Why I Even Bother with a Morning Routine
Okay, so I used to think morning routines were for those Type-A folks who iron their socks and have color-coded planners. But then I moved to Chicago, started a job with a commute that feels like a cross-country road trip, and realized I needed morning habits to keep from losing it. Like, I’m not trying to be a productivity guru; I just want to avoid showing up to Zoom meetings with toothpaste on my shirt. A 7-minute morning routine is my sweet spot—short enough to fit into my dumpster-fire schedule but long enough to make me feel human.
Here’s the thing: I learned this the hard way after one humiliating morning when I rolled out of bed, tripped over my charger cord, and spilled oatmeal all over my laptop.
That was my wake-up call—pun intended—that I needed a quick morning routine to avoid starting my day like a sitcom disaster.
How I Squeeze My Routine into Seven Minutes
So, here’s the deal. My 7-minute morning routine is less “aesthetic” and more “survival mode.” I’m sharing this from my couch, where I’m currently dodging a pile of laundry that’s judging me. It’s not perfect, but it works for me, and maybe it’ll work for you. Here’s how I cram my morning productivity into seven minutes:
- Minute 1: Splash Face, Avoid Mirror Regret
I stumble to the bathroom, splash cold water on my face, and try not to stare at the bags under my eyes. Pro tip: Don’t look too long, or you’ll start questioning your life choices. The cold water shocks me awake, and I swear it’s better than coffee—okay, that’s a lie, but it helps. - Minutes 2-3: Coffee, Chaos, and a Quick Stretch
I hit the coffee maker like it’s my lifeline. This morning, I knocked over the grounds because I was half-asleep, and my kitchen still smells like a Starbucks crime scene. While it brews, I do a 30-second stretch on my yoga mat—nothing fancy, just enough to not feel like a rusty robot.
- Minutes 4-5: Quick Journal Scribble
I grab a sticky note and jot down one thing I’m grateful for and one thing I need to do today. Sounds cheesy, right? But it keeps me grounded. Yesterday, I wrote, “Grateful for Wi-Fi. Must not forget to email boss.
- Minutes 6-7: Outfit Grab and Mental Pep Talk
I pick whatever clothes aren’t wrinkled (spoiler: none of them). Then I give myself a quick pep talk in the mirror: “You got this, even if you look like you slept in a dumpster.” It’s not pretty, but it gets me out the door.
When My Routine Falls Apart (Spoiler: It Does)
Real talk: My daily routine fails sometimes. Like, last week, I skipped the journal part because my dog ate my pen—don’t ask. And yeah, I’ve spilled coffee on my shirt more times than I’d like to admit. But here’s what I’ve learned: A 7-minute morning routine doesn’t have to be flawless to work. It’s about doing something to set yourself up for the day, even if it’s messy. Check out this article from Healthline for more science-backed tips on why short routines can boost your mood—I’m living proof it’s not just hype.
Tips to Build Your Own Chaotic but Effective Routine
Okay, so you’re probably wondering how to make this work for you. Here’s my advice, straight from my caffeine-fueled, slightly chaotic brain:
- Keep it stupid simple. Don’t try to meditate for 20 minutes or make a smoothie bowl that looks like art. You’re busy, not running a wellness retreat.
- Prep the night before. I lay out my clothes because I’m useless at 6 a.m. It’s not sexy, but it saves me from wearing mismatched socks to work.
- Embrace the mess. Your morning habits don’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. If you spill coffee or skip a step, just keep going.
- Use a timer. I set my phone to 7 minutes, and it’s like a game to beat the clock. Bonus: It makes me feel like I’m in an action movie.
For more ideas, this Forbes article has some solid tips on morning productivity, though I warn you, some of it’s way too intense for my vibe.
Conclusion: My Morning Routine Is My Lifeline, Kinda
So, yeah, my 7-minute morning routine is a bit of a circus, but it’s my circus. Sitting here in my apartment, with the radiator clanking and my dog staring at me like I owe him money, I’m grateful for these seven minutes. They’re the only thing keeping me from spiraling into full-on chaos before noon. Wanna try it? Steal my routine, tweak it, make it yours. Drop a comment or hit me up on X to tell me how it goes—or if you’ve got a better morning routine hack, I’m all ears.
