morning routine

What time do you wake up in the morning? What time do you eat breakfast? Do you have any morning quiet time rituals? All of these accumulate to what is considered a ‘morning routine.’

I watch YouTube quite frequently, and I always see all of the ‘influencers’ talk about how they have started a new morning routine- which consists of them waking up at 5 AM, stretching, reading a book, practicing meditation, going to a workout class, walking to get coffee, showering, and making breakfast all before 9 AM. I tried this the other day, and while I did feel satisfied, it simply isn’t a reasonable morning routine for any ‘normal’ human. I mean, if it’s your jam, go for it! But, as a college student, I can tell you right now that if I woke up at 5 AM i would be averaging three hours of sleep a night, which simply is not healthy or sustainable.

If you’re anything like me, you reach for your phone first thing in the morning to turn off your alarm, then you get distracted and either hit snooze or look at all of the notifications you have received (which immediately creates a rush of anxiety and guilt for what I’ve missed while I’ve been sleeping). How toxic ?!

What I neglected to factor in when I tried this influencer routine was that they most likely go to bed at 9-10 PM every night because they don’t have to necessarily worry about normal people things (homework, normal 9-5 job hours, kids, animals, etc.) Life is stressful, and unfortunately, having an extensive morning routine gives me more anxiety than rolling out of bed, throwing on sweatpants, grabbing my backpack, and walking out of the door. I admit, there are mornings where I regret sleeping until 9:30 and wasting precious time, but at the end of the day it is more important to listen to your body than to force it into rhythms that it fights against. If waking up at 5 AM is not something that your body likes or responds to in a positive manner, maybe you simply aren’t cut out for the influencer morning routine.

If you are wondering what I’m talking about, here are a few links to some influencer’s morning routines.

Yeah, couldn’t be me. Here is someone who tried out the routine, as well as her feedback.

Much more relatable.

And here is another, even more relatable one.

Case and point, I like to consider myself a morning person, however, your morning routine is something that should be unique to YOU. Please do not think that you have to follow other people’s morning routines or buy into the 5 AM phenomenon. If that is what you like and how your body, mind, and spirit thrives, then GREAT! I am genuinely jealous and will pay you to teach me your ways. But please listen to your body and do what is best for you!

Here are some practical ways to start off your morning:

• Brush your teeth

• Take a quick shower

• Drink a glass of water before you drink your coffee (or tea)

• Make coffee

• Do a devotional while you drink said coffee (yes, I am an addict, please forgive me)

• Eat breakfast- the MOST important meal of the day- it starts your metabolic digestion

• Turn on a soft playlist and start working!!

My morning routine varies day to day because I have learned to listen to my body and accept that what I need changes every day. Whether that be waking up a half hour later or making tea instead of coffee; maybe I need to take time to stretch or meditate, maybe I simply need to take a few deep breaths. Some days it simply isn’t realistic to make a five course meal, I just want cereal. Whatever it may be, I think it is imperative to not force yourself into a routine that puts you into a toxic headspace or that you are not able to maintain.

Here are two of my sample morning routines:

Routine 1 (the one where I go to bed at a reasonable hour)-

Wake up at 7:45

Drink water

Wash my face or take a quick shower

Get dressed

Stretch

Make coffee

Do my devotional

Make breakfast

Routine 2 (the one where I go to bed at a very unreasonable hour)-

Wake up at 9

Drink water

Wash face

Get dressed

Make coffee

Grab a granola bar

Listen to a sermon/podcast on my way to class/ meeting

I tried to show you how much my morning routine can vary. There are certain habits that I try to make immovable, such as making sure I always make time to start the day with God in my heart and making my coffee. Things change, and so does my routine! I hope that you found this helpful.

Authentically,

Ali