This morning routine for motivation and energy was born the day I almost quit my job because I woke up hating life for the 47th day in a row. I’m talking proper Pune winter—6 AM is still dark, the blanket is basically superglued to my soul, and my brain’s only thought is “bas 5 minute aur…” Then I discovered that motivation isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you trick your body into producing before WhatsApp ruins everything.
Here’s my current 18-minute morning routine for motivation and energy that survives power cuts, nosy neighbors playing suprabhatam at 180 dB, and zero willpower.
6:12 AM – The “Don’t Murder the Alarm” Rule
Phone is across the room (classic move). I have to physically get up to kill it. First tiny win. I literally pat myself on the back like an idiot. Dopamine activated.
6:13–6:15 AM – 60 Seconds of Pure Delulu
I stand in front of the mirror, hair looking like a science experiment, and say three ridiculous things out loud:
- “I am a productivity goddess”
- “Today will be better than yesterday”
- “My boss secretly loves me”
It feels stupid. It works stupidly well. Positive self-talk literally rewires your brain. I’m living proof.
6:15–6:20 AM – Chai + Balcony Energy Transfer
I make the strongest adrak chai known to mankind (extra elaichi because I’m extra) and step onto my 2×3 foot balcony. No phone. Just me, chai steam, and watching the sky turn from black to orange. Five minutes of pure presence. This is my version of meditation. Crows judge me. I don’t care.
6:20–6:23 AM – 37-Second Bollywood Dance Party
One song. Full volume. Current obsession: “London Thumakda” slowed + reverb. I dance like nobody’s watching (because the neighbors are still asleep, hopefully). Heart rate up, endorphins activated, neighbors probably filing complaints. Worth it.
6:23–6:25 AM – The “One Thing” Ritual
I open my ₹20 notebook and write exactly one sentence: Today’s examples:
- “Finish that PPT before lunch or die trying”
- “Be kind to myself even if I’m late”
- “Drink water instead of crying in the bathroom”
One sentence. One focus. The rest of the to-do list can scream later.
6:25–6:30 AM – Cold Water Face Slap + Gratitude Speed Round
Splash face 10 times with cold water (free Korean skincare), then name three things I’m grateful for while brushing teeth. Usually:
- Chai exists
- I have a job (most days)
- My mom’s aloo paratha is waiting downstairs
Energy = restored.
[Insert Image Placeholder 3: Steamy bathroom mirror with finger-written “YOU GOT THIS” slowly fading, toothbrush in mouth, eyes wide like I just saw my future self thriving. Caption: “Free therapy, now in mint flavor.”]
The Science (That I Googled at 2 AM)
- Movement first thing = cortisol drop + dopamine spike
- Natural light exposure = serotonin boost
- Gratitude = literally rewires your brain for positivity
- Music + dancing = instant mood elevator
I’m not making this up. I’m just too lazy to link sources properly.
The “I’m Dying Today” Version (7 Minutes Total)
On terrible days:
- Drink water sitting in bed
- One push-up (yes, just one)
- Blast one happy song while getting ready
- Whisper “fake it till you make it” and leave
Still better than waking up defeated.
This morning routine for motivation and energy didn’t make me a morning person. It made me a person who doesn’t hate mornings anymore. And honestly? That’s the biggest flex of 2025.
Try it tomorrow. Even if you skip half the steps. Even if your dance moves are tragic. Just start.
