Why I Fought Against a Morning Routine

There are over 18,000 searches per month for the term morning routine. Frankly, I was shocked that it isn’t an even higher number. Particularly since just about every person I follow on social media, particularly on Youtube, has published an article about their specific morning routine and the benefits they have experienced.

With as many articles that I have read about the power of a morning routine you would think that I would have already have put one into the practice. Sure, I’ve tried waking up a few times at 4am to knock out my workout. I even made it a full week once.

Did a morning routine work for me?

I can’t deny that during those times that I felt like I had accomplished a lot more than on my normal routine days. But there was a tradeoff that made it not worth it to me. On the days my morning routine involved waking up at a very early time my energy levels were nearly bottomed out by the late afternoon. Which drastically reduced my productivity later in the day. So, while I got a lot done early in the day the tradeoff made it such that my total daily productivity was about a wash.

The reality is that I am not much of a morning person. My wife would agree with that statement. She has learned to give me plenty of time to wake up before engaging with me.

The truth is that I do have a morning routine. It is just that my routine begins when my body and mind are ready to wake up.

My version of a “morning” routine

I prefer to wake up slowly. I am not happy when I wake up and have to immediately be active. Instead, I like to wake up and spend time in my own version of a morning routine. Which includes bible study, journaling, reading, and writing. My routine doesn’t include working out. I tend to do that in the middle of the day when my energy levels are at their height.

What I am suggesting is that having a routine when you wake up can be helpful. For me, it helps me start my day off doing things I enjoy and getting my creativity going. But your routine doesn’t have to be at insanely early hours. Unless you are the type of person that thrives at that time of day.

How to decide if a morning routine is right for you

Here are a few questions I would ask yourself:

• What time of the day do I tend to have the most energy?
• If I delay certain activities for later in the day will my normal schedule get in the way? For example, if a workout is not part of your morning routine will you have the time/energy to get to it later in the day? One of the reasons a morning routine is so popular is because you are less likely to have your schedule interrupted.
• What activities could I do early in my day that would set me up for success the rest of the day? Like I mentioned, doing something creative really helps set me on the right path for the day.

Your turn

Have you tried a morning routine? If so, did it work for you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Be sure to comment below.