Forget waking up to sunshine and chirping birds, most mornings feel like wrestling a grumpy gremlin in pyjamas who’d rather hibernate (and trust me, I’ve never wrestled a pyjama-clad gremlin, but the analogy feels spot-on).
For someone like myself, decision-making can be a struggle sometimes.
The open world of possibilities in the morning overwhelms me. Should I exercise? Read? Eat breakfast? Every option feels equally daunting, which often leaves me standing frozen, accomplishing… nothing.
The internal monologue goes something like: “Exercise sounds good, but what if I don’t have the energy? Breakfast seems healthy, but I just want coffee… maybe I’ll just… check my phone?”
My relationship with routine has always been, well, complicated.
Part of me craves the structure and predictability of it, but the other part of me craves instant gratification like a kid in a candy store — shiny objects, dopamine hits, the whole shebang.
But that “live fast, die young” approach usually leaves me feeling like a frazzled hamster on a caffeine bender.
And this 10-minute absolutely achievable morning routine has been so helpful.
1. That damn snooze button
The snooze button is the arch-nemesis of all productive mornings. Getting to sleep in for an extra five minutes feels like pure gold, but it wasn’t worth the rush later.
So, I started setting my alarm across the room (yes, it means getting out of bed, major ask!). Surprisingly, it works. And it beats hitting snooze and instantly regretting it later.
2. Fresh air is everything
Even if it’s just stepping outside for a few minutes, feeling the crisp morning air on my face is refreshing and helps clear my head.
It reminds me that the world around me isn’t just emails and to-do lists. It’s a moment of calm before the day’s chaos, a chance to breathe deeply and remember that even simple things can be beautiful.
3. Before you say “but my phone!”
Have you tried putting it away for the first 10 minutes of the morning?
No emails, no news, no negativity from social media. Instead, try 5 minutes of mindful breathing.
It sounds simple, but focusing on your breath can do wonders for calming those racing thoughts and setting the tone for a more peaceful day. Who wouldn’t want that?
Obviously, this isn’t a routine I religiously follow, because, you know…. I’m human. There are still days when I hit snooze (don’t judge, we all do it!). But by making these small changes, I’ve gone from “Not again” to “Okay, I can maybe do this” before 9am.
Mental Matters is a resource and information platform. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the information on our website is for general awareness and support, it should not replace professional advice. For any mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
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