Devil’s Advocates in Pajamas: Why Your Morning Routine Is More Than Just a Cliché (Inspired by Mel Robbins)

Confession time: I once thought people who jumped out of bed at sunrise were either pretending or possessed. My husband? He’s one of those upright-at-the-alarm people. Me? I’ve spent most mornings fighting my pillow like it stole my car keys. This post isn’t for gurus—it’s for all of us who’ve hit snooze, scrolled Instagram with one eye open, or blamed our DNA for hating mornings. Inspired by Mel Robbins and a heap of real science, let’s tackle what’s really happening in our AM hours and how you can twist the odds in your favor (no lemon water or yoga mats required—unless you want ‘em).

Are You Really ‘Not a Morning Person’ – Or Just Human?

Let’s settle this once and for all: being “not a morning person” isn’t a flaw—it’s just human. If you’ve ever felt guilty for hitting snooze or dragging yourself out of bed, you’re not alone. In fact, Mel Robbins herself admits she’s not a natural early riser, even though she’s built a science-backed morning routine for productivity. So, what’s really going on?

Reject the Myth: Night Owls Aren’t Broken

First, let’s toss out the idea that morning people are superheroes and night owls are lazy. Science says otherwise. According to a Nature Communications study, there are 351 genetic markers linked to being a morning person. Some of us really do have what Mel calls “Neanderthal-level bed loyalty.” Or, as she puts it:

“Some of us have a predisposition to spring out of bed. Some of us have a predisposition to be a hunk of meat laying there marinating in the morning.”

It’s in Your Genes—But That’s Not the Whole Story

Harvard Medical School found that your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal clock—is unique. It’s not scheduled like a train timetable. Maybe you remember that kid in college who always missed 8AM classes? Turns out, it wasn’t laziness. His internal clock was just wired differently. Your environment matters too: comfy sheets, blackout curtains, or even your job (hello, night shift!) can all impact how you wake up.

Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression: The Invisible Weights

Morning struggles aren’t just about willpower. If you’re dealing with morning anxiety or depression getting out of bed, it’s not your fault. The University of Arkansas found that trauma can trigger a freeze response when you wake up. Emory University reports that 75% of people with depression struggle to get out of bed. These aren’t excuses—they’re real, biological hurdles.

Outsmarting Your Biology

So, if you’re not leaping out of bed, you’re not broken. You’re just human. The trick isn’t to “fix” yourself, but to outsmart your biology. Mel Robbins’ morning routine is about using science-backed steps to work with your body, not against it. Your routine can change, even if your genes or past experiences make mornings tough. It’s about finding what works for you—because your morning routine is more than just a cliché.

Morning Drama: From Snooze Roulette to Breakfast Chaos

Let’s get real about your morning routine mindset. You might think you don’t have a morning routine—maybe you’re waiting for the perfect Mel Robbins morning routine to magically appear in your life. But here’s the truth: whatever you do every morning, that’s your routine. Even if it’s just chaos. As Mel Robbins says,

“Hitting the snooze button five times in the morning—that’s a morning routine.”

It’s easy to believe that only the super-organized people have routines, but the rest of us? We’re just surviving. But science (and a little tough love) says otherwise: everyone has a default attack pattern in the morning, whether you realize it or not. The problem is, most of us are stuck in autopilot mode, running the same unhelpful scripts every day.

Surprisingly Common Toxic Wake-Up Habits

• Slapping the snooze button (again…and again…)
• Scrolling social media before your feet hit the floor
• Chugging coffee before you’ve had a sip of water
• Leaping out the door in a panic, keys and sanity barely in hand

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One week, I left the house without my wallet, breakfast, or peace of mind—on repeat. My mornings were a blur of “emergency mode,” racing against the clock, always feeling behind. It was exhausting, and it was my routine. The worst part? I didn’t even realize I was doing it. I thought I just “wasn’t a morning person.”

Emergency Mornings: A Symptom, Not a Flaw

These frantic starts aren’t a personal failing—they’re just a symptom of a broken system. If your morning routine productivity is non-existent, it’s probably because you’re reacting instead of acting. You’re not alone: ‘emergency mornings’ are more common than you think.

