Rethinking Morning Routines
Introduction: Finding What Truly Fits
A few years back, documenting morning routines became wildly popular—videos popped up everywhere showcasing different ways to start the day. Suddenly, everyone seemed to have a formula to follow. It took me a while to develop my own perspective, and I’m excited to share it with you. My approach is all about meeting you where you are and offering ideas to create habits that genuinely fit into your life, not disrupt it.
Through LIVE BIG, I aim to create a safe, empowering space where women feel valued. I hope to inspire you to think differently about morning routines and to customize yours so it works for you. Just as each protocol I design for my clients is unique, I believe your morning routine should be just as personal.
Why Morning Routines Matter: My Story
To share why this means so much to me, let’s rewind to 2022 and early 2023 when I was going through a rough period with heightened anxiety, digestive issues, acne flares, and irregular periods. I was overloaded with commitments, stressed by my 9-to-5 job, and feeling adrift in my place in the world. I had no real connection to my work, and even with family, friends, and hobbies, I was either mentally absent or just plain exhausted.
It took time, but I finally realized that my main issue was a disconnect from myself. Imagine life as a pie—I felt like nearly 100% of mine was taken up by everything but me. There wasn’t enough time for self-care, reflection, or even just moments of peace. I decided this had to change. I needed to carve out at least 10-20% of that “pie” just for me. And that’s how I found my way to morning routines.
Starting with a Structured Routine
At the time, the structure was exactly what I needed to create boundaries. My job had me working with teams in India, and my day often started with 7:00 or 7:30 AM meetings. So, I began waking up around 5:30 or 6:00 AM, dedicating the first hour of the day to myself. With the world still asleep, I could fully focus on my needs.
Here’s what my morning routine looked like during that time:
6:00 AM: Wake Up
6:00-6:10: Skincare & Dental Hygiene (tongue scraping and brushing teeth)
6:10-6:15: Warm lemon water
6:15-6:30: Meditation
6:30-6:40: Journaling
6:40-6:45: Reading
6:45-7:00: Get dressed
7:00: Morning walk with my dog and partner OR start meetings
During this hour, I avoided social media, email, and texts—anything that pulled my attention away from myself. It was my “me-time,” and I looked forward to it daily. I’d finally built a habit of spending uninterrupted time with myself, and it made all the difference. That structure brought me stability, grounding me in a time when I needed it most.
Embracing Flexibility: My New Routine
Fast forward to 2024. Now that I run my own business and, most importantly, own my time, my morning routine has naturally evolved. I came to realize that what I had truly built was not just a morning routine but a consistent, intentional habit of dedicating time to myself. In many ways, this defined time for self-care is more meaningful to me now than the routine itself.
Back then, I genuinely needed the stability that a strict routine brought; it was a critical foundation during a hectic time in my life. But now, what I value most is having time that’s just for me and the freedom to choose how I spend it. Some mornings, I might follow my original routine; other days, I might go on a two-mile walk, listen to an audiobook, go to the gym, stretch, or relax in the sauna. The important thing is that I’m honoring my commitment to myself—ensuring that 10-20% of my life’s “pie” remains dedicated to my well-being. This flexibility feels fulfilling in a way that a rigid structure doesn’t anymore, and that’s perfectly okay.
Two Approaches to Building a Morning Routine
If you’re looking to establish a morning routine, here are two different methods that have worked for me at different stages of my life. Both are effective in different ways, so try each one and see what resonates most with you.
Method 1: Structured Morning Routine
For those who find comfort in stability, a structured routine can be a grounding way to start the day. Pick 1-6 activities and follow them consistently. Prepare everything you need in advance, block off your calendar, and reward yourself for sticking to it. A structured routine can bring a sense of calm, security, and readiness. Try it for a few days and observe how it feels. If it gives you energy, focus, and clarity, this may be the best approach for now.
Method 2: Flexible Routine with Non-Negotiables
If you prefer a bit more freedom, a flexible routine with a few non-negotiable elements might be a better fit. Instead of strict steps, set a time block for your morning and focus on activities that make you feel centered and prepared. Here are a few considerations to get started:
“My morning will be focused solely on me.”
“My morning will include some form of movement.”
“My morning will not involve social media.”
“I’ll start the day with a warm beverage.”
“I’ll spend time outdoors.”
This approach allows you to choose different activities while sticking to foundational elements that set up a successful day. If a rigid routine feels restrictive or isn’t fulfilling, try this method and see if it brings a sense of balance.
Ideas for Your Nourishing Morning Routine
To help you get started, here’s a list of morning activities you might consider adding to your routine. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s about finding what nourishes you personally.
Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, gratitude, breathwork
Movement: Walking, yoga, Pilates, gym workouts
Nourishment: Warm lemon water, high-protein breakfast, essential oils
Self-Care: Skincare, tongue scraping, facial massage, sauna, cold plunge
Planning: Outlining your day, meals, or schedule
Creativity: Reading, listening to audiobooks, drawing, basking in the morning sun
Conclusion: Make Your Morning Yours
Remember, your morning routine is a gift of time you give to yourself. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s the beauty of it. Choose a method that feels right, experiment, and know that it’s okay to let it evolve as you do. Whether you need structure or flexibility, a morning routine is less about perfection and more about dedicating time to what truly makes you feel whole.
With support,
Isabella
