Chapter 1: Embracing a Fresh Morning Perspective

In this discussion, I won't suggest extreme practices like rising at 3 AM, taking ice baths, or dedicating two hours to meditation. Instead, I aim to share some straightforward principles that have significantly enhanced my mornings. Additionally, I will highlight some detrimental habits that should be completely avoided. These insights stem from my personal journey, and while they might not be universally applicable, they have undeniably improved my morning experience.

Before diving into specifics, it's important to clarify that I don't adhere to a strict "routine." The term suggests a rigid schedule where missing activities could ruin my day. Instead, I’ve adopted a few flexible habits that elevate my mornings.

To kick things off, I avoid waking up with an alarm clock. These alarms are often jarring and can disrupt your REM sleep. I prefer to wake up naturally, and I’m not one to rise early by conventional standards. Contrary to what some might suggest, you don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to be productive. I wake when my body feels ready, which varies from day to day. Sometimes I’m up by 7 AM; other times, it’s closer to 10 AM. While this inconsistency might seem problematic, I believe that as long as you engage in meaningful activities throughout your day, you’re doing just fine.

As soon as I wake, I hydrate with a glass of water to kickstart my day. After that, I take care of my basic hygiene—using the bathroom, brushing my teeth, shaving, and showering. This routine leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to dress for the day ahead. However, before I dive into my daily tasks, I like to add a creative element to my morning:

Playing the guitar helps me enter a brief state of flow. I don’t spend hours practicing complex techniques; instead, I simply play whatever comes to mind. While I don’t do this every morning, when I do, it greatly enhances my mood. Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi argues that achieving flow is key to a happy life, and playing guitar often facilitates that for me. If you play an instrument, I highly recommend incorporating it into your morning routine; it can be a fantastic mood booster.

Following my guitar session, I make sure to get some physical activity. Although I typically take a bus to my office, I always include some walking beforehand. Whether it’s to a further bus stop or to my office directly, I prioritize movement in the morning. While my main workouts happen in the evening through kickboxing and dance classes, incorporating some physical activity in the morning is crucial for setting a positive tone for the day.

Many individuals who feel unfulfilled often neglect physical activity. Their mornings may consist of caffeine and sugar, followed by hours of sitting at a desk. To avoid this sedentary lifestyle, moving your body in the morning can be an effective strategy for success.

Now, let's discuss what to steer clear of. First and foremost, I always avoid reaching for my phone. Engaging with YouTube or other distractions in the morning often leaves me feeling drained later on, regardless of the content. Consequently, I limit my phone use in the early hours. Additionally, I skip breakfast.

I have a particular aversion to breakfast, which I find to be an overrated meal. The notion that breakfast is the "most important meal of the day" is misleading. Unless you’ve engaged in strenuous activity, you likely don't need a meal right after waking. Most people don't require a heavy breakfast just to sit through morning traffic or work at a desk. Personally, I wait until at least noon to eat, a habit I adopted while exploring intermittent fasting. While you don’t have to follow my lead, it works for me.

Finally, I also refrain from drinking coffee. This might be a controversial stance, but since I stopped consuming coffee, my mornings have improved significantly. Many are misled by the idea that coffee is essential. I used to enjoy it but found I had become dependent on it. Without it, I struggled to function.

I’ve come to realize that what I truly enjoyed was the milk in my cappuccinos and lattes, not the coffee itself. I haven't had coffee in over seven months and feel fantastic as a result. I also avoid tea in the mornings because it makes me feel unwell on an empty stomach. Therefore, I stick to water until later in the day.

This article is not meant to be prescriptive. I don’t expect anyone to adopt my habits or entirely change their lifestyle. Instead, I offer some strategies that have worked for me, along with pitfalls to avoid. I strongly recommend minimizing phone use in the mornings, as these devices can easily consume your time and attention. You don't need to eliminate coffee or breakfast if they work for you; I made those changes based on my experiences.

If you find an activity that allows you to enter a flow state early in the day—whether it’s writing, playing an instrument, or creating art—embrace it. Engaging in something that brings you joy and focus is vital. I hope you found some value in my reflections, despite the somewhat scattered nature of my thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Godfrey

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Chapter 2: Morning Video Insights

Discover insightful tips on what to avoid in your morning routine.

This video discusses five things you should not do in the morning to enhance your productivity and well-being.

Next, learn about five crucial habits to eliminate from your mornings for a more effective start to your day.