Circadian Provision - Jack Smith

I have never been a morning person. I typically sleep until the last possible minute, scavenge together a quick breakfast or skip it, and rush to class or work. Living this way makes those feel as if they are trying to catch up all day instead of being on top of the day or controlling their life. Feeling fully in control of your life may be a little farfetched. However, a good morning routine will allow you to wake up on the right side of the bed and conquer the day.

A good morning routine’s positive effects on one’s day is not random or volatile but is backed by science and specifically, biology. According to Thrive Global, a consistent morning routine helps regulate our circadian rhythms. A circadian rhythm is a biological clock that regulates the sleep and awake cycles in humans. Or, simply put, your internal clock. Have you ever driven home and forgot whether you stopped at the last stop sign before you arrived home? Well, that is because the repetition of an event causes those repeated tasks to become easier and easier until you are able to virtually “turn your brain off” while completing them. Similarly, if one wakes up and repeats the same tasks over and over again before starting their day, their body will naturally begin to wake up over the course of those mindless tasks. Furthermore, if one repeats the same tasks and feels more awake, they will likely become more productive in the mornings. More productivity in the afternoons will follow and one will experience a more productive life. Thus, morning routines are crucial for living a productive life.

Personally, I have had points in my life where I woke up before the last minute, had a little morning routine, and leisurely traveled to class or work. My morning routine typically consisted of eating breakfast, a little reading, and then the morning hygiene routine. During these times, I find myself more productive, active, and happier. My morning routine helped me throughout the day but is there a better routine? What aspects of a morning routine make a good morning routine?

Fast company compared the morning routines of some of the most successful people in the world including Ron Freidman, Margret Thatcher, and Benjamin Franklin and found many similarities between them. These activities include eating a good breakfast, making a to do list or reading a to do list written the day before, meditation of some sort or deep thought, reading, write down your habits, and make sure that your routine somewhat applies to the weekends as well. Consistency is key with morning routines as it takes about a month of repetition to create a habit and just a few days of not adhering to your routine will break your habit. Thus, don’t sleep in too late on the weekends if your job requires you up early, read if you typically read during the weekdays, etc. Creating a good morning routine will not make you successful. However, having a good morning routine is a great start to a successful life.