The Secret to Winning Your Day Before 9am
The Morning Routine That Changed Everything
Last Tuesday morning I let myself get sucked into the email vortex (mistake!), then rushed breakfast, and ran out the door feeling frazzled. Of course my lovely neighbor appeared for a chat. By noon, my day felt like that boulder in Indiana Jones (modern reference there for you). It reminded me why I'm so devoted to my morning ritual—and how quickly things unravel when I abandon it.
The Morning Routine That Changed Everything
There's a curious magic to how we begin our days. The first hour sets the tone for the remaining twenty-three, yet how many of us surrender this precious time to screens, stress, and scrambling?
My morning transformation began with a simple realization: I don't have to check my phone immediately. I don’t have to let the world in. Revolutionary, I know.
Instead, I designed a sequence that feels like giving myself a gift each morning:
First, the physical awakening. Rather than lunging for my phone (which I no longer keep in my bedroom), I stretch while still in bed. A gentle, full-length extension that says to my body, Hello there, I’m going to treat you well today. I throw back the covers to prevent the siren call of snuggling back under the covers.
Next, nourishment before noise. I make coffee and breakfast, and rather than scrolling social media while eating (a recipe for indigestion), I complete the daily crossword. This gentle cognitive warm-up engages my mind without the chaos of outside demands. There's a quiet pride in starting the day by solving something, however small. Not always quiet, as occasionally I squeal at my own brilliance.
Then, clarity before consumption. Before opening emails or social media, I spend time with my journal. Of course it’s pink (or ‘berry’ apparently). Sometimes I write what's on my mind, or I list priorities, or things I'm grateful for. (Always there’s a lot of generally being weird.) This creates a buffer between my thoughts and the world's demands.
Finally, preparation before plunging in. I dress with intention, choosing clothes that make me feel both comfortable and composed (thank you, three-color closet system - did you catch that last week?). The physical act of presenting myself to the world becomes a form of self-respect.
The entire process takes a little time, but the difference it makes is immeasurable. My anxiety levels have dropped. My focus has sharpened. And most importantly, I begin each day feeling like it belongs to me. No boulder at my (high) heels.
In A Chic Year: 52 Style, Simplicity, & Self-Care Projects I dedicate a full week to designing your ideal morning routine. For many, this practice has become their anchor—particularly during challenging periods when everything else feels uncertain.
What one small element could you add to your morning to make it feel more intentional? Or if you already have a morning ritual you love, what's the component you'd never give up? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
To mornings that feel like yours,
Michele
P.S. I’m an advocate for self-care, but sometimes ‘treat yourself’ is terrible advice. More next week.