In 2021, the “That Girl” phenomenon became incredibly popular online.
Although the trend has diminished, advice still circulates urging people to pack as many ‘healthy’ habits as possible into their mornings.
I’ve found myself engrossed in Pinterest boards featuring the ultimate morning routine, thinking to myself, ‘If I just stick to this list, my life will improve immensely’.
Many times, I’ve jotted down an ambitious list of goals at midnight for the next day, imagining I would transform into a completely new person by morning.
However, morning arrives, and I face the reality that I’m still the same person, I’ve slept past my alarm, and I have no time for ‘the list’.
There’s nothing wrong with aspiring to adopt “That Girl” habits. These activities are beneficial in their own right.
Yet, it’s unrealistic to think you can maintain that rigorous routine every day.
The more we let endless checklists dictate our lives, the less mindful we become when trying to complete those tasks.
While I support dedicating time to important activities, life doesn’t need to be over-packed to be fulfilling.
So, what’s a better approach? What does a realistic routine entail?
Reconsidering Your Routine
My perspective on routines and habits has evolved significantly over the years, and I no longer feel the need to tackle everything at once.
Now, I am more at ease with taking my time and doing things in a manner that feels right for me—essentially, avoiding unrealistic expectations.
My mornings are straightforward and consistent.
I begin my day by reading ten pages of my current book.
Then I shower, have breakfast, and take my dog out—deciding the order based on my immediate needs.
Sometimes I wake up feeling hungry and need to eat first. Other times, I may have an appointment, making showering a priority. On occasion, my dog may be eager to go out, requiring immediate attention.
After these activities, I spend 30 minutes writing (you can read more about my writing journey here).
This makes up my simple morning routine. I can immerse myself in reading, enjoy fresh air with my dog, refuel with a nourishing breakfast, and feel rejuvenated after a shower.
I don’t need to force all these ‘good’ habits into my mornings to make them meaningful.
Embracing a Simple Routine
Many believe that checking off numerous tasks in their morning routines will elevate their self-esteem. Achieving those ‘good’ habits early means the rest of the day will go smoothly.
While there’s some truth to this, if you constantly promise yourself you’ll do these things yet lack the time or energy, you won’t feel good about yourself.
It’s more beneficial to be realistic and gradually incorporate new elements as you become able.
Ultimately, prioritizing small activities that bring you tranquility is what counts.
With that in mind, here are a few strategies that have helped me cultivate a nurturing simple routine:
1. Keep It Simple
I stress the importance of not overwhelming yourself with too many morning tasks. Start with the essentials, then add one meaningful activity.
2. Allow Flexibility
You don’t need to rigidly follow a specified sequence to maintain consistency. It’s perfectly acceptable to change the order of your tasks based on how you feel each morning. Consider creating a ‘menu’ of options to select from in the morning to help alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
3. Focus on Your Needs and Desires
We often think mirroring another person’s routine will lead us to their level of success. However, it’s important to acknowledge that your needs, interests, and responsibilities may differ from others. Your focus should be on what truly matters to you, not adhering to a particular routine.