The internet is awash with videos showcasing elaborate morning routines. From fitness influencers waking up before dawn to entrepreneurs detailing their meticulously planned schedules, these videos have garnered millions of views. But is our fascination with these routines a harmless interest, or is it contributing to an unhealthy obsession with self-optimization and comparison?
The Allure of the “Perfect” Morning
Morning routines have long been touted as a key to unlocking productivity and well-being. Celebrities, business moguls, and self-improvement gurus often share their morning rituals, reinforcing the idea that a consistent and well-structured start to the day can lead to success. These routines often include habits like:
- Exercise: A morning workout is frequently highlighted for its energy-boosting and mood-enhancing effects.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness or meditation is promoted as a way to reduce stress and improve focus.
- Healthy Breakfast: Eating a nutritious breakfast is emphasized to kick-start metabolism and provide essential nutrients.
- Planning and Goal Setting: Taking time to plan the day and set goals is seen as a way to improve time management and productivity.
- Hydration: Drinking water first thing in the morning to rehydrate the body and flush out toxins is also recommended.
These practices can be beneficial, and studies suggest that consistent morning routines can indeed ease stress, increase energy, improve productivity, and even improve sleep quality. Consistent sleep and wake-up times are connected with better mental health, and eating breakfast is correlated with overall health and daytime energy.
The Dark Side of Idealization
However, the curated and often unrealistic portrayals of morning routines on social media can lead to several potential pitfalls:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
Many morning routine videos present an idealized version of life, often omitting the challenges and struggles that most people face. These videos don’t reflect the full picture of anyone’s life. In reality, most people don’t keep a flawless morning routines—they wake up feeling exhausted, struggle to prepare their kids for school, or get stuck in traffic. The desire to achieve this level of unattainable perfection is often what drives people to be fascinated by social-media celebrities.
2. Social Comparison and Inadequacy
Comparing ourselves to others is a natural human tendency. However, when we constantly consume idealized versions of morning routines, it can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. “For better or for worse, it is in our nature to compare ourselves to others,” says Raphael Wald, a neuropsychologist at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida. “It is difficult for us as people to appreciate our successes without using others as a measuring tape.” The more we consume the idealized versions of life, the less real our own lives feel by comparison. We start to feel like we’re not really living the life we should or could have, and that’s to our detriment.
3. Toxic Positivity
The relentless focus on positivity and self-improvement can sometimes veer into “toxic positivity,” where negative emotions are dismissed or invalidated. This can be harmful, as it prevents individuals from acknowledging and processing difficult feelings. As Dr. Judy Ho explains, forcing yourself to have a positive thought without believing it may have a counter effect that may in fact make you feel worse.
4. The Hustle Culture Trap
Some morning routine videos promote a “hustle culture” mentality, where productivity and optimization are prioritized above all else. This can lead to burnout and a sense of constant pressure to achieve more.
5. Ignoring Individual Needs
Morning routines should be personal and tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. There’s no “secret sauce” for morning habits that will automatically help you become like someone you admire. Blindly following someone else’s routine without considering your own preferences and circumstances can be counterproductive.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, routines should be personal and tailored to your needs and lifestyle. There’s no “secret sauce” for morning habits that will automatically help you become like someone you admire.
Finding a Healthy Balance
While the “perfect” morning routine may be a myth, establishing a consistent and intentional morning ritual can still be beneficial. Here are some tips for finding a healthy balance:
- Focus on Your Own Needs: Design a routine that aligns with your personal goals, values, and preferences.
- Be Realistic: Don’t try to cram too many activities into your morning. Start small and gradually add more habits as you feel comfortable.
- Prioritize Well-being: Include activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care.
- Be Flexible: Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or deviate from your routine. Life happens, and it’s important to be adaptable.
- Limit Social Media Consumption: Be mindful of the content you consume and avoid comparing yourself to others.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the things you’re thankful for each morning to cultivate a positive mindset.
The Bottom Line
The “unhealthy” obsession with morning routine videos stems from the unrealistic expectations and social comparisons they often promote. While morning routines can be valuable tools for improving well-being and productivity, it’s crucial to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism and self-awareness. By focusing on our own needs, being realistic, and prioritizing well-being, we can create morning rituals that truly enhance our lives.
