Joy: My Daily Routine
April 24, 2024
Writer: Sami Segal
Editors: Jaz Seiden and Zoe Gellert
I’ve always been a sucker for routine. I like to create good habits that stick around until they no longer serve a purpose for me. I thrive off of consistency — it gives me a sense of grounding, ease, and stability in my life. My current everyday routine consists of waking up at 5:55 am, walking to the Body Shoppe, taking a workout class, getting a cold brew with oat milk and vanilla at Mojo Coffee House, and walking back home. I usually take the Flex & Flow class, the Hardcore class, or the HIIT class — all of which are 45 minutes long. Similar to how the classes slightly differ, sometimes the routine differs too: A 7:30 am class instead of a 7:00 am, a walk in Audubon after the walk home, a stop in Rouses to grab some groceries, an Uber to the Body Shoppe if I'm feeling lazy — but one thing that never seems to change is the way I feel afterward.
As I sit here in the sturdy black chair outside of Mojo, a staple in my routine, I look around and see people of all ages in different stages of their lives. Some people are working, some are driving, grocery shopping, or leisurely walking; everyone has their own routines and lives that operate independently. Yet somehow, we overlap and are all here together at the same place at the same time. Despite what they are doing or thinking, I’m sitting here, reflecting back on how this routine has impacted my life. Although every morning, my short-term desire is to go back to bed, the long-term effects of actually getting up and starting my day far outweigh the extra hour or two of sleep. This healthy morning routine has led to me prioritizing my health and wellness, amplified my serotonin, increased my focus and attention in my classes because I’m wide awake, and boosted my motivation. I also think that this new routine has improved my sleep because, by the time I go to bed, I’m exhausted from a long, productive day. I feel like a better, stronger version of myself when I fill my day up with things that fill me up. It is rewarding to see the impact of this routine in every area of my life.
Some days, I recruit friends to join me in my routine, and on the days when that 6:00 am wakeup isn’t calling anyone else’s names, I’m usually indifferent because the quality time alone is rejuvenating. My friends have said that pushing themselves to get up early and take these classes has also impacted their lives in positive and noticeable ways. Knowing that I’m making a difference in my close friend’s lives is emotional. I’ve always aspired to catalyze change, personal growth, and transformation in my friends and family’s lives.
The overarching habit that has been instilled with this routine is a sense of feeling in control of my life and excited to go about my day. In a world full of uncertainty and stress, finding ways to brighten your day and gain your power back can be so empowering. Maybe for you, it’s not the 7:00 am workout class, the walk, and the coffee… maybe, it’s time with friends, time outside, skincare, or self-care. Regardless of what it is, you too can find your peace, and when you do, I guarantee you will see a tangible difference in your life. Take the time to embark on a journey of discovering what brings you joy, laughter, balance, light, and love. Watch how these small, but consistent choices can transform your everyday life into moments of fulfillment, purpose, and meaning.