Remember that feeling of waking up already behind schedule? The dread that simmers as you fumble for your phone, instantly bombarded with highlight reels of perfectly curated morning routines? It's a recipe for instant inadequacy, isn't it? I've been there, chasing the "perfect" start to the day, only to find myself more stressed than before. What if I told you there's a better way? A way to design a morning thatactuallyworks foryou, without trying to replicate someone else's highlight reel?
Why Influencer Morning Routines Rarely Work For You
Let's be honest, those perfectly posed Instagram shots and meticulously planned schedules can be… intimidating. They promise boundless energy, glowing skin, and a productivity level that seems superhuman. We see the green smoothie, the perfectly lit yoga session, the gratitude journaling in a pristine notebook, and we think, "If I just didthat, my life would be completely different!" But the truth is, what works for a fitness influencer in Bali probably isn't going to cut it for a busy parent of three juggling school drop-offs and work deadlines. And that's okay!
The problem lies in the fact that influencer routines are often crafted for content, not necessarily for genuine well-being. They're selling a lifestyle, an aspirational ideal. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but it's crucial to remember that those snapshots represent a highly filtered, often unrealistic version of reality. Think about it: Do you see the messy hair, the spilled coffee, the last-minute scramble to find a matching sock? Probably not. And that's because those moments don't fit the narrative. They are authentic, lived moments though. We should embrace them.
Furthermore, these routines often lack context. We don't know the individual's schedule, energy levels, or personal priorities. They might have a personal chef preparing their meals, a nanny taking care of their children, and a flexible work schedule that allows them to dedicate hours to self-care. Trying to replicate their routine without considering these factors is setting yourself up for failure and frustration. So, how do we break free from this cycle and design a morning routine that truly serves us?
Understanding Your Personal Circadian Rhythm
The first step is getting in touch with your body's natural clock – your circadian rhythm. This internal process regulates your sleep-wake cycle and influences various bodily functions, including hormone production and body temperature. While the general pattern is similar for everyone, individual variations exist. Some people are naturally "early birds" (morning larks) who feel most alert and energetic in the morning, while others are "night owls" who peak later in the day.
Trying to force yourself into a routine that contradicts your natural rhythm can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and decreased productivity. The goal isn't to become a morning person if you're not one, but to optimize your morning based on your existing tendencies. Pay attention to how you feel at different times of the day. When do you naturally wake up (without an alarm, ideally)? When do you feel most focused and alert? When do you experience a mid-afternoon slump? Answering these questions will provide valuable insights into your circadian rhythm.
Experiment with waking up at different times to see how it affects your energy levels and mood throughout the day. If you're a night owl, perhaps you can shift your work schedule slightly to allow for a later start time. If you're an early bird, consider scheduling your most demanding tasks for the morning when you're at your peak performance. Tools like sleep trackers (although be mindful of relyingtooheavily on data) and journaling can help you identify patterns and fine-tune your routine. The key is to workwithyour body, not against it.
For example, for a number of years I used a jarring alarm sound as soon as I woke up, and I did this because I thought it would help me wake up easier, but it actually contributed to my tiredness and stress! I swapped out the loud sound for something more melodic, and I feel much more relaxed when I wake up in the mornings now!
Focus on Foundational Habits, Not "Trendy" Ones
Instead of chasing the latest wellness trends, focus on establishing a few foundational habits that support your overall well-being. These are the core building blocks of a healthy and productive morning. Think of them as the non-negotiables – the things you do regardless of how busy or stressed you are.
Start with prioritizing sleep. Adequate rest is the foundation of a good morning. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down before bed, and ensure your sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool. This might mean swapping out that late-night screen time for a book, or investing in blackout curtains. It really can make a difference!
Next, consider movement. You don't need to spend hours at the gym. Even a short walk, a few stretches, or some light yoga can boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and prepare you for the day ahead. Find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your morning routine, even if it's just for 15 minutes. I like to put on some music and dance around my kitchen while I wait for my coffee to brew – it's silly, but it works! This gets my heart rate up, but it also helps me relieve any stress that may have been on my mind when I initially woke up.
Finally, nourish your body with a healthy breakfast. Avoid sugary cereals and processed foods that can lead to energy crashes. Instead, opt for a balanced meal that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This could be anything from eggs with avocado toast to oatmeal with berries and nuts. If you're short on time, prepare your breakfast the night before or grab a smoothie on the go. A full stomach can help lead to a productive morning!
The Power of a "Before-Breakfast" Task
This is a little trick I've found incredibly helpful: tackling one small, manageable taskbeforeyou even think about food. It's not about grueling work or ticking off major items on your to-do list. It's about creating a sense of accomplishment early in the day, setting a positive tone, and silencing that nagging feeling of "I should be doing something."
This task should be something that takes no more than 15-20 minutes and requires minimal mental energy. Think of things like making your bed (an instant visual win!), emptying the dishwasher, writing a short email, or tidying up your workspace. The key is to choose something that feels easy and achievable, not overwhelming. The satisfaction of completing this task first thing in the morning can create a ripple effect, motivating you to tackle other challenges with greater confidence and enthusiasm.
The "before-breakfast" task also helps you resist the urge to immediately dive into social media or emails upon waking. By focusing on a tangible task, you're consciously choosing to engage with the real world before being bombarded with digital distractions. This can help you feel more grounded, present, and in control of your day. It doesn't mean you can't check your phone later, but it does give you a chance to start your day on your own terms.
For a while I wanted to implement this step into my routine, but it failed many times. Then I realized that my problem was that I was setting the bar too high for myself. My "before-breakfast" task was something that would take up to an hour! Of course, that's going to fail, so I recommend anyone who is planning to implement this to start small! For me, I now only read one chapter of a book before eating anything!
Embrace Flexibility and Experimentation
The most important thing to remember is that your morning routine is a work in progress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different activities, times, and approaches until you find what works best for you. What works for one person may not work for another, and what works for you at one stage of your life may not work for you at another. Life changes, and your routine should adapt accordingly.
Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Building new habits takes time and effort. Focus on making small, sustainable changes that you can realistically incorporate into your daily life. Track your progress, celebrate your successes, and learn from your setbacks. And most importantly, remember that the goal isn't to achieve some unattainable ideal, but to create a morning routine that supports your well-being and helps you live your best life.
So, ditch the influencer envy, tune into your own body, and start designing a morning that's authentically you. It's not about perfection; it's about progress. It's about creating a foundation for a day that feels grounded, intentional, and aligned with your values. And trust me, the results will be far more rewarding than any Instagram-worthy routine.