Tenikca Gainey
Tenikca Gainey is a vegetarian naturalista who’s in her element when writing, crafting, cooking, and working out. As a proud wife of over three years, she works every day to become better, sharing her hits and misses along the way.
What is your morning routine?
I normally wake up around 6:35am and mentally get a grasp on my day.
I see my husband out the door and head to the gym any time between 7:15 and 7:30am a few days a week, normally three, as I like to run some afternoons. I will also work out at home once a week and do chores on Friday mornings.
How long have you stuck with this routine so far?
I gave up sleeping in for Lent so I have been up with the chickens since Ash Wednesday.
How has your morning routine changed over recent years?
My morning routine has changed due to obligations (work, class, other commitments) and the fact that for a very long time, I despised waking up. Giving up sleeping in for Lent has made me much more productive throughout the day and I now look forward to taking on the day.
What time do you go to sleep?
On a great night, I am asleep no later than 10:00pm. 11:00pm is late for me, and if I continue going to bed that late it soon catches up with me.
Thursday nights keep up me up past my bedtime (thanks to Scandal and Greys) so I really try to hit the sack early every other night.
Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?
Yes, from my phone. I hit the snooze button probably too many times.
How soon after waking up do you have breakfast, and what do you typically have?
I normally have breakfast around 9:00am when I get to work. I switch up between oatmeal, yogurt, fruit or a baked good such as a whole wheat muffin. I occasionally have tea or coffee and will sometimes treat myself to Starbucks if I complete my chores or workout early enough.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
Yes. I try to hit the gym no less than three mornings a week.
When I took a break from running, I was at the gym four days a week. Now that I have sustained a running injury I alternate weight training and stretching (like yoga) 4-5 days a week to stay fit.
How about morning meditation?
I pray every morning and use the time between me waking up and getting out of bed to center myself and mentally prepare for the day ahead of me.
Do you see to email first thing in the morning or leave it until later in the day?
I used to. I stopped that at the end of last year. My head would be a mess and full of every sale item and request and whatever else.
Now, I check my email around 9:00am.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning, either for calls/messages or social media and news?
I don’t check for missed calls, texts, or news alerts, but I do check social media either right before the gym or when I am warming up.
What are your most important tasks in the morning?
Praying, seeing my husband out the door, working out, and not getting to work too late.
What and when is your first drink in the morning?
I will have water and/or an energy drink before, during, and after the gym. I don’t have coffee or tea until later.
On days you’re not settled in your home, are you able to adapt your routine to fit in with a different environment?
It is VERY difficult.
Most times when I am in these situations it is either for civic duty or a weekend trip. In those events I have a schedule to adhere to which makes a bit easier to adjust.
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