Why Your Morning Routine Might Be Setting You Up for Failure

The morning routine can make or break your day. Numerous people speak about the productivity and happiness that their mornings bring them. However, not all morning habits are beneficial. In fact, some routines may be causing more harm than good. So, let’s get into why your morning routine may be setting you up for failure and what to do about it.

Rushing to Start Your Day

If you wake up and the first thing your mind acknowledges is rushing, you’re already preparing for stress. It occurs when you sleep in too long or don’t allow enough time to get ready for the day. People forget about important things like breakfast or packing what they need for work because they have to rush.

Waking up to an industrial-feeling morning can also set you up to feel on edge all day. Your mind never really has a moment to settle, and you can feel like you’re playing catch-up. To solve this, get up only 10–15 min earlier. It may seem trickier at first, but a gentler morning routine can help tremendously.

Skipping Breakfast

There are so many people that skip breakfast because they’re in a rush, or looking to save time. Not eating breakfast can cause your energy levels to dip after a few hours, and leave you feeling fatigued, cranky, or unable to concentrate. Your body requires morning fuel just as a car does gas to operate.

Breakfast does not need to be fancy to be healthy. It can be something as light as oatmeal, fruit, or a slice of toast with peanut butter that will give you the energy you need. Make time to eat breakfast, even if it’s just five minutes. Your body will thank you.

You immediately check your phone

Have you picked up your phone first thing in the morning? Staring at devices to check emails, social media, and the news—many people do this. It might seem harmless, but it can inundate your brain early in the morning. You may see bad news or a long list of work emails, and you’re stressed before the day has even started.

Instead, let your phone sit at a distance for the first 30 minutes or so of your waking hours. Use this time to stretch, meditate, or have your breakfast. As a result, beginning your morning without screens can help you feel more focused and peaceful.

Overloading Your To-Do List

To plan their day, some do it during morning hours. However, writing down excessive tasks may leave you overwhelmed. Tend to focus on things you didn’t accomplish rather than all you completed.

Rather than a laundry list of tasks, narrow it down to the 2–3 things that really matter each day. Feel free to write these down the night before in order to wake up with a clean slate. So you’ll feel like the day has been productive instead of stressful.

Neglecting Exercise

Morning exercise can help you feel more energized and happy. Many people, however, don’t do it because they think they’re too tired or busy. Without moving your physical body in this way you can feel sluggish all day long.

It doesn’t take running a marathon to reap the benefits. Just even 5 minutes of stretching or a brief walk can bring your body and endurance up. Your medical provider will likely prescribe blood work at this appointment, and you should find a comfortable activity (running, swimming, yoga, racquet sports, etc.) with which you will stick.

Drinking Too Much Coffee

Coffee is one of our go-to to wake up in the morning, but an excess can leave you jittery or anxious as well. Coffee on an empty stomach can also disrupt your digestion.

Instead, try drinking water when you wake up. This gives your body hydration after a long night of sleep. If you’re a coffee drinker, save it until after breakfast. This little shift can help your mornings feel more seamless.

Not Having a Plan

Starting the day with no plan can make your morning feel chaotic. You may spend time arguing about what to wear, what to eat, or what to do first. It can waste time and also make you late for work or school.

Put five minutes of prep into the night before to get ready for the next day. Lay out your clothing, pack your bag, and decide what you’ll have for breakfast. With some preparation, your morning will feel so much easier.

Comparing Your Routine With Others

It’s easy to feel that you’re failing if your morning doesn’t look the way we see in the perfect morning routines online. Some people meditate for an hour, do yoga, and write in a journal. That doesn’t mean you have to, though.

Your routine needs to work for your life, not somebody else’s. Make simple changes that feel manageable for you, and don’t feel you need to do it perfectly. The aim is to feel good, not to carry out someone else’s plan.

Staying Up Too Late

Your morning begins the night before. If you’re getting insufficient sleep, waking will always feel difficult. You’ll be drained, angsty, and uncreative, regardless of how solid your routine is.

Go to bed well before that, at least 7–8 hours before whatever time you wake up. Use the hour before bed to avoid screens and let your brain unwind. If you’re getting a good sleep, you’re waking up feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Neglecting Your Mental Health

A good morning routine isn’t purely about productivity. It is also about working on your mind. When you wake up feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, it’s a wake-up call that things need to change.

Consider incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness or gratitude into your day. Jot down three things you’re thankful for, or take a few moments to breathe deeply. These little habits can lift your mood and put you in the right mindset for a positive day.

Conclusion

Your morning routine can be your first step toward success or failure. If you’re often left feeling rushed, stressed , or tired from your daily routine, it’s time to switch it up. Try to break a single habit before you try to tackle two, whether that is getting up earlier or not picking up your phone first thing in the morning.

Don’t forget, a good routine doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make you feel ready and good. With a few easy-to-implement adjustments, you can transform your mornings into the best part of your day.