Chapter 1: The Importance of Morning Routines

We’ve all heard the saying: “The way you begin your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day.” This wisdom comes from Louise Hay, but there are countless variations of this idea. Some prominent figures advocate rising at 5 AM, while others argue against waking up to an alarm altogether.

Some suggest soaking up the morning sun for five minutes, while others recommend meditating with eyes closed. The advice can often seem conflicting.

Instead of adhering strictly to popular opinions, I suggest tuning into your own needs and crafting a schedule that serves you best. As long as it aligns with your goals and promotes your well-being throughout the day, that’s what truly matters.

After years of experimentation, I finally found what works for me. Here’s my 11-step morning routine (after the usual morning tasks) that prepares me for the day ahead.

Video Description: In this video, Mel Robbins discusses six essential steps to establish a robust morning routine that can boost your productivity and mindset.

1. Five minutes of pranayama exercises — either focusing on my natural breath or practicing the breath of fire.
2. Chant "Aum" (Om) for 5–10 minutes.
3. Engage in 20 minutes of Soma Breathwork — two rounds of rhythmic breathing, followed by a breath hold.
4. A brief meditation session to ground myself.
5. A quick stretch — sometimes incorporating tapping or shaking.
6. Take a cold shower.
7. Use a neti pot — this involves flushing water through each nostril to clear out mucus. My first experience was uncomfortable, the second was unusual, but now I find it quite beneficial.
8. Sip on apple cider vinegar — this kickstarts my digestive system before any food intake.
9. Gargle water — this action stimulates the vagus nerve, which I greatly appreciate.
10. Take my probiotics — while it may seem mundane, it's effective.
11. Enjoy my first delightful cup of coffee.

This entire routine lasts about an hour. And as the saying goes, an hour a day keeps the doctor away.

Consistency Is Key

Motivation may initiate your journey, but it’s the habits you cultivate that sustain it — Jim Ryun.

Repetition is crucial. If I only perform this routine once, I may feel good in the moment, but I won’t reap the lasting benefits.

It’s the cumulative effect of daily practice that truly matters. Consistency reveals another important lesson: if we engage in any activity for a long enough time, there will inevitably be days when we don’t feel like showing up.

By maintaining a regular self-care routine, I’ve discovered that I can better handle challenging tasks, conversations, and situations that arise in life. I approach these moments with greater integrity, acceptance, and even joy.

This is one measure I use to assess whether a morning routine is worth continuing. After much refinement, I’ve crafted this optimal 11-step routine.

Choosing Your Own Path

There is no definitive right or wrong way to approach self-care practices. The goal is to discover what resonates with you and what inspires you in your daily life.

You might explore meditative techniques or observe your breath like the Buddha did centuries ago. You could stretch like a yogi or plunge into icy waters, embracing the Wim Hof method.

Alternatively, you may feel inclined to join me in one of the fantastic breathwork techniques available. (I admit, I’m biased, but I highly recommend Soma Breath.)

Regardless of your choice, it’s not about perfection. Mix it up, try a variety, or combine different methods. Approach your journey with curiosity, much like a child would.

As Albert Einstein wisely said, “Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

Chapter 2: Reflections on My Ideal Day

When asked, “What constitutes your average perfect day?” I realize that both the highs and lows are unpredictable. What truly matters is the rich tapestry of experiences that fill the space in between.

Video Description: This video outlines six straightforward steps to effectively structure your morning, ensuring a productive and fulfilling day ahead.