Morning Routine
A good morning routine aids in discipline practice - which helps me set a positive tone daily. As someone who struggles with depression and ADHD symptoms, I have found having a structured morning routine helps me get focused and calm before tackling projects. Some days, it’s hard to get out of bed and brush my teeth, but now that I’ve incorporated a detailed routine, it’s almost like a mental checklist that I have to go through before I let my mind wander to additional daily tasks. It has made the self-care process less daunting and changed my perspective on caring for my mental/physical well-being - implementing something small like this can go a long way.
In this YouTube video, I discuss my morning routine and briefly review the items I have found most beneficial for my everyday skin/hormone wellness. : https://youtu.be/V1kYD0EbW5o
I start with my medications and supplements.
150 mg Venlafaxine (psychiatrist prescribed), also known as Effexor - XR.
Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication used to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. This works by increasing the amount of serotonin produced in my brain and blocks reputake inhibitors that normally stop my brain from reabsorbing the serotonin. More serotonin is created, and it can be reabsorbed in the brain!
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, July 1). Venlafaxine (oral route)
description and brand names. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/description/drg-20067379#:~:text=Descriptions,norepinephrine%20reuptake%20inhibitors%20(SNRI).
Ashwagandha
Recent clinical ethnopharmacological relevance studies prove ashwagandha provides neuroprotective effects on the brain. This aids in prevention and symptom relief for brain disorders such as anxiety, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, dyslexia, depression, autism, addiction, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorders.
Sultan Zahiruddin, Parakh Basist, Abida Parveen, Rabea Parveen, Washim Khan, Gaurav, Sayeed Ahmad.
(2020). Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments, Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112876.
Peach Perfect - Happy Hormones
Although I am not diagnosed with PCOS, I do care about hormone regulation and happy hormones! This PCOS multivitamin aids in ovarian support and cycle regularity boost fertility and lessens body hair and hormone balancing. Food, stress, and age can all disturb the balance of feminine hormones. Unlike men, whose hormones regulate on a 24-hour cycle, women's hormones regulate on a 28-30 day cycle. With that being said, there is additional room for error within that period of time… so why not take something that can regulate those things daily?
https://growpeaches.com/products/happy-hormones-pcos-multivitamin?variant=47070902157608
Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements
Recent studies conclude that lion’s mane mushroom (H. erinaceus) supplements improve the speed of brain performance and provide a stress-reducing effect. In addition, cognitive repair has been found in people in late adulthood.
Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023; 15(22):4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842
Now we move to the NEXT STEP…
Skin care
For this section, I will list the steps I take (products can be found in the YouTube video).
Oil cleanser (goes on DRY skin - do not wet face before applying).
Toner
Vitamin C serum
Hydration - I use a lotion with many hydrating elements.
Snail mucin
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Like many others, it needs specific proteins and nutrients to flourish. Snail Mucin is a protein that reverses skin aging, wrinkles, and other impurities caused by exterior manipulation at the cellular level. Furthermore, it protects the skin from UV irritation and aids in hydration retention. For additional information, check out the study below.
Sunscreen
Aquaphor
Hopefully, this blog can give you a jump-off point for your morning routine!
Best,
Aubrey H.
