Designing a Morning Ritual
How to make a morning routine that fits your lifestyle
Life is often a balancing act of moments of joy, stress, and everything in between. You can’t always be in control of every situation, and in the chaos, we all need the energy to take on challenges as they come and fully enjoy the happy moments.
I used to get up every morning with only a 45-minute window (depending on when I finally went to sleep). I felt rushed to get ready for work and fight traffic. It was a chaotic start to the day.
After years of frazzled mornings, I finally decided to make a change by creating a morning routine. Sure, I could simply make sure I went to sleep and woke up at a certain time every day. But I wanted it to be about more than just getting to work early or having time to eat breakfast.
An ideal morning routine not only allows you to get a healthy amount of sleep, but it also boosts your mood with self-care practices that keep you energized all day. For those who have read it, The 5 AM Club introduces a productivity and lifestyle concept that promotes a specific routine for the first waking hour of your day.
If that appeals to you—great! But the key to a good routine is that it’s realistic, repeatable, and resonates with you. I’ve experimented with my morning ritual to make it work for my lifestyle and work schedule.
What activities feed your energy? Find what makes sense for you. Here are a few habits and tips that have worked for me:
Start with Hydration
I need a cup of caffeine to jump-start my day. But the first thing I drink is a glass of water with lemon (when I have one handy). After eight hours of sleep, your body needs hydration. I fill a water bottle the evening before and put it on my dresser so it’s easily accessible when I wake up.
Spark Good Vibes with Positive Affirmations
Living in a world filled with stress and negativity, I like to set myself up with positive intention. There are numerous podcasts that offer short, daily affirmations you can download to make it easier. They’re simple to listen to while I’m getting ready for the day or during my commute.
Journaling for Wellness
This is a newer morning ritual for me. I’ve found that it helps me better understand my emotions and manage stress. Processing emotions has never been a strong suit of mine. The 6-Minute Diary has been a helpful tool, as it provides a framework to structure this practice. The journal is designed to help you set your intention for the day and reflect in the evening—all in just six minutes.
Read a Chapter or Two
Finding designated time to sit still and read has become more challenging over the years. I now weave reading into moments like sitting in the sauna or relaxing in my backyard while my dog runs around. Reading is one of my more flexible rituals, especially with a longer commute on office days. But I still try to squeeze in at least one chapter when I’m working from home or riding the bus. Your reading material comes down to preference—I’m more likely to grab a fiction thriller than a personal development book.
Add in Movement
Many of us spend five days a week sitting for most of the day. And when we relax, it’s typically by sitting around watching Netflix. When I begin my day with exercise, I feel a boost in both mood and energy. When I’m working from home, I go to the gym in the morning or take my dog for a walk. On office days, I use dumbbells or do a five-minute bodyweight routine to get myself moving.
