Pinay’s Quarantine Morning Routine

Before quarantine happened, my morning routine was a blur. I was just rushing to shower, get dressed, and leave the house so I won’t be late for my work. I didn’t even eat breakfast because I was the type who liked to savor every bite of my meal—I couldn’t afford that during weekday mornings.

It became a totally different scenario when the quarantine period started, and I began working from home. At first, I found a hard time adjusting. I woke up minutes before I needed to time in at work, and I usually felt grumpy every morning.

I didn’t want my mornings to stay that way for the rest of 2020. I knew I had to do something. a friend who has been working from home for years told me that having a routine helped him create structure and mentally ready to work. I binge-watched a.m. routines on YouTube and took notes of the stuff I could do.

Thoughts about the uncertainty were always in my head: It’s hard to believe that you’ll have a good day ahead when you live in a world that is facing a global pandemic. “Starting your day right” sounded like an impossible task. It took a lot of trial and error before I found the habits that really helped me avoid having “sumpong” in the morning.

Here’s a glimpse of my quarantine morning routine:

1. Table of Contents

   Toggle

   I *try* to get good sleep the night before.

   This item technically affected bedtime, but it had a great impact on how I start my day. One of the changes I made to uplift my mood every day was getting blackout curtains for my room. I slept earlier, better, and I never wake up with the sunlight piercing through my eyes. 11/10 it was life-changing.

2. I do a quick workout.

   LOL, I know. Very YouTuber! I have no plans of getting quarantoned, but I didn’t want to be sedentary. I squeeze in a 10 to 15-minute workout to wake up my body and mind.

   

   Champion Womens The Absolute Workout Sports Bra – Script Logo, P1,650, Anthem

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

   

   Manila Athletica Summer Rainbow Bands, P1,198  (3-piece with pouch), Manila Athletica

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

   In case you’re curious, here’s one of my fave workouts:

3. I listen to a podcast.

   It is said that the brain is the most productive during mornings, so I listen to podcast episodes that will help enrich my mind. I always go for The Life Coach by Brooke Castillo or The Lavendaire Lifestyle. I play these while I shower.

4. I change into ~*work clothes*~.

   Wearing nice clothing helps me to be more mentally present. I found that when I dress up, I accomplish things faster and there’s a lesser chance that I’ll feel sluggish or lazy. I usually go for a day dress that’s super comfy.

   

   Hey Candy Dahlia White Smocked Dress, P1,499, Hey Candy

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

5. I never forget my skincare regimen.

   I rarely wear makeup, so I make sure to pay attention to my skin. I apply a hydrating toner (that also works as a serum) and a mattifying moisturizer. This two-step a.m. routine keeps my complexion glowing and healthy without taking so much of my time.

   

   Pond’s Perfect Potion Essence, P599/110ml, Lazada

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

   

   Garnier Light Complete 12HR Shine Free Brightening Day Cream, P85/20ml, Lazada

   SHOP NOW

6. I never skip sunscreen.

   I have to admit that there are days when I’m too tamad to do my skincare, but I always make sure to apply sunscreen, even if I’m indoors. The UV rays still go through the windows, and gadget screens produce blue light that damages the skin. I go for lightweight formulas so my face won’t feel sticky or greasy.

   

   Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50 PA++++, P749/20ML;  P1990/60ml, Watsons

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

   

   Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel SPF50 PA++++, P1,490/90g, Watsons

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

   

   Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++, P465/50g, Watsons

   SHOP NOW

   

   Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel SPF50 PA++++, P465/50g, Watsons

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

7. I drink coffee!

   I’m one of those who like the taste of coffee in the morning—I don’t need it to function or wake me up. A current favorite is this one from Hello Glow. It aids in digestion and it has collagen that helps switch on my skin’s natural radiance.

   

   Hello Glow Fit to Glow Coffee Mix, P320/10 packets, Lazada

   SHOP NOW

   Continue reading below ↓

My routine now is more relaxed and intentional. Every step has a purpose, and I am mentally and emotionally present as I do it. There days when I skip some steps (except the sunscreen part, applying SPF is so important for me!), but I’ve been pretty much consistent. Having a routine provides structure to start my day right. I’m proud to say that I can be productive, even while at home.

Follow Ira on Instagram.

Follow Cosmo PH Beauty on Instagram.

***

We are officially on Viber! Be part of the Cosmo Viber Community by clicking here!