Picture this: It’s a brisk Tuesday morning in New York City. The city that never sleeps is slowly waking up, and the sun’s golden rays are peeking over the skyline. As the city rouses, I am already full of energy, sipping on my steaming cup of lemon-infused water, and getting ready to face the day head-on. As a busy designer in one of the most bustling cities in the world, time is a luxury I can’t afford to waste. What’s my secret? It’s simple—simple morning rituals.
Starting your day with simple morning rituals can transform your life in ways you’ve never imagined. It’s not just about having a perfect day or achieving success in your professional life. It’s about leading a more intentional and fulfilled life. These rituals help you start your day on the right foot, with a clear mind and a rejuvenated body, ready to seize the day.
But why should you listen to me? Well, I’ve been where you are—struggling to find time for myself amidst the chaos of a busy day, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering if there was a better way to start the day. That’s when I discovered the magic of simple morning rituals. They have not only revolutionized my days but have also made my life more intentional and joyful.
From getting my blood flowing with a quick exercise routine to packing a healthy lunch, from savoring a cup of hot tea to jotting down my thoughts in a food journal, each of these rituals takes just a few minutes but their impact lasts all day long. Whether it’s putting on my fitness tracker or going for a refreshing walk in the park, these rituals have become an integral part of my morning routine.
Wake Up and Shake Up (5-10 Minutes): Exercise (5-10 Minutes)
The moment my eyes open, I hop out of bed, wish my wife a good morning, and get my body moving with a quick workout at F45. It’s a simple ritual that wakes me up better than any coffee could. Avoiding social media within at least the first couple of hours is important. It’s been shown that using social media first thing upon waking up, can lead to reduced productivity later in the day. This is because you are spending time on things that are not productive, such as checking your feeds or posts that don’t benefit your day.
Masterchef in the Making (2-10 minutes):
I’ve come to appreciate the art of a well-crafted breakfast. I remember the days when I used to rush out the door, grabbing whatever was handy to munch on the go. But over time, I realized that starting my day with a hurried bite did nothing for my energy levels or my creativity. That’s when I decided to invest a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare a healthy breakfast – turning a necessity into an enjoyable ritual. I try to keep it light with high protein.
Morning Cup of Bliss (2-5 minutes):
My morning brew varies between a robust cup of coffee and a soothing mug of lemon water, each with its unique allure. The coffee, with its rich aroma, feels like a warm embrace, awakening my senses and stirring my creative energy. It’s more than just a caffeine boost—it’s a ritual that signals the beginning of a new day, filled with possibilities.
On the other hand, the lemon water offers a refreshing start. There’s something undeniably therapeutic about watching a slice of lemon twirl in a cup of warm water. The citrusy scent wafting through the air, the tart yet comforting taste—it’s a gentle nudge to my metabolism and a vitamin C packed start to the day.
But my morning cup is more than just a beverage—it’s a moment of mindfulness. As I cradle the warm cup in my hands, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I listen to the faint sounds of the city waking up, the distant hum of traffic, the chirping of birds. This quiet moment of reflection prepares me mentally for the day ahead, helping me approach it with calmness and clarity.
Green Smoothie Magic (5 minutes):
As a designer, my work demands creativity, focus, and plenty of energy. Nourishing my body is just as important as nourishing my mind, and my morning green smoothie ritual is a testament to that belief.
Every morning, I gather my ingredients, an assortment of vibrant greens, ripe fruits, and nutrient-packed seeds. The sound of the blender whirring to life is like an orchestra playing my favorite symphony, a melody that signals the beginning of a beautiful day. The result? A smooth, emerald concoction, brimming with vitamins and antioxidants that serve as the perfect fuel to kickstart my morning.
Some days, it’s a classic combination of spinach, banana, and almond milk, while on others, I might throw in a handful of blueberries or a spoonful of chia seeds. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor and nutritional profile to the mix, creating a symphony of health benefits in each sip. It’s not just a smoothie; it’s a magic potion that powers me through the hustle and bustle of the day.
Breakfast Like a King (5-10 minutes):
Preparing a king-worthy breakfast is about more than just the food on my plate. It’s a chance to slow down, to begin my day with a moment of peace before stepping out into the bustling city. As I chop, stir, and cook, I allow myself to be present at the moment, to enjoy the process as much as the end product. It’s a reminder that even in a city that’s always on the move, taking a few extra minutes for myself is not only possible but essential.
Eating breakfast like a king is more than a dietary choice—it’s a morning ritual that sets the tone for my day. It’s the satisfaction of knowing I’ve nourished my body, the anticipation of the day’s challenges, and the quiet joy of a morning well-spent. As I sit down to eat, I savor each bite, thankful for this simple act of self-care that prepares me for whatever the day may bring.
Hit the Ground Running with a HITT F45 Class (45 minutes):
The moment I step into the studio, the energy is palpable. The beats of the workout music fill the room, creating a symphony of movement and motivation. Each class is a whirlwind of action, a dynamic blend of cardio and strength training that pushes me to my limits. The 45 minutes fly by in a flurry of lunges, squats, and high knees, a dance that leaves me breathless yet invigorated.
