Does a Short Morning Routine Really Help?

Short answer: Absolutely yes. But let me share a recent experience that completely changed my perspective on this.

My Wake-Up Call at the Gym

Two weeks ago, I returned to the gym after a long gap. I committed to spending 1.5 hours there daily, and for the first few days, everything was going well. Then came day 4 I woke up with excruciating pain in my hands and chest. The blockage was so severe I could barely move or shake my hands. My first instinct? Skip the gym.

But something inside me said, "Don't give up now." On day 5, despite still feeling uncomfortable, I decided to push through and complete my workout. Here's what happened next: after finishing my session and taking a 2-3 hour nap, the pain and blockage disappeared completely like magic. I felt light, free, and incredibly energized.

That moment taught me a crucial lesson: never skip your routine just because of temporary discomfort or pain. Our bodies and minds are more resilient than we think, and consistent action often provides the very relief we're seeking.

The Power of 15-25 Minutes

You don't need to spend 1.5 hours at the gym like I do. Even a short 15-25 minute morning routine can work wonders. Here's what I've learned works best:

Essential Elements of an Effective Morning Routine:

Physical Movement

• Deep breathing exercises
• Simple stretching
• A brief walk
• Light exercise

Mental Clarity

• Journaling or writing
• Practicing gratitude for what you already have
• Setting one clear intention for the day

Digital Detox

• Avoid screens and blue light in the morning
• Give your brain time to wake up naturally
• Let your thoughts settle before external input

The Focus Factor

Here's something that completely transformed my approach: work without desires or elaborate future plans. I used to drain my energy thinking "once I finish this workout, I'll do this, then that, then something else." This creates unnecessary expectations and sets you up for disappointment.

Instead, I now focus on one target at a time with a clear deadline. This simple shift has helped me stay focused and stick to my goals without feeling overwhelmed.

My Current Morning Routine

I've incorporated all these elements into a simple daily reminder system that keeps me on track:

1. 5 minutes: Gratitude practice
2. 10 minutes: Light stretching or breathing
3. 10 minutes: Writing/journaling
4. Focus setting: One clear goal for the day

No phone, no distractions just me preparing my mind and body for whatever lies ahead.

The Bottom Line

A short morning routine isn't just helpful it's transformative. It's not about perfection or doing everything right. It's about showing up consistently, even when you don't feel like it. Sometimes, especially when you don't feel like it.

My gym experience taught me that our biggest breakthroughs often come when we push through temporary discomfort. Your morning routine becomes the foundation for that kind of resilience.

Start small. Start tomorrow. Your future self will thank you.

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What's your morning routine? Share your experiences in the comments below I'd love to hear what works for you!