Monday Morning Routine

Ah, Monday morning. You wake up and the reality kicks in…the week is ahead and you ask yourself: how do I make this count?

Whether you’re dragging yourself out of bed or bolting up with a jolt, the question Should be the same: how do you make this day count? How do you go from groggy to great without stumbling into the same traps that leave you feeling drained before the day even starts?

The secret, my friend, is routine. When the alarm goes off, it’s time to engage autopilot – the good kind – and let your structured morning flow carry you smoothly into your day. A great routine doesn’t just get you through a rough Monday; it sets you up to win the week. Think of it as your baseline – the foundation for feeling energized, focused, and on top of your game.

Why Routine is the Key to Flow

You’ve probably heard about “flow state” – that magical zone where you’re fully immersed in what you’re doing, time flies, and productivity soars. For most of us, it’s elusive. But here’s the thing: getting into flow isn’t just about finding the perfect task; it’s about priming your mind and body to slip into that state effortlessly. And the best way to do that? Automate your morning. With a well-planned routine, you’re removing friction, reducing decision fatigue, and paving a clear path to flow.

Your Monday Morning Flow Routine

Let’s break down a routine that’ll help you crush Monday and keep you firmly above the baseline for good health and productivity.

1. Wake Up and Breathe

First things first, when that alarm rings, get up. No snooze button. It’s go-time. Before your feet even hit the floor, take a few deep, intentional breaths. Breathing is your body’s natural reset button, kicking off your parasympathetic nervous system and bringing calm to your Monday storm. Think of it as tuning up your engine before you hit the gas.

2. Hot, Powerful Shower: Your Daily Reset

Make a beeline for a hot shower – not just any shower, but a powerful one. A good shower isn’t just about getting clean; it’s about mentally hitting the reset button. Warm water loosens up those stiff muscles and clears away that morning fog. And if you’re feeling brave, finish with a cold burst for 30 seconds. Trust me, it’ll wake you up faster than any double espresso.

3. Everything in Its Place: Streamline Your Wardrobe

When you step out of that shower, you don’t want to start rummaging through drawers looking for socks that match. This is where preparation comes into play. Have your clothes ready to go the night before. Keep your morning choices simple – a go-to outfit that’s comfortable, sharp, and makes you feel ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Less decision-making, more action.

Automate Your Way to Flow and Crush the Day

4. Morning Elixir: Lemon Water Cleanse

Now it’s time to hydrate, but let’s go one better than coffee. Start with a hot lemon water. Slice up a fresh lemon, squeeze it into a mug, and top it with hot water. Then chase it with a glass of cold water. This combo is like an internal car wash. It wakes up your digestive system, gets your metabolism humming, and flushes out any toxins lingering from the weekend. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dash of honey or ginger – your gut will thank you.

5. Family and Chores: Organize the Troops

If you’ve got kids, you know mornings can get chaotic. But remember, it’s your routine that dictates the mood, not the madness around you. Get the kids up, fed, and dressed with military precision. Delegate tasks where you can, keep it light, and avoid morning tantrums by having bags packed and shoes at the door the night before. For those without kids, this is your time to tidy up, water the plants, or do a quick 5-minute check on your to-do list. The goal is to get all the small stuff handled early, so it’s not a distraction later.

6. Digital Minimalism: Avoid Social Media Rabbit Holes

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: don’t start your day with social media or email. Nothing derails a productive morning like getting sucked into an endless scroll or getting bogged down in inbox chaos. Instead, keep your phone on silent or ‘Do Not Disturb’ until you’ve had your morning routine, and you’re seated, ready to work. Use this uninterrupted time to set clear priorities for the day.

7. Set Your Intentions and Get to Work

Now, it’s go time. Whether you’re headed to the office, working from home, or hustling on a personal project, this is where the rubber meets the road. With a morning routine that’s automated and optimized, you’re not just reacting to the day – you’re directing it. You’ve got clarity. You’ve got focus. You’ve cleared away the clutter – both mental and physical – and you’re ready to hit a state of flow.

Conclusion: Your Routine, Your Flow, Your Monday Win

By putting a well-structured routine in place, you’re setting yourself up for a day – and a week – of flow. A routine is your best defense against the chaos that Mondays often bring. It minimizes the chances of decision fatigue, eliminates unnecessary friction, and keeps you focused on the important stuff.

So, here’s the challenge: for the next few Mondays, try this routine. Tweak it as needed to fit your life, but stick with it. Make your mornings as predictable as possible, so your mind can be free to tackle the unpredictable. Start strong, stay strong, and you’ll keep yourself well above the healthy baseline. And before you know it, you’ll be crushing those Mondays like a pro.

Now go set that alarm and get ready to win the week!

Credits, References, and resources

Inspired in part by Andrew Humberman’s chat with Chris Williamson