Grad School Morning Routine feat. Tom’s of Maine

Thank you Tom’s of Maine for sponsoring this post!

I’ve been trying to incorporate more eco-friendly, natural products into my life. Whether it’s simple things like using less plastic bags in my lunch, or totally switching up products I use regularly like toothpaste and deodorant, I’ve promised myself to be more conscious about the type of products I use. I was really excited when Tom’s of Maine wanted to collab on a post because this “new, natural-product-loving” me was already thinking about trying their toothpaste!

I just realized the other day that we are over halfway through the semester. I didn’t have many midterms (surprisingly) so I wasn’t really in tune with where we were at in the semester. Honestly, this semester is DRAGGING and I have found myself shamelessly counting down to Thanksgiving break. I figured since I’ve pretty much solidified my morning routine, I should share it here on the blog! Here’s what my mornings typically look like:

tom's of maine luminous white

8:00 am Wake Up.

I made it my goal over the past few weeks to force myself to wake up earlier. I don’t have class most days until 12:30, so I wouldn’t have to wake up until around 10AM. However, I try really hard to set my alarm for exactly 7.5 or 8 hours after I go to bed. I love the iPhone’s “bedtime” alarm for that! It lets me calculate the exact time I should try getting up in the morning. I’ll be honest, sometimes it doesn’t work, but lately I’ve been pretty successful about waking up right when I want to!

8:15 Brush Teeth.

tom's of maine luminous white

Before going downstairs for breakfast, I always remove my retainer and brush my teeth! Like I said, when I found out I’d be doing a collab with Tom’s of Maine, I was v excited. I actually had already tried Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant and was interested in incorporating more natural products into my daily routine. Tom’s of Maine Luminous White toothpaste contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, no animal testing and it’s gluten free. This toothpaste gives you a natural way to whiten your teeth and all ingredients are naturally derived. I’ve really been loving it so far and I’m excited to see my teeth become whiter after using it longer!

tom's of maine luminous white

~8:15 Head Downstairs.

After I wake up, I head downstairs to have breakfast and do some work. I’ll prep my backpack for class, read a chapter, or do some work. I’ll also pack my lunch for the day! I had some people ask me what I typically bring to lunch and I’ll warn you that it’s incredibly boring. I will bring a sandwich (probably chicken) and lots of snacks. Some of my favs are applesauce, crackers (goldfish especially), fruit snacks, and granola bars. I’m in class for at least 3 hours every day, sometimes more. I need snacks!

kayla blogs morning routine

10:15 Shower.

I start to get ready for the day around this time. It gives me about an hour to shower, get dressed, and do my makeup and hair!

11:15 Leave for class.

It takes me between 45 minutes and an hour to get to campus so for a 12:30 class I’ll leave an hour and fifteen minutes early, just in case I hit any traffic along the way! My commute is mostly highway so it really isn’t a bad drive.

Having a slow, productive morning is so important for my mood the rest of the day. I love to have time to eat breakfast, do a little bit of work to prepare for the day, and #treatmyself to some natural personal care. I know that sounds so corny but I feel so much better now that I’m actually paying attention to the ingredients I put into my body every day. Whether it’s toothpaste, deodorant, or even using natural tampons, I feel better and at least more aware of what’s natural. I encourage you to check out Tom’s of Maine because you can get their stuff pretty much anywhere, including Target!

Let me know in the comments what type of natural products you use regularly or if you’re looking to start, what product would you switch out first?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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21 Comments

  1. Taylor Mead
    November 15, 2017 / 6:29 pm

    You go girl! You’re seriously kicking butt in grad school. As for Tom’s of Maine, I never realized they had toothpaste, but I love that it’s natural!! Will definitely be checking it out.

    xo, Taylor || The Millennial Sprinkle (thesprinkle.tayloramead.com)

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:50 pm

      Thanks Taylor! Yeah, it’s great I definitely recommend trying it!

  2. November 15, 2017 / 8:36 pm

    Brushing my teeth is seriously my most favorite time of the day!

  3. November 16, 2017 / 12:58 am

    I’ve heard great things about that toothpaste! My sister has Celiac and it’s actually the only toothpaste she can use!

    Kristin
    The Blush Blonde

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:51 pm

      Wow that’s awesome! I’m glad there is something out there for her that she can conveniently buy!

  4. November 16, 2017 / 2:11 am

    You have such an early and productive morning! If I manage to get up without hitting snooze 5x I feel accomplished.

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:51 pm

      Girl, it’s not always like this! I have my good mornings and bad mornings!

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:51 pm

      You should definitely give it a try!

  5. Jordyn Upchurch
    November 16, 2017 / 12:15 pm

    My husband is a huge lover of this toothpaste, he swears by it!

    xoxo, SS

    Southern and Style

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:52 pm

      Whenever guys love a product you know it must be good haha. I don’t know many guys that would express their love for a toothpaste!

  6. November 16, 2017 / 12:28 pm

    That pretty much sounds like my morning routine when I was still in school haha. And love this toothpaste!

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:52 pm

      It can get boring but I really love having time for myself in the morning. It has such a huge impact on my day!

  7. November 16, 2017 / 1:40 pm

    I miss my college morning routine! It was so chill and non-stressful! lol Seriously thought that toothpaste is the best!

    • November 16, 2017 / 5:53 pm

      Right?! I’m dreading the day where I have to be somewhere before 10AM regularly. My relaxed, calm morning will be out the window lol.

  8. November 16, 2017 / 7:09 pm

    I love using more eco-friendly products! I discovered Seventh Generation last year and only use them for dish soap and laundry detergent now! I’ll have to check out Tom’s toothpaste because I’m about to run out of my current one.

    • November 16, 2017 / 8:44 pm

      Oooh I’ll have to check out Seventh Generation! Thanks girl!

  9. November 17, 2017 / 10:51 am

    This is my boyfriend’s favorite toothpaste! I love it too – eco-friendly products are my jam!

  10. Tori Dunlap
    November 19, 2017 / 6:41 pm

    I really need to get more committed to the eco-friendly way! Have heard awesome things about Toms!
    Tori || Victori Media
    https://www.victorimedia.com

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