Morning Routines Experiment

Jul 23, 2024

Morning Routines Experiment

Introduction

  • Problem: Feeling behind and unaccomplished every morning.
  • Goal: Establish a morning routine that works best by experimenting with two distinct routines.

Day 1: Full Hustle Culture

  • Wake-Up Time: 6:00 AM
  • Activities:
    • Cold shower
    • Chugging a glass of water
    • Going to the gym
  • Observations:
    • Chugging water before gym felt terrible.
    • Got a cold shower done; disliked it.
    • Felt accomplished by 7:30 AM.
    • Breakfast: 2 eggs and a plum.
    • Made the bed despite mismatched pillowcases.
    • Applied BLS sunscreen, blush, and Vaseline.
    • Made a to-do list (3 tasks).
    • Worked using Pomodoro method (25 mins work, 5 mins break).
    • Task: Edited “Live Laugh Larry” podcast with dad.
    • Tidied up during breaks and did laundry.

Day 2: The Winkler Way

  • Wake-Up Time: 8:45 AM
  • Activities:
    • Going to the gym
    • Hot shower
    • Breakfast: Smoothie and an egg
    • Applied skincare steps.
    • Used Pomodoro method.
    • Responded to texts in timed blocks (recommended).
  • Observations:
    • Started the day with an anxiety spiral, shared openly.
    • Engaged in sponsored content for Skillshare.
    • Felt unaccomplished by noon.
    • Recognized value in good anxiety pushing goals.

Lessons Learned

  • Push through discomfort for overall happiness.
  • Early wake-up avoids anxiety ball in chest.
  • Breaking anxiety spiral best with immediate activity.
  • Fondly remember times of emotional and physical exhaustion as productive and happy periods.

Final Routine

  • Hybrid Morning Routine:
    • Wake up at 6:30 AM.
    • Start day by going outside for sunlight.
    • Drink hot water slowly while outside.
    • Go to the gym.
    • Have breakfast: Smoothie and an egg.
    • Short cold shower followed by a hot shower.
    • Quick skincare routine.
    • Make the bed.
    • Use Pomodoro method for work.

Conclusion

  • Embrace a personalized routine for better productivity and happiness.
  • Push through initial discomfort for long-term benefits.

Encouragement: Figure out a morning routine that works for you and stick to it for a better day.