Everywhere we look, there’s advice on crafting the perfect morning routine. You know the kind: wake up at 5 a.m., meditate, journal, exercise, make a green smoothie, and basically achieve inner peace and perfection before the sun rises. Yeah, that’s not me. My mornings are messy, unpredictable, and rarely Instagram or Pinterest-worthy—and I’m keeping them that way.
1. My Morning Mess: A Realistic Snapshot
Most days, my morning looks more like a soft launch into the day than a well-oiled productivity machine. I hit snooze, make coffee while still half-asleep, and spend too long deciding if I want to fast till noon or put the creamer in my coffee and not. My pup wants cuddles (who can resist), my arm workout gal is probably glaring at me (on pause) from her YouTube Channel, and I’m okay with it.
Why It Works: This gentle start lets me ease into the day. I’m not rushing to be my “best self” before 7 a.m. Instead, I’m just being myself—no rush, no performance.
2. The Freedom of an Imperfect Morning
My messy morning routine isn’t about being lazy—it’s about allowing space for whatever I need that day.
- Sometimes I Read: I might dive into a book, sipping coffee with no guilt about ‘wasting time.’
- Sometimes I Daydream: I give my mind permission to wander before the to-do list kicks in.
- Sometimes I Do Nothing: And that’s okay. Doing nothing is still doing something—it’s resting.
Ah-Ha Moment: When I stopped trying to control my mornings, I felt more in control of my day.
3. Why I’m Rejecting the “Perfect Morning” Trend
The perfect morning routine is often presented as the secret to success. But I’ve found more joy in making my own rules. Finding what works for my and my natural rhythm.
- No 5 a.m. Alarms: I get up when my body is ready. I’m someone who likes to be up before sunrise. I love listening to the world wake up to a new day. I also know I need 7-8 hours of sleep to function well, so I do go to bed early. That’s me.
- I Don’t Force Productivity: I have learned to pay attention to what part of the day I’m most productive. I use this time period to do the harder more brain focused tasks for that day.
- No Morning Guilt: If my morning is slow, that’s okay. I trust my natural rhythm.
- The Other Stuff: Meditation, Journal, Exercise, Drink Protein Smoothies. Yes, I do do these things, though on my terms at a time in the day that works best for me.
Ah-Ha Moment: Productivity isn’t about how early you start. It’s about how true you are to yourself.
4. How My Messy Morning Sets the Tone for a Mindful Day
When I allow my mornings to unfold naturally, I bring a calmer energy into the rest of my day.
- Less Stress: I don’t start my day feeling behind.
- More Authenticity: I show up as I am, where I am, not as who I think I should be or worse… how I think other think I should be. Ugh! Let it go! It’s fine to explore new ways of being or expanding you and how that looks and feels- life is experiential.
- Better Energy: I’m not exhausted from trying to be perfect before breakfast. I am mindful of the tone I’m setting for myself for the day. No morning social media or news, for me.
Ah-Ha Moment: Sometimes, the best way to set a positive tone for the day is to start with your own internal vibe.
My Messy Mornings Are Here to Stay
I’m done chasing someone else’s perfect morning. I’m keeping my messy, wonderfully imperfect routine because it works for me. And maybe, just maybe, giving up on the ‘perfect start’ is the best way to find a little more joy in the day ahead. So, here’s to messy mornings and all the magic they bring.
