Section 1.1: Embracing Mindfulness with Meditation

Meditation has garnered considerable attention for its advantages, and while I’m relatively new to the practice, I’ve noticed enhanced concentration and focus throughout my day. A recent study even suggests that just a month of meditation can boost focus by up to 14%.

I prefer using the Balance app, which personalizes each session according to my progress. They currently offer a year of free service, allowing users to contribute what they deem appropriate. Each session lasts about five minutes, a perfect duration for a beginner like me, helping me unwind as I shift from the morning hustle to the workday.

The first video titled "The Morning Routine App REVIEW | + GIVEAWAY!!!" dives into the benefits of using apps for morning routines, providing insights that resonate with my experience.

Subsection 1.1.1: Journaling as a Reflective Practice

After finding my calm, I dedicate 5 to 10 minutes to journaling. As Tim Ferris aptly puts it, “I don’t journal to ‘be productive.’ I don’t do it to find great ideas, or to put down prose I can later publish.” For me, journaling is a way to clear my mind.

While my entries may not be literary masterpieces, they typically capture a brief overview of the previous day, any frustrations, or memorable moments with my daughters. I’ve experimented with various journaling tools, but Day One has become my go-to. Though I occasionally consider canceling the subscription, its features—like weather data and easy file uploads—make it invaluable for habit-building. Notifications about past entries also motivate me to keep writing.

Section 1.2: Monitoring Sleep Patterns

With my mind clearer, I check my Apple Health widget on my iPad for an update on my sleep quality from the previous night. I’ve never been a great sleeper, so I’ve begun tracking it after hearing Matthew Walker discuss sleep science on a podcast.

I focus on two key metrics: the total hours of sleep (ideally 7-9 hours) and my "Sleep Efficiency," which measures how much time I spent sleeping versus the time I was in bed. This glance helps me gauge whether I’m starting the day well-rested.

Section 1.3: Curating Information

Next, I open Readwise Reader, where I store my RSS feeds and newsletters. I save interesting articles for later reading and delete anything irrelevant.

Section 1.4: Preparing for Work

Now, I transition into work mode. I check my email using Spark, my current app of choice, to see if anything urgent requires immediate attention. If not, I typically avoid emails until later in the morning, as I find this initial period to be my most productive.

Once I’ve reviewed my emails, I consult my calendar to mentally map out the day. I subscribe to Fantastical for its user-friendly design and features, though I’m reconsidering my subscription due to a recent price hike.

Section 1.5: Task Management

After reviewing my calendar, I open my task manager, Things3, to prioritize my to-dos. This app has been my reliable companion for over five years, and despite exploring alternatives, none have matched its ease of use and design.

In total, this morning routine takes about as long as it takes for a good cup of coffee to cool—roughly half an hour. It has become a cherished part of my day, significantly enhancing my focus and productivity.