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Boss Women Share Morning Routines That Are Key To Peak Productivity
My morning sets the tone of my day, so I try to remove distractions and consistently practice the morning routine I've created for myself. My day begins with a quick podcast session for motivation while I walk my dog, and then an hour workout before work. Lately, I've also added drinking warm lemon water because when I do, I've found that it keeps me hydrated, flushes out toxins, and gives me an extra spurt of energy.
After talking to a few of my favorite girl bosses, I've found a common thread in our daily morning routines that impacts our business and productivity: This whole idea of intentionality is something that's present in each queen's routine below.
Keep reading to learn more about the morning routines that help them bring their best self to their work every day.
Arielle Loren, Founder & CEO, 100K Incubator
Image via Arielle Loren
"I'm usually awake at 6:30am, but I give myself an hour to fully wake my body up before I jump into the day. I sleep with my phone off, so once I'm fully awake, I turn my phone on, check my email and calendar, and check my Instagram. Then, I get dressed and prepare to workout with my trainer.
"By 10:30am, I'm starting calls and jumping into my workday. I keep my routine simple---no complicated meditations or anything over-the-top.
"The most important thing is that I feel rested. I don't wake up to an alarm. I give my body time to acclimate to the day before turning any electronics on, and I get in alignment with whatever God needs me to do that day."
Lady Jade, Nationally Syndicated Morning Radio Co-Host, K104
Image via Lady Jade
"Since we start our national morning show at 4am, my alarm goes off Monday-Friday at 2:30am. The first thing when I get out of bed is turn on the overnight news so I can be up-to-date on current events that happened overnight.
"After I get out of bed, I take a shower to wake up, get dressed; and to get my mind right, ready and focused for the day I listen to [the] Word on my 20-minute commute to work. I love T.D. Jakes' podcast or I look up Pastor Mike Todd from Transformation Church to get motivated. I want to fill myself before I face the day."
Corvaya Jeffries, Founder, The Career Penny & Carmen
Image via Corvaya Jeffries
"I typically get up around 6am every morning. If I have a late night, I'll adjust as needed. Proper rest is a priority for me. Before my feet touch the floor, I take a deep breath and say a prayer. It is a brief but intentional conversation with God. If I wake up anxious or uneasy for whatever reason, I make it a point to write the prayer down in case I want to revisit it later in the day. This sets a tone of gratitude and peace.
"After a morning prayer and conversation with God, I get up and drink one standard-sized bottle or a full glass of water that I put at my bedside each night. Most people don't realize that after multiple hours of sleeping, our bodies and brains are dehydrated. This increases the oxygen to my brain and gives me that alert, on-point feeling I need to get right.
"Dehydrated is a bad way to start the day, especially if the goal is to be productive.
"After hydration, I move to another space in my room or apartment and do a short visualization exercise. I take 5 minutes to visualize a 'future me' because, for the rest of the day, I will try my best to focus on the present. As ambitious and purposeful women, we must find the balance between working toward our dreams and finding contentment and gratitude with what we already have.
"Then, it's hygiene time (face, teeth, body). I listen to a podcast, music for motivation (anything from Tasha Cobbs to Meek Mill) or an audiobook while doing this. Post-hygiene, I have breakfast---something aligned with my body or weight goals for the month. Finally, I check in with my team, catch up on emails, and open my planner which has an overview of my day, week, and month along with prioritized tasks. (Prioritizing is part of my nightly routine!)"
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Featured image courtesy of Corvaya Jeffries
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images