Glow & Grow

Master Your Mornings

Hi, it’s Lexa! Let’s talk mornings—the first domino in the chain reaction of your day. Whether you’re a night owl reluctantly dragging yourself out of bed or a natural early riser, there’s no denying the power of a well-structured morning routine. Trust me, as someone juggling a demanding career and family life, I’ve had to hack my mornings for maximum efficiency and peace of mind. Spoiler alert: It’s not about waking up at 5 a.m. but about creating a routine that works for you.

Why Mornings Matter

Science tells us mornings set the tone for the rest of our day. The concept of decision fatigue (remember that from my last post?) plays a big role here. Starting the day with clarity and structure reduces mental clutter and leaves you more energy for critical decisions later. Plus, a consistent routine helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which improves everything from your focus to your mood.

But what does this look like in real life? Let’s break it down into actionable steps, with plenty of real-world examples to keep it relatable.

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Step 1: Start with Mindfulness (Even if It’s 3 Minutes)

The first moments after you wake up are crucial for setting your mindset. Neuroscientists suggest that practicing mindfulness right after waking can help reduce cortisol—the stress hormone—and increase feelings of calm.

Lexa’s Real World Tip:

I’m not meditating on a mountaintop here. My version? I sit up in bed, take three deep breaths, and mentally list three things I’m grateful for. On days when I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll write them down in my journal. This 3-minute practice helps me start the day with intention, not overwhelm.

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Step 2: Hydration and Nutrition

After six to eight hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated and running low on energy reserves. Hydrating and eating a balanced breakfast are critical to kickstart your metabolism and brain function.

Real-World Example:

One of my coworkers swears by lemon water, but I keep it simple with a tall glass of water as I wait for my coffee to brew. For breakfast, I batch-make overnight oats or egg muffins over the weekend, so there’s no debate about what to eat. This aligns with simplifying choices to avoid decision fatigue.

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Step 3: Move Your Body

Even a short burst of exercise can flood your brain with endorphins, improve focus, and increase your energy levels throughout the day. You don’t need to run a marathon—just find something that works for you.

Lexa’s Routine Hack:

I squeeze in a quick 10-minute yoga session using an app like Down Dog. On busier mornings, I’ll stretch while my coffee brews. It’s about finding consistency, not perfection.

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Step 4: Review Your Day’s Priorities

Mornings are your prime time to align your tasks with your goals. Without a clear focus, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of emails and Slack messages.

Practical Tip:

I follow my Daily Top Three system, as mentioned in my project management article. Before checking emails, I review my calendar and write down the top three tasks that will make my day feel productive. I use the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritization: urgent & important tasks go first, while others are scheduled or delegated.

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Step 5: Limit Morning Distractions

The digital world is designed to steal your attention, and mornings are especially vulnerable. Resist the urge to start scrolling social media or diving into your inbox first thing.

The Science Bit:

Studies show that consuming social media in the morning floods your brain with dopamine, creating a cycle of distraction for the rest of the day. Instead, focus on something productive or uplifting, like reading or listening to a podcast.

Lexa’s Rule:

I keep my phone on airplane mode until after breakfast. My screen-free time in the morning helps me focus on what matters—like my family and preparing for the workday.

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Step 6: Personalize Your Routine

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some successful professionals thrive on exercise first thing, while others dive straight into deep work. The key is to experiment and find what aligns with your energy levels and priorities.

Example from the Field:

A colleague of mine, an extroverted marketing lead, schedules a quick morning brainstorm session with her team to jumpstart her creativity. Meanwhile, I, as an introverted strategist, prefer to spend my mornings in quiet preparation.

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Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even the best routines can fall apart. Here’s how to navigate common challenges:

• Too Busy for a Routine: Start small. Even a 5-minute routine can make a difference.
• Kids or Family Interruptions: Involve them! My son “helps” me with my yoga stretches—it’s not perfect, but it’s quality time.
• Lack of Motivation: Pair a habit with something you love. I only allow myself to listen to my favorite podcast while prepping breakfast.

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Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

The goal of a morning routine isn’t to create a rigid system that feels like a chore. It’s about designing a start to your day that makes you feel focused, grounded, and in control—whatever that looks like for you.

If you’re ready to master your mornings, pick one or two tips from this blog to start tomorrow. Consistency is key. And remember, it’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing what works for you.

Until next time, let’s start our mornings strong and tackle our days like the pros we are!

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What’s your favorite part of your morning routine? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!