Some people say that getting up early is for the birds! So I must admit that a morning routine is not always easy, especially if you are not a morning person. It literally takes a lot of discipline to stay consistent and grace for the days you oversleep. What does the 5 o’clock routine do for me? It helps me spend time with God, have the time for self-care, and work on personal things before working for someone else.
With that being said, this is my ideal morning routine that I master most times, but on the days that I wake up too late, I skip a morning workout, but I try my best to not skip time with God.
Below is my morning routine from waking up to leaving for work.
There are a few things that I will mention that have links to the product or service. This is not for affiliate marketing. I just want to share what I use.
4:45 AM – Wake Up
”She gets up while it is still night”. – Proverbs 31:15
Before starting my routine, I will take about 15 minutes to fully wake up. You know, the usual stuff like using the bathroom, drinking water, and doing a little stretch to wake myself up. Nothing major. I just don’t like going into the next step half asleep, which is the time I spend with God.
5:00 AM – Quite Time With God
Psalm 5:3: In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
This is where I take 30 minutes to read devotionals and scriptures and have prayer time with God. This year, I made a slight change. I am now reading the full Bible within a year. I view the Bible as a love story from Jesus to us, so instead of starting my mornings reading devotionals, I dive headfirst into the word of God to hear from Him before doing anything else for the day.
This is where I get instruction, direction, and encouragement. Sometimes, I just want to spend time in God’s word to learn of Him. I highly recommend this time with God and allow your day to flow from it.
Bible Study tips: Get a Bible you can read and understand. Even when you don’t understand, ask God for understanding and the Holy Spirit will help you. Also, buy a school notebook or a journal to write down what the Lord tells you. You don’t have to do this, but it will help you. The Bible is not for mere reading. It is a manual to guide us in life, help us to have a deeper connection with the Lord, and transform our lives.
The most important tip is to pray. Always pray before you read the Bible to set the tone to receive what you need during this quiet time.
The Bible I read daily is a women’s study Bible. I use Mr. Pen highlighters and ink pens. You don’t have to use this brand or any, but I wanted to share what I use.
After having quiet time with God, I get up and move my body.
5:35 AM – Workout Session
Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.
I shoot for 30 to 35 minutes most days, but when short on time, I’ll do a quick HIIT workout instead. My workouts mainly contain cardio and HIIT, but I want to get more into strength training too. My home workouts are with Grow With Jo most of the time. I have worked out with No Bad Addiction a few times on YouTube as well.
Exercising in the morning boosts your energy and uplifts your mood. It improves focus and mental clarity for the work day ahead and encourages a healthier breakfast afterward. Not only is exercising self-care but is also taking care of the temple of God.
And taking care of the temple of God benefits our spiritual health and relationship with God.
If you have not read my last blog titled: 5 Ways to Honor God with Our Lives, you can do so here.
After a good workout session, I start getting ready for the day ahead.
6:20 AM – Get Ready for Work
”So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
The largest organ in the human body is the skin. Like everything else, I’m sure God wants us to care for our skin too. During this time, you can deeply care for your skin. This should not be neglected if you can help yourself and have the extra time. Getting a good bar soap or body wash is a good investment. Some people also add body oils.
Lately, I have been using organic tallow soap followed by tallow body cream I bought from a local distributor. **You do not have to use organic things to care for yourself, but get something that will still be good for your skin. I have dry skin, so this body cream works well for me. Also, during this time, you can adopt a face care routine. My daily routine includes a cleanser, serums, eye gel, face cream, and sometimes a toner after cleanser. Some people use less or more, and that’s okay. Always get what you need that’s best for you.
There are many benefits of skincare and putting on a nice outfit that suits you and your style. Some benefits include the following:
- Boosts confidence
- Maintains skin health
- Prevents premature aging
- Enhances self-esteem
After getting ready for work, I work on small projects with time permitting.
6:50 AM – Personal Projects
”Be very careful, then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17
I am a firm believer in the saying, “Before you work for anyone else, work for yourself.”
If we are not careful, we will let life pass us by and never work on our passions, dreams, or projects. Even if it is a skill you want to learn or a hobby that brings you joy, make time for it. Yes, you can still work on your own things or do something for yourself in the evenings if you don’t have time in the mornings. Everyone is different and has different work schedules.
As for me, working on a few things such as video or writing content, designing images, and gaining knowledge are some of the things that give me a sense of purpose. I don’t do these solely for myself, but to uplift people and share my faith with others to bring them to Christ.
I like to know that I have something I am passionate about in this life along with walking on purpose. I might add that I too at times work on these same things in the evenings as well. That is when I have the most time.
Then Off to Work, I Go!
For those that don’t know, I currently work in the banking industry. What I like the most about my job is the people that I get to meet. I know that God placed some of them in my path for a reason. It could be something as small as giving them a smile because that could be what gives them a glimmer of hope.
Then there are the ones who have sat at my desk pouring out their problems and concerns and God using me to just be a listening ear to some and give encouragement and advice to others.
Then there is that one special person whom God spoke the words, ”I love you” through me before I could stop myself. I immediately apologized because I felt like that came out of nowhere. But then I knew exactly who it was when she responded to my apology with the words, ”No, that’s okay. I needed to hear that.” God knew what she needed to hear and He used me as a vessel to let her know she was loved.
No matter your occupation, God can use you right where you are. He is not a God that’s reserved only for Sundays in a structure-like building. Start your day with Him and bring His presence with you.
We are the Church.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
Monique ST,
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have a morning or evening routine? Feel free to share.
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