joking, but not entirely). This purchase has proven to be one of my best decisions. I’m particularly fond of Birch Coffee, a local gem, and I always opt for their fresh beans. Emma’s Espresso beans are my absolute favorite. While I still enjoy the occasional café latte, I make it a priority to brew my coffee at home whenever possible. If I had to label myself, I might say I’m a bit of a “Blush Boy Barista.”
Next, I turn my attention to skincare, a meticulous practice that has become an essential morning ritual for me. I find that I must shave and follow my skincare routine while savoring my coffee; otherwise, the day feels incomplete. My go-to morning products include Dr. Sam Bunting, which I’ve previously highlighted in my skincare blog, and my favorite razor, the Bevel Double Edge Safety Blade. I once struggled with severe irritation, but learning to use a straight blade has truly transformed my experience. I also swear by the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel which never fails to keep my skin crystal clear.
After my skincare is complete, I decide whether to throw on a hat for a gym session or style my hair using the incredible curl products from Bread Beauty. Their elastic bounce hair cream and curl capturing hair gel are an absolute must-have, providing my curls with unparalleled hydration and enhancing their natural texture.
Following my morning rituals, I prioritize a workout, whether it involves weightlifting or attending a class. Since moving to New York City, I’ve been a member of Equinox. While it may be an investment, I find it more economical than paying for both a gym and separate classes.
Working out has become essential for my mental well-being; it’s something I genuinely need and want to incorporate into my daily routine. To be candid, I tend to experience a fair amount of internal anxiety, so releasing that stress through exercise before tackling the day is crucial for me. I’m particularly excited now that my boyfriend has moved back, as we can work out together, which adds another layer of joy to our routines.
Recently, I’ve incorporated a new element into my routine: taking time to write before fully embarking on my day. Blogging has brought me immense joy over the past two weeks, and I cherish the opportunity to explore this journey as it unfolds. For me, it serves as a form of journaling, allowing me to express my passion for writing while providing engaging content for beauty enthusiasts.
I hope this blog encourages you to pause, step away from the endless scroll, and take a moment to immerse yourself in thoughtful reading. While there are countless other tasks vying for our attention, writing is an endeavor I would love to pursue throughout my life’s journey. After all, why not?
xoxo, The Blush Boy
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