Thursday thoughts #3: romanticizing the morning routine

I love a good morning routine Instagram reel or YouTube video (I’m not on TikTok but I’m sure there are lots of them there too). The more steps, the better. Maybe it’s another form of escapism, watching people ease into the day calmly and methodically, while my weekday mornings always feel rushed and slightly chaotic. As unrealistic a three-hour long morning routine is for a lot of people (most people?), it just seems so nice and relaxing. Therein lies the challenge of social media.

walk commute

Since starting my job at my current hospital almost two years ago, I try to get to work by about 7:15AM. Luckily my commute is a 15 minute walk, but that still means a 5:00-5:15AM wakeup time if I want to get a workout in before starting my day. After said workout, I have just enough time to take Peanut outside, shower, get ready, and eat my prepped overnight oats before rushing out the door. Since the thought of waking up any earlier than that in order to implement multiple morning routine steps (I’d love to journal, write, leisurely drink coffee, etc.) is unappealing at best, I’ve been thinking about how to romanticize the little things I do have time to do during weekday mornings, and trying to take advantage of having more time on the weekends. I should also say: mornings are my favorite. And no matter the day, they never feel long enough.

A word on romanticizing
The idea of romanticizing came to me after reading a few other Substacks talking about romanticizing the mundane daily activities, or appreciating “life’s simple pleasures,” and I loved the idea. Especially in the time of now, where even just the notion of waking up in the morning has been anxiety provoking. Making simple things feel special, or taking a few extra seconds to feel the joy in tasks you do every day can make a difference mental health-wise. So honestly, why the heck not give it a try? At least that’s my thought process.