The Best Morning Routine Is The One You Embrace

Is morning the hardest time to start doing things?

Yes! But is it the best time? 100%!

Once you make a habit of a morning routine, you’ll thank me for this advice. It doesn’t mean you do it every single day, with no rest or excuses. However, when you understand what’s happening ‘behind the scenes,’ it becomes much easier to stick with it daily.

Navigate to where you want to go:

1. Introduction
2. Why Mornings Matter
3. Does It Really Work, Though?
4. Rethinking Your Morning: It’s Not All Bad!
5. When Mornings Suck (Because Sometimes They Do)

Introduction 

Let’s face it – mornings can be tough, but they’re full of potential.

The first few hours after waking can set the tone for your entire day. Forget about picture-perfect routines you see on social media – real mornings can be chaotic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t harness their power.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your perfect morning routine is unique to you. It’s about finding what works, even if it’s unconventional. The goal is to wake up feeling excited about the day ahead because you’ve crafted a routine that sets you up for success.

Take me, for example. I’m a morning person, not because I don’t enjoy sleep, but because I’ve made a habit of going to the gym, doing yoga, meditating, and taking care of my skin first thing every day. My alarm goes off at 6am, and I’m excited for the day.

By the time I get to work, I feel great, happy, and content, while others are grumbling about the fact that it’s Monday.

This post will explore creative strategies to transform your mornings from drudgery to delight, helping you unlock the hidden potential of your mornings – no sunrise yoga or green juice required (unless that’s your thing).

This is actually my thing but for me it’s more connection of my mind and body rather than ”exercise”.

Why Mornings Matter

A. The science of circadian rhythms

• Your brain on morning: Peak cognitive function

Studies show that for most people, cognitive function peaks in the morning hours. This isn’t about forcing yourself to be a morning person; it’s about understanding your body’s natural rhythm and harnessing it.

• Hormonal advantages: Cortisol isn’t always the enemy

We often villainize cortisol as the “stress hormone,” but it’s not all bad. In fact, your body’s natural cortisol spike in the morning can be a powerful ally. This surge helps you feel alert and energized.
The key is working with your cortisol, not against it. Instead of immediately drowning it in caffeine, try channeling that natural energy into something meaningful.

B. Setting intentions vs. To-do lists

• The power of purpose over productivity

Forget the mile-long to-do list that leaves you feeling defeated before you’ve even started. Mornings are prime time for setting intentions – the “why” behind your day, not just the “what.”

• How to craft meaningful daily intentions

Start small. Ask yourself: “What’s one thing I want to embody today?” Maybe it’s patience, creativity, or connection. Write it down, say it out loud, or visualize it.

Remember, mornings aren’t about cramming in more tasks – they’re about setting the tone for a day lived with purpose and intention. Embrace your unique rhythms, harness your natural energy, and watch your days transform from frantic to focused.

I’m a big fan of morning yoga flows. If you’re looking for a great routine, I highly recommend Boho Beautiful Yoga.

Their videos are wonderfully calming, yet they also leave you feeling energized. The instructors have a lovely, soothing presence that makes starting your day with yoga a real pleasure.

Does It Really Work, Though?

We’ve all heard it: just meditate for 5 minutes each morning and your life will change.

Sounds easy, right? But like most quick fixes, it’s not that simple. Before you give up on mindfulness altogether, let’s talk about why the usual meditation advice might not be working for you and explore some surprising alternatives that could actually make a difference.

I’ll be honest – I’m someone who meditates and does breathwork most mornings. But it’s not something that happened overnight, and I don’t expect to do it every single day for the rest of my life. That’s why I’m on a mission to find alternatives for those times when I feel like I need a change.

Why traditional meditation fails for many?

Traditional meditation often fails for many people due to unrealistic expectations and a one-size-fits-all approach. The pressure to achieve instant tranquility can create anxiety, especially for those with busy minds or attention challenges.

What could work then?

Rethinking Your Morning: It’s Not All Bad

Let’s dive into some of the most common morning routine dogmas and turn them on their heads.

