The Calm Before the Hustle: Why Early Habits Matter
From the coast of California, MA International Luxury Business student Karla Magana shares that a calm, unhurried morning routine is the ideal way to start her day. “I try to get out of bed immediately; it makes me feel the most energized.” Her next steps include a skincare routine and ritual cup of matcha, providing the instant gratification of self-care and a light meal. “The silence of the morning and incorporating the little things begins my gratitude-filled day.”
The final and most vital step in Magana’s routine is prioritizing a clean space. As seen in Vogue, the “opening shift”, a recent TikTok trend, has quickly gained popularity among Gen Z. The concept encourages approaching your morning like an opening shift at a restaurant or cafe by completing essential tasks before the “store opens”, or in this case, before your day begins.
Like Magana, those who swear by this strategy find it liberating to check off a few to-dos first thing in the morning. “I know when I return in the evening, everything will be in its place, including my dishes,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of self-dependability in her daily habits.
Protein First: A Simple Routine for Lasting Energy
Deveraux Gallagher, a first-year student in the BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice, says, “a shower in the morning is the time I get to refocus my brain and freshen my mind.” From growing up in Hawaii to catching London transit, Gallagher reflects that her outfit choice is based on comfortability. Regarding her preferred breakfast, she says, “The best thing I can have is eggs, a breakfast sandwich or a burrito; something with good protein to sustain productivity.”
We’ve all heard that breakfasts high in protein can help sustain energy throughout the morning, but the most recent proponent of protein-filled breakfasts is the 30/30/30 method. The method gets its name from a simple concept–30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.
While this exact approach may not be practical for everyone, the underlying principles it promotes are widely regarded as sensible. Whether you can incorporate a breakfast that’s higher in protein, like Gallagher, or start your day with some light stretching, everyone can take something from 30/30/30. To top off her routine, Gallagher gets to school early, enabling her to settle in and prepare before class.
Peace of Mind Starts the Night Before
Grace Skinner, an MA Fashion Journalism & Editorial Direction student from New York, stresses the importance of being prepared before class. “If I don’t have a fully charged laptop, I feel anxious all day,” says Skinner. Emphasizing the benefits of feeling prepared, she says, “It helps me feel mentally ready and at ease when starting my day.” She also touches on the significance of a full night’s rest. “I wake up feeling refreshed and looking forward to a productive day ahead.”
The three students offered valuable insights into how daily routines shape their productivity, consistency and self-accountability. Gallagher reflects on the joy of meeting friends for coffee before school, saying she feels happier when her day begins with a friendly conversation during the walk to school.
This serves as a reminder that while the foundation of a successful routine is built on individual habits, true fulfillment often lies in the connections we foster and communities we create. A routine begins with self-discipline and ends with consistency towards improvement, gratitude and self-preservation. The snooze button is cancelled–your higher self is waiting to embrace a habitual morning routine!
Written by Paulina Ruby, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice student.
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