How to Create a Morning Routine That Works for You
For just over a year, I’ve had a true morning routine. Gone are the mornings of hitting snooze until the last possible moment when I had just enough time to brush my teeth, throw my hair up and race out the door to catch the bus to make it to my job downtown on time. And while that worked for me at the time, what I’ve discovered is the automation of my morning frees up my mind for other things. Generally, I know how my morning is going to play out. No guessing, no decision fatigue. It allows me to begin my day with simplicity and presence, saving brain power and spirit energy for the remainder of the day.
The key to a useful morning routine is that it works for you! The reason my morning routine succeeds at allowing me to ease into my day and get focused on what’s ahead, is that I designed it for me. Sure, I could have copied someone else’s routine, but intentionally creating a personalized routine allowed me to take into account my likes/dislikes, habits, and biological rhythm.
Consider what you are hoping to create by starting a morning routine. Increased productivity, calm & ease, happiness, pleasure? Begin to visualize the perfect morning, and build from there.
Despite all the articles touting 5am wake ups and a 3 minute ice cold shower as the secret to a successful day, my preference is to start the day on the slow side. I wake up about 2.5 hours before I plan to start working. I know that may sound ridiculous, but because I run my own coaching business I control my schedule (mostly). I am able to start my day at a more leisurely pace because I’m not forced to fit my “productivity” into a 9a – 5p structure. My alarm goes off at 7am, but I tend to naturally wake up about 10 minutes before the alarm goes off. I purchased an alarm clock that simulates a sunrise and it makes a huge difference in the winter months. After I wake up, I tidy bed sheets, start the coffee pot, and brush my teeth. I typically have a sense of what needs to get accomplished, but over my first cup of coffee I make a plan for my day and slot in the timing and order of tasks. I discovered early on in my morning experiment that it was impossible for me to really enjoy that sacred time if I didn’t have a plan for the rest of my day. Usually about 30 minutes after waking my stomach starts rumbling and I make a breakfast sandwich. Having the same breakfast every day is another way I minimize decision fatigue. While the biscuit is in the oven, any dishes in the sink from the day before get washed. After breakfast, I read whichever book in my pile I feel drawn to or do a guided meditation. When my timer goes off marking the end of my 2.5 hour “super chill” morning the work for the day begins.
Remember, “busy” looks different to everyone. We all have different roles we play and hats we wear. The point is to create something that fits into YOUR life. It can be as simple or complex as you want. The more complicated plans might take a little effort at the beginning. You might need to adjust a few things as you figure out what works and what doesn’t. Your morning routine may even change throughout the year, as kids get busy with activities or your busy season at work draws near. Even then, there’s no need to throw your routine completely out the window. Reflect on what you need to set your day up for success (however you define success) and create a modified routine. During the busy spring season on the farm, my routine goes from a leisurely 2.5 hours to a very simple 20 minutes! Starting your day purposefully will be well worth the energy.
I would be remiss if there was no mention of what needs to happen at night to set you up for success in the morning. For me, that means cutting out blue light from various devices at least an hour before bed and a brief peek at tomorrow’s schedule. For you it might include laying out clothes or prepping tomorrow’s lunches and snacks.
You may also find it beneficial to consider things you don’t want to do first thing in the morning, such as instantly starting to scroll social media, checking email or news first thing, or hitting the snooze button more than once (or at all).
There are so many options to consider when creating a morning routine. Think of it as a buffet. Take what you like or are interested in trying. Leave the rest. You are not obligated to overload your plate. Listen to the wise part within yourself that knows what will give you the type of energy you are seeking in the morning.
Mini Smorgasbord of Morning Routine Ideas
You can’t get this wrong! A routine may provide the structure you need to set the tone for your day. Or, you may decide morning routines just aren’t for you. YOU know what you need and want from your mornings. Trust yourself. You’ve got this.