Good morning! Or maybe it’s afternoon by the time you’re reading this, in which case—hello! Let’s talk about mornings, and specifically, how your morning routine can make or break your day. You see, everyone and their dog seems to have an opinion about the perfect morning routine. Some swear by waking up at the crack of dawn, joining the 5 AM Club, while others say it’s not about when you wake up but what you do with the time once you’re awake.
I’m here to tell you that both are right—and wrong. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mornings, and you certainly don’t need to wake up at 5 AM to be successful. (Unless you love seeing the sunrise, in which case, go for it.) Whether you’re an early bird like Warren Buffett or a night owl like Mark Zuckerberg, what matters more than the time on the clock is how you spend those first few hours.
The Morning Myth: Why Timing Isn’t Everything
Let’s debunk the myth that productivity is only for those who rise before the sun. Sure, the early hours might be peaceful and free from distractions, but the key to a productive morning lies in consistency, not the hour on the clock. For instance, I suggest waking up early enough to catch some sunlight. This isn’t just about enjoying nature’s beauty; it’s about syncing your body’s internal clock—your circadian rhythm—with the natural light. This can help you feel more alert during the day and get better sleep at night.
But if you’re not a morning person, don’t panic. You don’t need to force yourself into a schedule that feels unnatural. What you need is a routine that works for you, whether it starts at 5 AM or 10 AM.
The Three Pillars of a Productive Morning
A solid morning routine, no matter what time you start, should have three key components: caring for your mind, body, and spirit. Let me break down my routine to show you how simple—and effective—this can be.
1. The Unskippable Task: Making Your Bed
First off, I make my bed. Every. Single. Morning. I can almost hear you groan, but stay with me. Making your bed might seem trivial, but it’s the first accomplishment of the day. It sets a positive tone and gives you a small win before you even brush your teeth. Plus, when you return home after a long day, a made bed is a comforting sight. It’s like a little gift you’ve given yourself, and it makes crawling into bed at night that much sweeter.
2. Body: A Quick Yoga Stretch
After that, I move onto the body. My morning yoga session isn’t anything elaborate—just a short Vinyasa flow that stretches out the kinks from the night before and gets the blood moving. Some days it’s five minutes, others it’s just a couple of stretches, but it’s non-negotiable. I’m not trying to become a yoga master; I’m just waking up my body and getting it ready for the day.
3. Spirit: A Moment of Mindfulness
Next up is the spirit. This is where mindfulness comes into play. I practice a simple meditation technique called “mindfulness of breathing.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: focusing on your breath, in and out. I sit on a cool meditation bench that keeps my posture straight and my feet from falling asleep. While I’m doing this, I make sure the window is open to let in the morning sunlight. There’s something grounding about feeling the warmth of the sun on your face while you focus on your breath. It’s like pressing the reset button on your brain, clearing out the mental cobwebs.
4. Nourishing the Body: Breakfast of Champions
Finally, I move on to breakfast—arguably my favorite part of the morning. Through much trial and error (and more Pinterest recipes than I care to admit), I’ve perfected a breakfast routine that’s quick, delicious, and gives me something to look forward to when I wake up. I’m not going to lie—sometimes the thought of breakfast is the only thing that gets me out of bed! It’s simple, takes about five minutes to prepare, and is packed with the nutrients I need to start the day. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, which gives my cortisol levels that much-needed morning boost.
While I eat, I like to catch up on YouTube videos from my favorite creators. It’s a little ritual that keeps my mind entertained and engaged, setting the tone for a creative and productive day ahead.
Why Your Morning Routine Matters for Life Coaching
As a life coach, I can’t stress enough how powerful a well-crafted morning routine can be. It’s not just about productivity; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of your day—and by extension, your life. A good morning routine helps you show up as your best self, not just for work but for your personal life too. It’s about creating habits that support your goals and well-being. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
In my affordable life coaching sessions, I often work with clients to build routines that align with their goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re aiming to boost your productivity, manage stress, or just start your day on a positive note, a personalized morning routine can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Your Morning, Your Rules
So, what’s the takeaway? Your morning routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It doesn’t have to involve waking up at 5 AM or doing an hour of yoga (unless you want it to). It just needs to be something that helps you feel grounded, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.
If you’re feeling inspired to shake up your morning routine, or if you’re struggling to find a routine that works for you, consider reaching out for a life coaching session. Together, we can craft a routine that fits your life and helps you move closer to your goals.