A. The Caffeine Conundrum

If you asked me to describe myself, “coffee lover” would be at the top of the list! I absolutely adore my coffee. It brings me joy and happiness every day.

People have tried to convince me that drinking multiple cups a day is bad, or that I shouldn’t start my mornings with coffee. But you know what? I’ve stayed loyal to my coffee ritual, and I’ve never felt better!

I’m in the best shape of my life right now. Of course, that’s not all thanks to coffee – I wish it were that simple! But here’s the thing: you don’t have to give up everything you enjoy just because you read somewhere that it might not be the absolute best for you.

Recent studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can have numerous health benefits, from improving cognitive function to reducing the risk of certain diseases. Plus, there’s something to be said for the comfort and ritual of that first cup.

It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s about the moment of calm before the day’s storm.

So, if your morning coffee brings you joy and helps you kickstart your day, embrace it.

Alternatives for the caffeine-sensitive or if you want to mix things up:

1. Matcha: This powdered green tea provides a gentler caffeine boost along with L-theanine, which can promote calm focus.
2. Golden milk: A warm, spicy blend of turmeric, ginger, and milk that can reduce inflammation and boost your mood.
3. Chicory root “coffee” and Mushroom “coffee”: A caffeine-free option that mimics the taste of coffee while providing prebiotic fiber.
4. Cold or Hot water with lemon: Sometimes, simple is best. The temperature choice is yours – both can be invigorating in their own way and help kickstart your hydration for the day while lemon provides a vitamin C boost.

B.Yoga

Yoga isn’t about contorting yourself into a pretzel. I mean especially in the morning then your body and especially spine is not stretched it could be even very bad for you.

Instead, yoga is about connecting with your body and breath, and you don’t need to be flexible to enjoy its benefits.

If you’re interested in a yoga session, I recommend Boho Beautiful.

However, if you’re looking for a quick stretch, here are some options for you:

1. The “I’m a Star” Stretch: Stand with arms outstretched, imagining you’re filling the room with energy.
2. The “Grumpy Cat” Release: On all fours, alternate between arching and dropping your back.
3. The “Shake It Off” Dance: Put on a favorite song and just shake your whole body, dance or just move the way it feels good. 

These tips might seem silly or funny to try, but they’re actually quite nice. Give them all a shot, and finish with a shake at the end. It’s such a good feeling!

C. Cold Shower

I hear you saying things here, and I am also not a fan of the cold, generally speaking. But I have tried, and I will try again.

It’s hard when you already have the idea in your head that it’s going to be terrible and painful even before you actually give it a go. So, just try not to judge it before you try it.

Cold showers have gained a following for potentially boosting alertness and mood. But they’re not for everyone. If you’re curious, ease in gradually:

1. Start with contrast showers: End your warm shower with 30 seconds of cold water.
2. Target specific areas: Try cold water on just your face or limbs.
3. Cold rinse after exercise: When your body’s already warm.

When Mornings Suck (Because Sometimes They Do)

Let’s be real: not every morning is Instagram-perfect. Sometimes, you wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, and the day ahead seems impossible. Even the most positive people with well-established routines have days when getting out of bed feels impossible.

I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have too. It’s a universal experience. For me, these tough mornings usually stem from interrupted sleep or illness. But regardless of the cause, we all face them.

When you’re having a tough morning like this, don’t feel pressured to force yourself into power poses or go for a morning jog. Instead, it’s okay to simply accept the situation gracefully. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that it’s alright to have off days. Remember, self-compassion is just as important as self-improvement.

• Give yourself permission to take it slow. Start with small, manageable tasks like simply sitting up in bed or taking a few deep breaths.
• Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself it’s okay to have tough days and that this feeling will pass.
• Focus on basic self-care. Even if it’s just drinking a glass of water or stretching for a few minutes, small acts of self-care can make a difference.
• If possible, reach out to a friend or loved one for support. Sometimes just talking to someone can help shift your perspective.

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  • MASCULINE AND FEMININE ENERGY EXPLAINED: IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK