An easy to follow three-step morning routine habit
A solid morning routine habit can set you up for a smooth and successful day whatever you choose to do.
In the months since I returned from cycling a half lap of the planet, I’ve invested a bunch of time in to personal development.
I read books, skim internet articles and speak with like minded friends about the important stuff in our lives.
Three Morning Routine Habits
One of the most impactful improvements (‘life hacks’ is what the kids are calling it), is a structured morning routine.
Disciplined morning routine habits lead in to effective activity with a focussed intention.
It carries with it a feeling of accomplishment that lasts throughout the day – it’s a very satisfying cycle to create.
- Make your bed. Sounds simple but this is the first task of the day andyou just nailed…
- Meditate. I sit an hour of Vipassana straight after I’ve made my bed.
- Enjoy a hot drink. I take a cup of boiled water or herbal tea.
The point is to just sit and be in the moment as you visualise a successful day ahead.
Discipline Is Freedom
For me these three are locked down, everyday habits. No excuses, no skipping, no shortcuts.
Also important is taking enough sleep – that means 7 / 8 hours for me.
Experiment with your own sleep but make certain that you’re getting enough – it’s essential.
I’m lucky enough to have the freedom to plan my daily schedule around my own requirements, if I go out til late, I’ll sleep in.
But usually, I’m sound asleep by 11pm latest.
After my hot drink I’ll hit the laptop for a four hour stint of essential work related tasks.
This is my main work activity for the day.
This does not include email, phone calls or meetings or browsing the internet and social media or consuming content.
These activities are for after lunch.
At 11am I break my fast and take a fruit breakfast.
Around 1pm I’ll reply to emails, make phone calls and take any meetings.
Once these tasks are complete I’ll catch up on any ‘work’ related reading.
After that, I’ll kick back with a book, go to the forest with the bike (when I’m in the UK), or like now (I’m in Goa for the winter), I’ll go to the beach, do some yoga, sun gazing and socialising.
My Morning Routine Habits
I wake around six. Meditate for an hour. Breathe for twenty minutes then stretch for twenty minutes.
I put the kettle on, make my bed then sit on my veranda with a brew.
Non caffeinated, no sugar, usually orange and ginger or fresh mint.
Writing, which is my main activity these days, happens after the brew.
Usually I’ll write about something I’ve discussed with my partner.
This practice helps to synthesise my ideas and to seek clarity in my words.
I’m really excited about this conversational element since it’s delivered an immediacy to my blogging.
Over the winter season (when I’m in India) the couple changes I’ve made are:
I go to the gym three times per week, I swim twice a week and I’ve relaxed the fasting to an intermittent 16-18 hour window.
I take a smoothie when I feel like it, often before I’ve started the work stuff.
I’ve also started to use bulletproof coffee before workouts. It delivers a ridiculous yet consistent high throughout the day.
Adding a full power strength to my calisthenics workout.
Morning Routine Benefits
Having a consistent morning routine can offer a wide range of benefits.
From a positivity uplift to a physical strength upgrade. Plus improved mental and emotional well-being.
Here are some of the benefits of establishing a morning routine:
Improved Productivity:
A structured morning routine can help you start your day with a clear plan, allowing you to prioritize tasks and stay focused on your goals.
Reduced Stress:
A calm and organized morning routine can help you begin your day in a relaxed manner, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Better Mental Health:
Engaging in activities like meditation, mindfulness, or journaling in the morning can contribute to improved mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Physical Health:
Incorporating exercise into your morning routine can boost your metabolism, increase energy levels, and promote overall physical health.
Enhanced Time Management:
A consistent morning routine helps you manage your time more effectively, enabling you to accomplish tasks efficiently and avoid procrastination.
Positive Mindset:
Engaging in activities that bring joy and positivity, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones, can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Increased Focus and Concentration:
A well-structured morning routine can help you start the day with improved focus and concentration, which can lead to greater productivity throughout the day.
Established Habits:
A morning routine helps you establish healthy habits that can contribute to your long-term well-being.
Better Sleep:
Waking up at a consistent time as part of your morning routine can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your sleep patterns.
Personal Growth:
Including activities like reading, learning, or goal-setting in your morning routine can foster personal development and continuous learning.
Greater Sense of Control:
Starting your day with a routine gives you a sense of control over your day, helping you feel more prepared and organized.
Creativity Boost:
Engaging in creative activities like writing, drawing, or brainstorming in the morning can stimulate your creative thinking.
Healthy Nutrition:
A morning routine can include a nutritious breakfast, ensuring you fuel your body for the day ahead.
Improved Relationships:
Spending quality time with family members or roommates in the morning can strengthen relationships and create a positive atmosphere at home.
Consistency:
A consistent morning routine establishes a foundation for the rest of your daily activities, helping you maintain consistency in other areas of your life.
A Morning Routine For All
Remember that the effectiveness of a morning routine varies from person to person.
It’s important to design a routine that aligns with your goals, preferences, and schedule.
Starting with small, manageable steps.
Then gradually incorporate new habits to help you build a morning routine that works best for you.
For me, a daily morning routine has created the space to be effective even when I’ve traveled.
This simple three-step sequence provides the structure for a successful day.
There’s enough slack to make it flexible for discretionary changes but the essential discipline remains.
After a year of integration, I’m happy to report it’s a daily habit.
What’s your morning look like? Share your morning routine habits in the comments: