Have you ever watched one of those “morning routine” videos online?
Ashton Hall’s got attention recently, but he’s far from alone.
Basically, someone wakes up at 4:30 AM, journals for an hour, meditates, runs 10 miles, makes a green smoothie, does skincare with 17 steps, and somehow still has time to watch the sunrise with a matcha latte.
Yeah… that’s not real life.
For most people, mornings are about trying to wake up without hitting snooze 10 times, figuring out breakfast, and getting out the door (hopefully on time).
And that’s okay!
The goal isn’t to turn into a superhuman before 7 AM—it’s about building a healthy and sustainable routine that actually fits your life.
Let’s talk about realistic ways to start your day right—without the guilt, stress, or 4 AM ice-bucket challenges.
1. Get Real About Wake-Up Time
The Myth: “Successful people wake up before dawn.”
The Reality: Waking up super early doesn’t magically make you healthier or more productive—especially if you’re sacrificing sleep to do it.
- The real key? Wake up at a consistent time every day (even on weekends).
- If you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep, that’s already a win.
- If you’re naturally a night owl, don’t force yourself into a 5 AM routine—it won’t last.
Instead of trying to wake up at an unrealistic time, focus on waking up refreshed. That starts the night before with a good sleep routine!
2. Start With Hydration (Not Just Coffee)
The Myth: “Chugging a giant iced coffee is the best way to wake up.”
The Reality: Coffee is great, but your body actually needs water first.
- After 7-8 hours of sleep, you’re dehydrated.
- A glass of water in the morning helps digestion, metabolism, and brain function.
- If plain water feels boring, try adding lemon, cucumber, or even a pinch of sea salt for electrolytes.
Don’t worry—you can still have your coffee (or matcha!). Just don’t make it the first thing you grab.
3. Make Breakfast Easy (And Actually Filling)
The Myth: “Breakfast should be a fancy smoothie bowl or overnight oats that look like art.”
The Reality: If your breakfast takes longer to prep than it does to eat, you probably won’t stick with it.
Instead, focus on quick, protein-packed meals that actually keep you full:
✅ Greek yogurt + nuts + berries
✅ Eggs + whole-grain toast + avocado
✅ Protein smoothie (without 50 ingredients)
✅ Oatmeal + nut butter + banana
Skip the sugar-loaded cereals or skipping breakfast altogether—your body needs fuel!
For what it’s worth, while the whole “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” thing was a marketing plot, the meal does kick-start your metabolism for the day, so keep it nutritious and balanced.
4. Move Your Body (But Keep It Realistic)
The Myth: “You should do an intense workout first thing in the morning.”
The Reality: Morning workouts are great—if you actually enjoy them. If you hate morning exercise, you’re not going to stick with it.
Some easier ways to move in the morning:
- A 10-minute stretch or yoga flow
- A quick walk outside (great for your mood and metabolism!)
- Bodyweight exercises if you’re short on time
- A short strength or cardio session if you prefer mornings
And if you’d rather work out in the afternoon? That’s fine!
The best workout is the one you’ll actually do.
5. Skip the Overloaded To-Do List
The Myth: “You need to journal, meditate, plan your whole day, and do self-care before 8 AM.”
The Reality: Your morning routine should be helpful, not overwhelming.
- If you like journaling? Great. If not? Don’t force it.
- If meditation feels calming? Awesome. If it stresses you out? Skip it.
- Instead of a long to-do list, try writing down just 1-2 key priorities for the day.
Mornings should set you up for success—not stress you out before the day even starts.
6. Make Mornings About Feeling Good, Not Being Perfect
At the end of the day, the best morning routine is the one that:
✔️ Gives you energy
✔️ Feels natural and easy
✔️ Fits into your life
You don’t need a social-media-worthy routine to be healthy. You just need small, consistent habits that make mornings feel better—not more stressful.
Want personalized advice on building healthier habits?
Book a consultation at The A-List Clinic today!