But my F45 class is more than just a workout—it’s a ritual that gives me the strength to take on the day. It’s a test of endurance, a challenge that pushes me beyond my comfort zone and reminds me of what I’m capable of. And it’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s about the mental toughness, grit, and determination that I cultivate with each session.
With every drop of sweat, I can feel my body getting stronger, my mind becoming sharper. It’s an investment in my health, a commitment to my well-being that fuels my productivity throughout the day. As I leave the studio, my muscles might be sore, but my spirit is soaring. I’m ready to take on whatever the day throws at me, armed with the strength and resilience I’ve gained from my morning ritual.
Scribe of Sustenance (2-5 minutes):
As a designer thriving in the hustle of New York, I’ve learned the importance of mindful eating, and writing in a food journal has become an integral part of my morning ritual. It’s not just about documenting my meals, it’s about deepening my connection with food and how it impacts my body and mind.
In the quiet moments of the morning, I sit with my journal, its pages blank and inviting, waiting to be filled with reflections on my culinary journey. I jot down the meals I plan to have, the ingredients I’ll use, and the nutrients they’ll provide.
But this ritual goes beyond meal planning. It’s also about reflecting on my relationship with food. I take note of how certain foods make me feel, how they influence my energy levels, and how they contribute to my overall well-being. This simple act of writing has transformed the way I view food, turning each meal into an opportunity for nourishment and self-care.
Tracker of Triumphs (30 seconds):
Like a silent cheerleader on my wrist, my Fitbit tracker Charge 5 is one of the first things I reach for in the morning. With a swift click, I strap it on, its familiar weight a comforting reminder of the active day ahead. It’s more than just a piece of technology; it’s my partner in health, my guide on the path to wellness.
This simple ritual, though it takes a few moments, sets a positive tone for the day. Each step, each heartbeat it records is a testament to my commitment to staying healthy and active. It nudges me to take the stairs instead of the elevator, to walk instead of taking a cab, and to choose activities that keep me moving.
Hydrate to Dominate (2 minutes):
This simple morning ritual begins with me reaching for a glass in my kitchen. The cool touch of the glass, and the soothing sound of water filling it, these small sensory experiences are a calming start to the day. The act of drinking that full glass of water is like a signal to my body, a wake-up call that kickstarts my system and prepares me for the day ahead.
The “Hydrate to Dominate” ritual is more than just a healthy habit—it’s a symbol of self-care, a reminder to nourish my body from within. As I take that first sip, I can almost feel my cells awakening, my body thanking me for this simple act of care.
The Morning Stroll (5-20 minutes):
Each morning, after fueling my body with a healthy breakfast and donning my trusty fitness tracker, I step out of my apartment and into the vibrant streets of the city. The familiar sounds of the city waking up greet me – the distant hum of traffic, the chatter of early risers, and the soft rustling of leaves in the park nearby.
This simple morning ritual isn’t about speed or distance, but about presence. It’s a chance to breathe deeply, clear my mind, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
Gratitude Guru (2-5 minutes):
Being a Gratitude Guru is more than just listing blessings—it’s about cultivating a mindset of appreciation. It’s about acknowledging the good in life, even in the midst of challenges. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the everyday and celebrating the small wins along with the big ones.
This simple act of writing down what I’m grateful for shifts my perspective and make me more intentional with how I feel. It fills me with positivity, reminding me of the abundance in my life. It sets a positive tone for the day, fueling my creativity and motivation. And as I close my journal and step into the day, I carry with me this sense of gratitude, this appreciation for life’s many blessings.
What is a ritual?
A ritual is a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly, especially as part of a ceremony or routine. It often involves a series of actions conducted in a particular order. Rituals can have symbolic value or practical purposes, or both.
They are often performed for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. For example, brushing your teeth every night before bed is a personal ritual, while a wedding ceremony is a cultural ritual. In the context of a morning routine, a ritual could be something like drinking a cup of coffee or meditating each morning, done consistently to create a sense of routine and predictability to start the day.
How can a simple morning ritual benefit you (why you should)
The importance and benefits of establishing a morning routine are manifold. From the moment you wake and shut off that snooze button, simple morning rituals can pave the way for a productive day ahead. By spending just a few minutes each morning on activities that nourish the mind and body, you create a sense of order and control that can reduce stress throughout the day.
Whether it’s drinking a warm cup of coffee while writing your to-do list, enjoying a healthy breakfast with a family member, or taking a moment to hydrate with a glass of lemon water rich in vitamin C, these simple rituals help us to start the day right. They give us a sense of purpose the thing in the morning, making it easier to get out of bed and begin the day with energy and enthusiasm.
A Simple morning ritual like these is not just about starting the day; they can also influence the quality of your night. A good morning routine often promotes a good night’s sleep, as it establishes a rhythm to your day, signaling to your body when it’s time to wake and when it’s time to rest.
