Can six simple steps really help you seize the day in unimaginable ways? Let’s find out.
Former lawyer, Mel Robbins, has inspired thousands with her “New York Times” best selling books, “The Let Them Theory” and “The Five Second Rule” – deep dives into how to make the most of your daily life. “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, is also a source of motivation and encouragement for many.
Robbins went viral when she shared her top six secrets to a perfect morning routine, a routine that she claims will keep you motivated, happy, and healthy. Last week, I attempted the famous “Mel Robbins morning routine,” here’s how it went:
- Don’t hit snooze: The first step to Robbin’s routine is to get up when your alarm first rings and absolutely do not hit snooze. In a TikTok posted on Jan. 13, Robbins wrote, “Lying in bed makes you over think, amps up anxiety, and can even make depression worse.”
I am the absolute worst culprit of hitting snooze at least five times before getting out of bed. Why do I do it? Honestly, I have no idea – I’m going to get up, so why delay the inevitable? Yet, I still do it every single morning without fail. So, today I attempted to not hit snooze by using Robbins’ five second rule: count backwards from five and at one, get up and start your day. Robbins’ explained in her podcast that this works because once you start counting you have already made the decision to get up and start your day.
To be completely honest, getting up to start your day is mind over matter, and I apparently have a very weak mind. I did hit snooze on my alarms, but only twice, so that’s progress! I tried the five second rule, but I kept counting down from five and restarting once I got to two, so it was probably user error on my end, cheating at the five second rule. - Make your bed: The next step of Robbins’ routine came much easier to me as I always make my bed in the morning, My dad always told me making my bed in the morning was a great way to practice discipline and start the day off on the right foot (and if the day turned out terrible, at least I had a made bed waiting for me at home). Robbins’ agrees, writing that making your bed and tidying your space is, “the simplest way to practice discipline. A promise kept no matter what.”
I made my bed every day last week, including the day I tried out this routine, and will continue to make my bed every single day. Leaving my bed unmade causes me stress and anxiety, so taking 30 seconds of my morning to smooth out my blankets and pillows is time well spent for me. - High five yourself in the mirror: the next action of the routine made me feel a little silly, but I also definitely understand its significance. Every morning, Robbins encourages us to give ourselves a high five the first time we see our reflection in the mirror. Robbins explains in her TikTok, “It rewires your brain to focus on self-love and positive reinforcement.” You can read more about the science behind this action in her book, “The High Five Habit,” released in 2021.
I enjoyed giving myself a high five, even if it felt a little silly, it did put a smile on my face. I also like this step because it’s so simple, easy, and takes no time – perfect for someone who is rushing after hitting snooze. - Drink water before anything else: “Hydrate first. Your body is craving water when you wake up. Plus, water boosts mental performance,” wrote Robbins. Personally, I wake extremely parched and tend to drink a lot of water upon waking without even thinking about it. The second half of this task is delaying caffeine intake for one to two hours after getting up. Again, I’ve never been a coffee or tea in the morning kind of person, so this was pretty easy for me to follow.
Overall, drinking water in the morning obviously makes me feel hydrated, but I also notice it helps my mind feel refreshed. Though I cannot talk for someone who drinks caffeine on the regular, when I occasionally drink tea or coffee first thing in the morning, I usually feel a lot more anxious and jittery throughout my entire day. In all, I agree with Robbins, drink water and hold out on the caffeine. - Take in the morning light: In her TikTok, Robbins said that morning light, “resets your body clock, boosts energy, and improves your mental health, even on cloudy days.” I have read other material that backs these claims up, such as in the book “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health” written by Dr. Casey Means. Means explains in the book that natural light exposure first thing in the morning helps balance our circadian rhythms; she also writes that getting outside in general is important and that natural light through windows doesn’t count.
Thankfully, I had a pretty chill morning the day I tried out this routine. By this I mean I didn’t have anywhere to be until 1 p.m., so finding time to spend outside was no issue. It was really nice to sit outside and be with nature and I can imagine the positive mental and physical impacts really start to come along as you continue this action more.
However, as noted, I had really nothing going on that morning – I was in no rush. I, as someone who hits snooze, can definitely see myself forgoing this step on days I don’t have the time to be outside. This is definitely something I want to start working on and should be easier to improve upon as we just changed over the clocks. This also begs the question, however, that it could be difficult to obtain morning sunlight just a month ago when most working adults are up well before the sun. - Move your body: the final step to Robbins’ routine is one that is vital to everyone’s health. “Whether it’s a walk, a stretch, or a workout, morning movement boosts your mood, clears your mind, and makes you more productive. Even a few minutes can change your entire day,” wrote Robbins.
Movement is so important, and it is accurate that I felt a lot more relaxed and productive after my workout on this particular day. I opted for a 20 minute, no equipment, mat pilates workout, which is part of the reason why I find this step one of the most doable. You don’t have to spend two hours in the gym at 4 a.m. to reap the benefits of movement. Doing a simple 10 minute stretch routine can have a similar impact to mood and mental health as lifting weights.
Though I wasn’t perfect, and failed at some of the goals this routine sets forth, Mel Robbins would never want me or you, to give up on becoming the best version of ourselves. So, even if you hit snooze or forget to give yourself a high five, keep pushing forward until one day the goals you set become second nature.
