Morning routine videos have become a staple of internet culture. From celebrities to influencers, everyone seems eager to share their meticulously crafted morning rituals. But how much of what we see is genuine, and how much is carefully constructed for views? Let’s dive into the frustrating truth behind these viral videos and explore the realities, motivations, and potential pitfalls of the ‘perfect’ morning routine.
The Allure of the Morning Routine
For centuries, people have been fascinated by how successful individuals start their day. Benjamin Franklin documented his morning routine in his autobiography, and Marcus Aurelius’s morning ritual journals from Ancient Rome have seen a resurgence in popularity. In today’s world, this fascination has translated into a booming online trend, with countless influencers and celebrities sharing their own versions of the “perfect” morning.
The appeal is understandable. Mornings are a universal experience. Everyone wakes up, gets dressed, and eats breakfast. Seeing how others, especially those we admire, spend this time can be both intriguing and inspiring. Many believe that by replicating these routines, they can unlock similar levels of success and productivity.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Morning routine videos can offer a glimpse into how others structure their day, providing ideas and motivation to improve one’s own habits.
- A Sense of Control: Establishing a consistent morning routine can create a sense of structure and predictability, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Living Vicariously: Some viewers may live vicariously through these videos, imagining that following the same steps will lead to a smoother, more orderly life.
The Dark Side: Unrealistic Expectations
However, the seemingly harmless trend has a darker side. Many morning routine videos promote unrealistic expectations and can leave viewers feeling inadequate.
- Time Constraints: The elaborate routines often showcased require hours to complete, a luxury that most people with jobs, families, or other responsibilities cannot afford.
- Financial Barriers: Many routines feature expensive skincare products, workout equipment, and healthy foods, creating a financial barrier for those who cannot afford the same lifestyle.
- Perfectionism: The flawless execution and aesthetically pleasing presentation of these routines can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the belief that one’s own morning routine is not “good enough.”
“The more we consume the idealized versions of life, the less real our own lives feel by comparison,” says Ben Bernstein, a clinical psychologist. “We start to feel like we’re not really living the life we should or could have, and that’s to our detriment.”
Common Misconceptions and Myths
Several myths and misconceptions surround morning routines, further fueling the frustration and unrealistic expectations:
- Myth 1: You Need to Wake Up at 5 AM: The idea that a successful morning routine requires waking up at the crack of dawn is simply not true. The best time to start your day is when it works best for you, whether that’s 5 AM or 10 AM.
- Myth 2: Your Morning Routine Has to Be Perfect: Social media often portrays morning routines as aesthetically pleasing and flawlessly executed. However, a good morning routine is one that works for you, regardless of how it looks.
- Myth 3: You Need to Do Everything: Many people believe that a morning routine must include all the things: exercise, meditation, journaling, healthy breakfast, and more. It’s rare to sustain a routine that feels overwhelming.
- Myth 4: Your Morning Routine Should Look the Same Every Day: Life changes, and so should your morning routine. It’s essential to adapt your routine to fit your current needs and circumstances.
The Psychology Behind the Obsession
Why are we so obsessed with watching other people’s morning routines? Psychology experts offer several explanations:
- Social Comparison: It’s human nature to compare ourselves to others. We use these videos as a measuring stick, assessing our own success and productivity in relation to what we see.
- Desire for Optimization: We want to understand how those we perceive as “great” are optimizing their lives, hoping to steal a tip or two that will improve our own performance.
- Vicarious Living: We may live vicariously through these videos, imagining that following the same steps will lead to a smoother, more orderly life, free of stress.
The Viral Sensation: Ashton Hall and the Absurd
The recent viral video of fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s elaborate morning routine perfectly illustrates the absurdity and unrealistic nature of many of these videos. Hall’s routine, which starts at 3:52 AM and includes mouth taping, ice water dunks, banana peel facials, and multiple workouts, has garnered millions of views and sparked widespread criticism.
Critics argue that Hall’s routine appears more like a performance than a practical lifestyle, focusing on aesthetics rather than genuine self-improvement. Many have accused him of promoting an exaggerated and unrealistic lifestyle, prioritizing views over genuine inspiration.
Despite the criticism, the video’s viral success highlights our continued fascination with these types of routines, even when we recognize their absurdity.
The Brand Connection: A Marketing Opportunity
Savvy brands have recognized the marketing potential of the morning routine trend, capitalizing on the viral content to promote their products.
- Product Placement: Influencers often feature specific products in their videos, from skincare to food to workout equipment, providing valuable exposure for brands.
- Trend-Based Marketing: Brands are creating their own satirical takes on viral morning routines, leveraging humor and relatability to engage with audiences.
- Increased Sales: When a product is featured in a viral morning routine video, it can lead to a significant increase in sales, as seen with Saratoga Water following Ashton Hall’s video.
The Benefits of a Realistic Morning Routine
While the “perfect” morning routine portrayed online may be unattainable, establishing a realistic and personalized morning routine can offer numerous benefits:
- Reduced Stress: A structured morning can help lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, creating a buffer against the stressors of the day.
- Increased Productivity: Starting the day with purposeful action allows you to proactively set priorities and tackle important tasks.
- Improved Mood: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or gratitude journaling can increase serotonin levels, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Better Mental Clarity: Taking time for reflection or meditation can enhance mental clarity and reduce decision fatigue.
- Consistent Sleep: A consistent wake-up time helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep quality and improved mental well-being.
Creating a Morning Routine That Works for You
The key to a successful morning routine is personalization. Instead of trying to replicate someone else’s routine, focus on creating one that aligns with your individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.
- Start Small: Begin by adding one or two manageable tasks to your morning, such as drinking a glass of water or stretching for five minutes.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as meditation, deep breathing, or reading.
- Set Intentions: Take a few moments to set intentions for the day, focusing on your goals and priorities.
- Be Consistent: Aim to follow your routine as consistently as possible, even on weekends.
- Be Flexible: Don’t be afraid to adjust your routine as your needs and circumstances change.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid checking emails or social media first thing in the morning, allowing yourself to focus on yourself and your intentions.
- Find What Works for You: Experiment with different activities and find what brings you joy and sets you up for a successful day.
Ditching the Comparison Trap
It’s essential to remember that social media is a highlight reel, not a reflection of reality. Most videos are highly edited and don’t show the struggles and shortcomings that everyone experiences. Comparing yourself to these idealized versions of life can lead to disappointment and frustration.
Instead of focusing on what you’re not doing, celebrate what you are doing. Focus on progress, not perfection, and create a morning routine that supports your own unique journey.
Final Thoughts
Morning routine videos can be entertaining and even inspiring, but it’s crucial to approach them with a critical eye. Recognize the unrealistic expectations and potential pitfalls, and focus on creating a personalized routine that supports your own well-being and goals. By ditching the comparison trap and embracing a more realistic approach, you can harness the power of a morning routine to enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.