Awareness: The First Step to Change

The first step in any list of effective morning routine tips? Awareness. Recognize that your current habits—no matter how chaotic—are routines. The good news? Existing habits are only routines by another name—and totally upgradeable. Once you own your patterns, you can start to shift from autopilot chaos to intentional, science-backed habits that actually work for you.

So, before you chase the next viral morning routine, take a hard look at your own. Are you working with your brain, or against it? Awareness and ownership are the keys to unlocking a better morning—and a better day.

Science Gets Nosy: What Really Influences Your Morning Mood

Ever wake up and feel like your brain is already sprinting, heart pounding, and anxiety riding shotgun? You’re not alone—and you’re not just “being dramatic.” Science has been snooping around your morning routine, and it turns out, there’s a lot more going on than just your thoughts. Let’s get nosy about what’s really behind that morning anxiety, and how understanding your biology can help you master your Mel Robbins morning routine.

Cortisol: The Energy Hormone with a Dark Side

Here’s the deal: your body is wired to wake you up with a jolt of cortisol, often called the “energy hormone.” It spikes at dawn, nudging you out of sleep and into the day. But there’s a catch. If cortisol stays high for too long, it brings a friend—anxiety. As Mel Robbins says,

'If your energy and stress hormone is super elevated first thing in the morning, of course you’re going to feel anxious.'

Alcohol and Blood Sugar: The Sneaky Saboteurs

Think back to a morning after a late-night glass (or three) of wine. That groggy, jittery feeling? It’s not just regret. Alcohol messes with your blood sugar and keeps your body busy processing toxins, leading to higher cortisol and adrenaline. Low blood sugar itself is another villain. When your blood sugar drops, your body releases adrenaline—a stress hormone that triggers the classic fight-or-flight sensation. Hello, morning anxiety!

It’s Not Just You: The Hidden Chemistry of Morning Grumpies

Ever notice your partner, kids, or even coworkers seem extra cranky in the morning? They might be fighting their own chemical battles. Elevated cortisol, adrenaline surges, and sugar crashes don’t discriminate. That shared morning grumpiness is often a group project in biology, not a personal failing.

Personal Flashback: The First 15 Minutes

Picture this: You wake up after a restless night. The first 15 minutes are a foggy tango of cortisol, regret, and adrenaline. Your mind races, your heart thuds, and you wonder if you’ll ever feel calm again. But here’s the empowering part—self-kindness isn’t just woo-woo. Understanding the science behind your morning mood gives you the tools to intervene, not just blame yourself. Managing those biological triggers is a powerful overcoming morning anxiety strategy—and it’s the secret sauce behind any effective Mel Robbins morning routine.

The Six Steps: Mel Robbins’ Morning Routine (Yes, There’s Science)

Let’s get real: you already have a morning routine, even if you think you don’t. Hitting snooze five times? That’s a routine. Scrolling social media before your feet hit the floor? Routine. Mel Robbins wants you to ask: is your routine working for you, or against you? Science says small actions can flip your whole day. Here’s how Mel’s six steps—each backed by research—can change your mornings (and maybe your life):

1. Get Up Instantly—No Snooze Allowed (The 5 Second Rule)

   When your alarm goes off, count 5-4-3-2-1 and launch yourself out of bed. This is Mel’s famous 5 Second Rule. It’s not just a motivational gimmick—neuroscience shows that quick action interrupts hesitation and autopilot, helping you override old habits and start fresh.

2. Make Your Bed (Micro-Success Matters)

   It’s not just about neatness. Making your bed is a quick win that signals accomplishment. Psychology research links this “micro-success” to better focus and a stronger sense of control for the rest of your day.

3. High Five Yourself in the Mirror (Yes, Really)

   This might sound odd, but studies show self-affirming gestures boost motivation and self-belief. Mel’s mirror high five uses your brain’s wiring for positive feedback, helping you start the day with encouragement instead of criticism.

4. Hydrate Before Caffeine

   Your body loses water overnight. Drinking water first thing helps clear morning fog and kickstarts metabolism. Research also shows that early caffeine can spike stress and anxiety—so hydrate before you caffeinate for a calmer start.

5. Morning Light Exposure (Reset Your Clock)

   Step outside or open your blinds. Morning light exposure (even on cloudy days) anchors your circadian rhythm, according to Harvard Medical School. This helps regulate energy, mood, and sleep cycles.

6. Move Your Body (Don’t Stay Horizontal)

   Whether you stretch, walk, or dance, physical movement in the morning increases alertness and cognitive performance. Even a few minutes can boost productivity and shake off grogginess.

“You’re going to know the six steps that science says you need in order to set your morning up for success.”

Every step in Mel Robbins’ morning routine is rooted in science, not just habit. Try these six steps and notice how small changes can create big shifts in your day.

The 5 Second Rule: Snooze Buster or Self-Talk Trickery?

Let’s be honest: your morning routine might not be as intentional as you think. Maybe you hit the snooze button five times. Maybe you reach for your phone and scroll through social media for 45 minutes before you even sit up. Or maybe you roll over, pull the pillow over your head, and pretend the world can wait. Like it or not, that’s your morning routine—and Mel Robbins wants you to ask: is it actually working for you?

Enter the 5 Second Rule, the viral Mel Robbins morning routine hack. Here’s how it goes: the moment your alarm rings, you count backwards—5-4-3-2-1—and launch yourself out of bed before your brain has a chance to protest. Sounds simple, maybe even silly. But there’s real science behind it. When you use the 5 Second Rule waking up, you interrupt your autopilot habits and force your prefrontal cortex (the decision-making part of your brain) to take charge. As Mel puts it,

'The 5 Second Rule is a countdown technique (5-4-3-2-1) to overcome hesitation and get out of bed promptly.'

Let me tell you, the first time I tried it, I nearly tripped over my own feet. But I didn’t scroll my phone. I didn’t snooze. I felt oddly triumphant—like I’d won a tiny, secret battle before breakfast. That’s the magic: you disrupt the old loop and start your day with a win. Neuroscience backs this up; disrupting autopilot responses early can shape positive momentum all day.

But don’t stop at waking up. The 5 Second Rule isn’t just for mornings. Use it when you’re hesitating to start a workout, dreading a tough conversation, or eyeing that bagel-with-cream cheese. It’s a tool for any moment you feel stuck. Mel herself admits she’s not a natural morning person, but calls this her “superpower trick.”

Is it a snooze buster or just self-talk trickery? Maybe a bit of both. But the only way to know is to try it. For a week, count down and act before your excuses kick in. You might be surprised how many little battles you win—and how much morning routine self-love you can build, one launch at a time.

Light, Water, Move: Your Not-So-Secret Weapons Against Morning Slumps

Let’s get real: not everyone wakes up ready to leap out of bed like a motivational speaker. Some of us (hi, it’s me) feel more like a leftover roast, marinating in the sheets. But here’s the thing—your morning routine isn’t just a cliché. It’s your secret weapon, and it starts with three simple moves: morning light exposure, hydration, and moving your body.

Open Those Blinds—Even Gray Sky Counts

Before you even think about coffee, throw open your curtains. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Morning light exposure is the reset button for your master body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. According to Harvard Medical School, this internal clock is personal to you, but it’s always hungry for light. As one expert puts it:

“Morning light exposure is critical for regulating circadian rhythms, boosting mental well-being, and increasing energy levels.”

That’s not just science talk—light is a natural anxiety antidote. It tells your brain it’s time to wake up, helps regulate your mood, and sets the tone for your day. Even a few minutes of daylight can make a difference, so don’t underestimate the power of pulling up those blinds.

Hydration Morning Routine: Water Before Caffeine

Next up, grab a glass of water before you caffeinate. Overnight, your body loses water, and mild dehydration can leave you foggy and cranky. Hydration in the morning is like giving your nervous system a gentle hug after a long fast. It helps settle anxiety, improves focus, and gets your metabolism humming. Imagine if coffee shops handed out pitchers of water at the door—would our cities buzz with calmer, more focused commuters?

Move Your Body—Stretch, Walk, or Dance in Your PJs

Finally, skip the doomscroll and move your body. Stretching, a brisk walk, or even a quick dance in your pajamas can shake off grogginess. Physical movement releases energizing neurotransmitters and helps your brain transition from sleep mode to “let’s do this” mode. Personally, the less I scroll, the more energy I have for a morning stroll—go figure.

• Morning light benefits: Resets your internal clock, boosts mood, and increases energy.
• Hydration importance morning: Reverses sleep dehydration, supports focus, and calms your system.
• Move your body morning: Combats grogginess and kickstarts motivation.

Light and hydration double-up to regulate mood, focus, and stress resilience. These aren’t just habits—they’re your not-so-secret weapons against morning slumps, ready to help you own your day.

Upgrade or Improvise: Adapting the Routine to Your Chaos

Let’s get real—customizing your morning routine isn’t about chasing some flawless, influencer-approved schedule. Life is messy. Sometimes your toddler is your alarm clock. Sometimes your dog thinks your jumping jacks mean “playtime” and you end up wrestling instead of stretching. And sometimes, those amazing sheets just won’t let you go. The beauty of the Mel Robbins morning routine and the wisdom from James Clear’s Atomic Habits morning system is that both invite you to adapt, not just adopt.

"Customizing morning routines based on individual needs and incorporating habits from experts like James Clear can enhance productivity and well-being."

Mel Robbins herself admits she’s not perfect at mornings. The point isn’t to nail every step every day. It’s to build a system that works for you—even when chaos reigns. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, sums it up: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” That means your routine should be flexible enough to catch you, not trip you up.

• Life throws curveballs. Late-night work, sick kids, or just a rough patch—your routine should bend, not break.
• Improvise when you need to. If you skip making your bed or swap meditation for a five-minute shower dance, that’s adapting, not failing.
• Let habits evolve with you. Your needs change. Maybe you add journaling, or maybe you drop it for a while. That’s normal.

Here’s a secret: routines aren’t for social media. They’re for you. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, the goal isn’t a picture-perfect morning. It’s showing up for yourself, even if that means just brushing your teeth or opening the curtains. Progress, not perfection isn’t a cop-out—it’s the only sane way to change.

Take cues from Mel Robbins and James Clear: experiment, personalize, and celebrate small wins. Science says sustainable change is built on flexibility and self-compassion. Your morning routine motivation should come from what feels good and doable—not what looks good online.

So, whether your dog joins your yoga, your toddler “helps” with affirmations, or you just need an extra ten minutes under the covers, remember: customizing your morning routine is about making evidence-backed habits work for your unique life. Upgrade or improvise—just don’t quit on yourself.

Conclusion: Morning Perfection Is Overrated—Just Start Somewhere (And Celebrate)

Let’s get real: being “not a morning person” isn’t your fault. Maybe you grew up with late nights, or maybe your brain just loves the snooze button. But here’s the truth—your future mornings are your responsibility. And that’s actually good news. Because with Mel Robbins’ morning routine, you don’t need to chase perfection. You just need to start. Her six steps to a successful morning routine aren’t about impressing anyone on Instagram. They’re about nudging yourself out of bed and into a little more self-trust, one imperfect day at a time.

Life is unpredictable. Some mornings, you’ll wake up ready to conquer the world. Other days, your dog is barking, your phone is buzzing, and you’re already behind. That’s okay. The benefits of a morning routine—more energy, better focus, a sense of self-love—don’t come from flawless execution. They come from showing up, even when it’s messy. Mel Robbins reminds us, “It will help you tap into the amazing wiring of your brain and your body.” That’s science, not just self-help talk. Action beats aspiration every time. Imperfect routines, done consistently, change lives.

So, experiment. Don’t just copy someone else’s ritual—make it yours. Maybe you try Mel’s six steps to a successful morning routine, or maybe you tweak them to fit your reality. The point is to build momentum, not a museum-worthy routine. Celebrate the small wins: getting up five minutes earlier, drinking a glass of water, or just pausing to breathe before the chaos begins. No one’s Instagram story shows the whole mess, but those imperfect wins are where the magic happens.

As you wrap up this read, remember: the best morning routine is the one you actually do. Not the one you dream about, pin on Pinterest, or see in a glossy magazine. Mel Robbins’ approach is a reminder that you are capable of change, and you deserve to feel better.

“It will help you tap into the amazing wiring of your brain and your body.”