Morning Routines: A Magic Key or a Misguided Myth?

Morning routines have become trendy. Social media teems with secrets, promising keys to wellbeing through specific morning rituals like waking up at 3 a.m. or practicing “magic mornings.”

Often, people try to reverse-engineer what society values, attributing it to something as simple as morning routines. Does a “magic” morning formula really exist?

The morning routines of highly ’successful people, including celebrities or CEOs are shared online. A TikTok trend is the 5 to 9 before my 9 to 5, with over 70 million views.

But here’s the truth: Wellbeing doesn’t hide behind an alarm clock. Does anyone know what truly makes us tick?

We often lose touch with our bodies as we try to hack life. The belief that early risers are superior and that imitating their habits leads to better living is misleading. Skipping sleep—or poor sleep—impairs brain function. What if instead we prioritize quality sleep, listen to our bodies, and work with our natural rhythms?

For instance, one person may choose to start early, while another thrives at night. Both approaches are healthy if aligned with our truths. We are all different, and what works for one may not work for another.

A Magic Key or a Misguided Myth?

We also remember balance. Focusing only on productivity creates an unhealthy lifestyle where relationships and personal wellbeing suffer. The myth of “magic mornings” often ignores this crucial aspect.

Life doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all pattern, and neither do morning routines. As I’ve mentioned, even a one-size-fits-all t-shirt doesn’t always fit.

For some of us, we choose not to divide our time into weekdays and weekends, making every day of the week about being present. But it’s a personal choice, reflecting our individual needs and lifestyles.

Our habits vary naturally, and that’s fine. Staying in touch with our bodies, finding our rhythms, and embracing balance lead to genuine healthy living. We shouldn’t chase illusory “magic” morning routines. The key to unlocking our best selves lies within us, not in the clock or others’ rules or practices.

“because time isn’t something that always proceeds at the same pace. It is we who determine how quickly time passes.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage