My Morning Routine

Last updated on May 9, 2023

You’ve heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” Well, I see myself as an early bird entrepreneur who knows a thing or two about how setting yourself up for success with a morning routine can make all the difference when running a business. 

Every morning starts differently depending on where I am in my workflow. Still, seven key activities are staples in my daily routine and help me stay on track and organized. 

In this blog post, you’ll discover why each habit is important and how they have helped me become a more productive and motivated professional. Stick around to find out what works best for me!

#1: Drink 16 oz of water

Waking up in the morning and reaching for coffee is the norm for many people. But have you ever considered starting your day with a glass of water instead? 

Drinking water first thing in the morning can provide numerous benefits for your health and energy throughout the day. Rehydrating after hours of sleep can help jumpstart your metabolism, aid digestion, and flush out toxins from your body. Plus, it’s a simple addition to your morning routine that can significantly improve your overall well-being. 

Take it from me – someone who describes himself as a Starbucks-a-holic – I feel so much better now that I decided to switch from coffee to water as my first sip of the day. So, try skipping the coffee tomorrow morning and reach for a refreshing glass of water to reap the benefits.

#2: Make the bed

Have you ever heard the saying, “Make your bed to start your day”? Well, I’ve got a little twist on that morning routine. Instead of making your bed right after waking up, try drinking a glass of water first and then making your bed. 

Not only does making the bed right after drinking a bottle of water help you start your day off on a productive note by accomplishing a task right away, but it also boosts hydration which is crucial after a long night of sleep. Plus, studies have shown that making your bed can lead to better productivity and a sense of accomplishment, which can set the tone for the rest of your day. 

So, the next time you wake up, try this simple trick and see how it affects your morning routine.

#3: Listen to a book summary

Every morning, after making my bed, I reach for my phone and listen to a book summary from StoryShots of the book I’m reading. As of this writing, that would be The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin.

Why do I do this, you ask? Well, it’s a great way to refresh my memory about the key takeaways from the book. Plus, it’s a quick and efficient way to get daily inspiration and motivation. 

I may not have the luxury of sitting with a book for an hour daily, but I can listen to a summary while preparing for the day. It’s a small habit that has significantly impacted my life! 

With my hectic morning routine, listening to a book summary allows me to meditate on my reading and keep it fresh when I can’t accommodate reading into my schedule without sacrificing precious time.

#4: Stretch for ten minutes

Stretching for ten minutes in the morning after listening to a book summary can be incredibly beneficial for your mind and body. Not only does stretching help to wake up stiff and tired muscles, but it can also improve your circulation, flexibility, and range of motion. 

Incorporating stretching into your morning routine can also help to reduce stress, ease tension, and increase your energy levels throughout the day. 

But suppose you don’t have the time to do both separately. In that case, listening to a book summary while stretching can provide a double dose of positive benefits – keeping your mind engaged and active while working on your physical health. So why not give it a try? Your body (and mind) will thank you!

#5: Cold shower + Morning shave

After stretching for ten minutes – easing my muscles awake and getting my blood flowing – I jump into a cold shower. Which, although unpleasant at first, has many benefits, such as boosting my immune system, improving my circulation, and reducing inflammation. 

Plus, the shock of the cold water wakes me up and makes me feel alert and energized. 

After my shower, I take a few minutes to shave, which helps me feel put together and ready to tackle the day. And then, I put on a little moisturizing cream to help my skin remain silky smooth for the rest of the day. I enjoy using the safety razor and shaving cream as my facial shaving tools. 

This morning routine may not be for everyone, but for me, it sets the tone for a productive and successful day ahead.

#6: Breakfast

If you peek into my average morning routine, you might be surprised to see what’s on the menu for breakfast. It’s a mishmash of flavors and textures, yet it all seems to come together somehow. 

My go-to breakfast consists of salmon or eggs for a hearty protein boost, miso soup for some savory warmth, a bowl of rice to keep me full and satisfied, and, to top it all off, a chai tea latte to get me going for the long day ahead. 

It’s not your typical Western breakfast, but it works for me and keeps me energized and ready to tackle whatever the day throws my way.

#7: Morning Walk

As part of my morning routine, after breakfast, I always take a 15-minute walk around my neighborhood while listening to the news. Something about the morning’s peacefulness appeals to me and helps me decompress before starting my day.

Catching up on the latest news and events is always exciting and helps me feel more connected to the world. My podcasts of choice are:

• The Newsworthy with Erica Mandy
• Tech News Briefing from the Wall Street Journal
• Your Money Briefing from the Wall Street Journal
• Business Wars Daily
• Marketing School with Neil Patel and Eric Siu
• Computer and Technology Radio with Marc Cohen and Marsha Collier (on Sundays)

I love absorbing information while getting fresh air and exercising. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart my day and get ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

And That’s My Morning Routine

My morning routine may look a little different than the average person’s, but it works for me and helps to keep me energized throughout the day. 

From listening to book summaries and stretching, taking a cold shower and shaving, eating an unconventional breakfast, and catching up on the news during my walk around the neighborhood – these activities set the tone for success in whatever I do. 

Everyone has their unique way of starting their mornings; find what works best for you and incorporate it into your daily life!