How do you get your day started? Here at Mad Fish, we’re showcasing different team member’s morning routines to help understand what happens before our work gets started every day. Read on if you’re curious about how we take our coffee and make our days as efficient and fulfilling as possible.
What is your morning routine?
I wake up around 5:30 AM because I can’t stand feeling rushed. We have one of those programmable coffee makers so I pour some into two mugs and my wife and I take our dog for a morning walk while listening to The Daily. It’s a good way to get caught up on news without getting overwhelmed. When we get back, the dog has his breakfast and we make a green smoothie or some oatmeal. I get to work super early so we just get set and then take off. I like to be at work by around 7AM.
How long have you had this routine?
We just got the dog, and before that we didn’t do the morning walk as regularly so a couple months. We did used to go for a run in the morning, and I’ve had the same wake up time + general work schedule for a while.
Do you do anything before bed to make your morning easier?
My wife programs our coffeemaker. Everyone who drinks coffee needs a programmable coffeemaker. It’s a godsend. If I’m feeling resourceful I’ll gather my things for the morning and pick out an outfit but that’s usually not something I prioritize.
Do you use an alarm to wake up? What kind/what’s the sound it makes?
Yes. One of those sunrise simulator alarms. I’m from California and Portland is super dark so It really helps motivate me. It makes bird noises but I usually just wake up to the light.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning?
I don’t check till I’m at work, other than turning on my podcast. It helps me not center other people’s lives before I’m ready to engage.
Do you have breakfast? If so, what?
Sometimes. If I do, it’s usually a green smoothie (power greens from Costco, pineapple, banana, almond milk, chia seeds, coconut oil) or oatmeal with some pumpkin pie spice this time of year. I also love breakfast burritos but I struggle to make them healthy.
How do you take your coffee?
Sometimes we do bulletproof with the Vitamix or immersion blender, so we stick grass-fed butter and fancy coconut oil in there, but lately just with half and half and sugar because it’s delicious. Plus, people who drink black coffee are more likely to be psychopaths. It’s just science.
How has your morning routine changed over the years?
Well, I used to work out every morning, but with the dog I’ve shifted into more of an afternoon/evening work out person. I also used to get to work later but I’ve found I’m much more efficient if I get in early. Live and learn.
When do you go to sleep?
Usually by 10:30. I struggle if I don’t get at least 7 hours in, which I’m sure I’ll laugh at when I have kids.
