Mornings, Momentum & Mayhem

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Let’s talk about your morning

Until I hit the ripe old age of 28 (aka, now), I was a morning disaster. And the worst part? I had no clue. I'd roll my eyes at those smug early birds boasting about their "morning routines"—waking up at the crack of dawn, sipping home-brewed coffee, munching on a balanced breakfast, and gasp working out before work? Chill out, Captain Overachiever. In my early and mid-20s, sacrificing even 30 minutes of precious sleep for that nonsense? Not a chance. And I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no. Going to bed earlier was not an option. WAYYYY too logical.

Please roast my first bedroom in NYC:

So, what did mornings look like for 22-to-27-year-old me in the Big Apple? Picture this:

• 7:30 AM: Alarm one. Groan.

• 7:35 AM: Snooze button.

• 8:00 AM: Alarm two. Ugh. Fine.

• 8:05 AM: Stumble into a foggy shower.

• 8:15 AM: Brush teeth, throw on whatever's clean.

• 8:25 AM: Leave bed looking like a tornado hit it.

• 8:30 AM: Dash to work, half-asleep, hair dripping, probably forgot my laptop. Again.

Not ideal, but I thought that's just how life was.

Fast forward to my incredibly mature 28-year-old self. I've discovered the magic of a dialed-in morning routine. Don't get me wrong—I still have my off days. Sometimes I sleep in. Occasionally, I skip the workout. But more often than not, here's the new groove:

• 6:45 AM: Wake up. Yes, voluntarily.

• 6:50 AM: Make the bed. Adulting 101.

• 7:00 AM: Walk my girlfriend to work. Brownie points.

• 7:15 AM: Return home, brew a (decaf) coffee, tackle emails.

• 8:00 AM: Workout—be it a class, a park run, or the trusty basement gym (#gritty).

• 8:45 AM: Shower, whip up a smoothie.

• 9:15 AM: Head to the office.

It's a game-changer. I genuinely love my mornings now. And yes, I'm fortunate to have the flexibility to stroll into work after 9am. Most don’t have that luxury.

Alright, let's break down some morning habits with a dash of fun and a sprinkle of science:

1. Making Your Bed: The 2-Minute Power Move

Kicking off your day by tidying up your bed might seem like a tiny task, but it can set the stage for a productive day. In a survey, 82% of people who make their beds reported feeling more productive throughout the day.

2. Waking Up 30 Minutes Earlier: More Time, Less Stress

Hitting the snooze button is tempting, but getting up just 30 minutes earlier can have its perks. Research from a Harvard health study suggests that early risers often experience better mental health and well-being.

3. Morning Walks: Step Into a Better Day

Starting your day with a walk isn't just good for your body; it's great for your mind too. A brisk 30-minute walk can burn up to 150 calories and boost mental clarity by increasing blood flow to the brain.

4. Morning Workouts: Sweat Now, Shine Later

Getting your heart pumping in the morning can set a positive tone for the day. Regular morning exercise can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to more restful nights.

So yeah, mornings used to be my personal hellscape, but now they’re kinda… nice? I don’t wake up feeling like I just got hit by a bus anymore. I have time to actually wake up before logging into work. I even—dare I say—look forward to them? Who am I??

Listen, I’m not saying you need to go full navy-seal-ice-bath-wake-up-at-4AM psychopath. I’m just saying, one tiny change might be the difference between feeling like a functioning adult versus a gremlin crawling out of bed, confused and afraid.

Maybe you make the bed (boom, you’re productive). Maybe you walk outside (congrats, you’re basically a wellness influencer now). Maybe you wake up 30 minutes earlier and just stare at the wall in silence (lowkey elite behavior).

Whatever it is, just know this: morning people aren’t born, they’re made. And I am living proof that even the most chaotic of night owls can fake it with just a little effort.

Now go forth. And for the love of god, set one alarm instead of three.