As we approach month 10 of our new normal surrounding COVID-19, we thought it would be interesting to look for the silver linings in how our lives have changed. Team RLC has been working from home since March, and though we miss the hustle and bustle of the office and seeing our coworker’s smiling faces in real life, working from home has also allowed many of us to slow down and rethink how we start our days. Here’s a look at how our team’s morning routines have changed, and how we set the tone for each day!
Jesselyn Alvarez, Global Director, Digital Marketing & eCommerce
I always start my day by checking emails in bed so I can mentally prepare for the day ahead. Once I’m out of bed, I usually make a cup of tea – usually Pique brand tea crystals! After tea-time and more emails, it’s time for my morning smoothie:
Golden Turmeric Ginger Smoothie
1/4 cup hemp hearts
32oz Alkaline water
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp tocos powder
1/2 tsp ashwagandha
1/2 tsp ginger
pinch of cardamom
2 tsp monk fruit, honey or dates
or maple syrup
Add all ingredients into blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Pour and enjoy! Store remaining in a mason jar in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Once I’m feeling a little more awake and no longer starving, I jump in the shower and get ready for the day. My quarantine makeup look has been very much along the lines of “no makeup-makeup” - I use Lancome Rénergie Lift Foundation with SPF 27 for a nice healthy glow followed by some Benefit Hula bronzer for some light contour, RevitaLash Cosmetics Double-Ended Volume Set to make me look more awake and some good old Chapstick to complete the look. I usually wear something sporty so I can easily go for my midday walk/run. I find it so helpful to get some exercise in between the marathon of Zoom calls.
Stephen Gronek, Account Executive
The best part of my new quarantine morning routine? No more 5AM workouts for me! Now that I don't have to worry about getting out of the city to beat traffic, I am able to do an afternoon workout which keeps my mind clear of the afternoon brain fog. These days, I start my morning with coffee (always!), then it's time to get ready (from the waist up!) for virtual meetings/trainings. I throw on some Hi-Def Brow Gel (Soft Brown for me) for a camera-ready look and I'm off to my glamorous office located at my…kitchen table. I am definitely enjoying the extra "me" time quarantine has provided - my skin has never looked better now that I have time to layer on 10 different serums!
Cherie D’Urso, Global Marketing Project Manager
Even without my daily commute, maintaining a morning routine is super important to me! My alarm always goes off at 6AM, and I catch up on the news while getting ready to workout. Since going to the gym has been out of the question, I’ve invested heavily in a home gym and am loving it – it’s definitely been one of my quarantine highlights! My morning workouts consist of a combination of both the treadmill and strength training.
Once I’ve checked that off the list, it’s time to shower and get ready for the workday! Like working out, a big part of my morning routine pre-COVID was getting dressed, putting on makeup, and doing my hair - maintaining that consistency has been integral in helping me feel ready to tackle my day. Even on light makeup days, I always use Hi-Def Brow Gel and Double-Ended Volume Set to add a little extra definition to my lashes and brows. And I never forget SPF, even though I’m sitting inside most of the day!
The biggest change to my morning routine these days is having the extra time to meditate more consistently. I try to take a little break sometime after I get dressed and before lunch to set my intention for the day and meditate on it. This helps me feel more balanced, focused and productive.
Albin Gielicz, International Channel Director
Honestly, my routine hasn’t changed much since quarantine! I start each day by feeding my dog, Zoe, and my cat, Romulus. Without my commute, I’m enjoying the extra furry-time while drinking my favorite espresso (Intelligentsia Frequency Blend). I’m big on morning showers to help wake me up, and always use Thickening Shampoo and Thickening Conditioner to keep my hair nourished and volumized. After that, I’m awake, caffeinated, and ready for all-day Zoom meetings!
Brian Doran, Global Director of Planning and Analysis
As soon as I wake up, I take off my sleep mask and kiss my fiancé on the cheek before rolling out of bed. Very important that I do this before checking my phone, even to see what time it is (I learned this from Oprah). If you check your phone in bed you are likely to get sucked back in and the whole day starts off wrong. If I’m feeling especially energetic I get in a 30 minute workout (Adrian Williams on Peloton is my boy!), but most likely I will just wash my face (Epicurean Citrus Herbal Cleanser), apply my face creams (Epicurean: Eye Cream, Vitamin C Complex, and Colostrum Glow Cream) before finishing my skincare routine with AquaBlur. I usually have some Yerba Mate cold-brewing from the night before, and if I am lucky, I will have also prepared some overnight oats (rolled oats, brown sugar, assorted berries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, almond milk) - but more than likely I am just munching on a Cliff Bar. These days, I like to get an early start so that I am able to take the necessary breaks throughout the day for lunch/workout/miscellaneous without feeling like I am falling behind.
Audrianna Mora, Global Education Manager
A few months ago I read Mel Robin’s book The Five Second Rule, and it’s really helped me get up earlier and enjoy time alone before the world starts. Here’s the trick: once my alarm goes off, I count to five and try to get my feet on the ground before reaching 5. In doing this, my mind doesn’t have time to talk me into hitting snooze. Next I make my bed – I’ve learned that doing this small task sets the tone of the day. It’s instant gratification and of course, I love how my bedroom looks for the day. Coffee is always a must have – I start boiling water, and open the windows or light palo santo as I wait for it to boil. I’m really loving my Chemex slow drip coffee maker – not only does it brew a great cup of coffee, but it’s plastic free, eco-friendly and sustainable.
Now that I don’t have a commute, I love taking my coffee out to the patio. I enjoy the fresh morning air, the hummingbirds, and try to read a book. Right now I’m reading Marianne Williamson’s A year of Miracles – Daily Devotions & Reflections, and loving it! Once my coffee is gone, I jump on my Peleton for a quick ride before beginning my work day. I love this new morning routine – it makes me feel refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer the day!
Randi Vandagriff, Director of Global Marketing
No commute plus having the kids home doing distance learning equals a morning full of sleepy snuggles! My son typically wakes up before anyone else in the house, so we always start off with a warm bottle for him and hot black tea for me. We get to enjoy a quiet moment together before the rest of the house wakes up and the day’s craziness begins. I tend to try and prolong the snuggles in bed by bringing breakfast into bed. Sometimes it works but most times he is ready to jump up and be Spiderman or the blue Power Ranger! After that it’s off to the races, waking up my daughter (really hard task), getting my family ready for the day, checking calendars, and syncing up schedules. Quarantine can be frustrating, but I wouldn’t take back any of this extra family time, especially the mornings!
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