Social media constantly pushes the word “perfect” onto users. Perfect outfit. Perfect skincare routine. Perfect life. When it comes to mornings, a productive routine sets the tone for the entirety of the day. With advice taken from experts—and TikTok—I devised a perfect morning routine.
6 a.m. Wake up
To be well-rested and ready for the day, it is recommended to receive between seven and eight hours of sleep. Rising at 6 a.m. on a Saturday wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I knew I had to get an early start to complete my routine and set myself up for success. According to Andrew Huberman, a Stanford University neuroscientist, maximizing outdoor light exposure upon waking increases wakefulness and amplifies mood. Since the sun did not rise until 7, I used a blinding lamp to simulate sunlight, which definitely did the job in waking me up. Before moving on, I topped off my water bottle and hydrated.
6:30 a.m. Exercise
Experts agree that exercising early in the morning aids in alertness and releases natural endorphins. After being blinded by my lamp, I was ready to move. Since it was still too dark to engage in exercise outside, I headed to the nearest GreatLife for a workout. Finishing my workout so early in the morning boosted my mood and made me feel productive, which motivated me to continue to the next phase of my morning.
7:30 a.m. Temperature control
Arguably, the worst part of my morning awaited me: a sauna followed by a cold shower. While some find saunas relaxing, I dislike the sweaty, muggy feeling. Cold showers are grueling, too. While I may not personally enjoy either, I cannot argue with the benefits they provide. According to Oxford Brookes University, cold exposure reduces inflammation and elevates blood flow, while saunas release endorphins and increase blood circulation. I accepted my fate and endured the steamy sauna for around 20 minutes, journaling while I waited. Once my alarm rang, I headed to the dreaded shower. Upon entering the icy water, my breath was shaken out of me. Experts recommend beginners start with 30 seconds to one minute of cold exposure, so I braved one minute in the frigid water. Other than relief, I felt extremely energized and joyful after, happy to be done and also jolted awake by the water.
8 a.m. Breakfast and caffeine
The best part of my morning had arrived: breakfast and iced coffee. Experts recommend delaying caffeine intake at least 90 minutes after waking to maximize its benefits. My nutritious breakfast consisted of Greek yogurt and blueberries. A protein-packed breakfast provides lasting satiety and enhanced cognitive function. Breakfast was delicious and left me ready to conquer the day.
Overall, following this routine set me up for success, but I do not believe I could brave it every day. This “perfect” routine is not sustainable for me, as I prefer to enjoy slow-paced, lazy mornings. While I was left feeling energized and motivated, I missed out on watching the sunrise and spending time with my family as we all mosey around our kitchen. Even though some routines may be more optimal or productive, I believe that everyone has their own “perfect” morning routine, designed to whatever suits their needs best.
