Robin Sharma Archives - Routine Hacker

Caroline Marshall

Welllness Tip:

Train Your Brain to Be Happier

Happiness isn’t something that comes from external circumstances. It’s something you create—something that comes from within. In fact, science even shows that small daily actions can rewire your brain to be happier!

Here are 5 things you can try:

Do small acts of kindness daily. These boost mood and strengthen connections.
Practice gratitude. Start or end your day by listing what you’re thankful for.
Get outside. Even a short nature walk can lower stress and lift your spirits.
Reframe the negative. Look for lessons or silver linings in setbacks.
Celebrate others. Sharing in someone else’s success makes you happier, too!

Check out this page for more ways to train your brain for happiness.

Routine Breakdown

Caroline Marshall, Founder of Upsource & Podcast Host of Bump to Business Owner

The Fuss-Free Routine for Mompreneurs

As a mom of two, Caroline Marshall doesn’t have time for a complex morning routine (who can relate?? 🙋). Instead, she is “pretty religious” with these three minimum habits.

The Routine:

Takes time to enjoy her skincare routine. “I really struggled in pregnancy/postpartum to do the bare minimum of self-care. Enjoying my skincare routine and investing time in finding the right products for me is a sign I am remembering to take care of myself.”
Gratitude journaling. “I have made this a habit since January 2022, and it has stuck. Remembering to be grateful is life changing.”
Does some reading. “Whether it is a fiction, business book or some of my favourite Yung Pueblo words—it means I have remembered to give my brain a break from working.”

Why it works:

Self-care often takes a backseat for mothers postpartum, but prioritizing it can help prevent postpartum depression. Mummas, try to carve out a little time for yourself each day!
No surprises here—as we’ve often noted, gratitude journaling has incredible mental health benefits.
Reading strengthens your brain, reduces stress, improves memory, and more.

Caroline’s routine reminds us that we won’t always have time for long or complex rituals—and that’s okay! Our routines adapt with us as we move through life. The key is knowing your non-negotiables and making them a priority. How are your mornings going? Drop us a line and let us know.

Mel Robbins

Productivity Tip:

Use the 5-Second Rule

Mel Robbins (check out her routine below!) famously invented the “5-Second Rule”—a simple hack to stop thinking and start doing. It goes like this: the moment you feel the urge to take action, count 5-4-3-2-1 and go before your brain talks you out of it.

This works because you don’t have time to hesitate—goodbye procrastination!

So, next time you’re faced with a daunting or unappealing task, don’t wait for motivation. Count down from five and take the first small step. It shifts you from autopilot to action mode, making it way easier to get started.

Find out more about the 5-Second Rule here. Have you ever used it?

Routine Breakdown

Mel Robbins, Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker & Podcast Host

How a Productivity Guru Makes Mornings Easy

How important is a healthy morning routine? According to Mel Robbins, it’s like “pouring a foundation for a house you’re going to build—this is what you build on.” She lays out six key steps for brilliant mornings.

The Routine:

Resist the snooze button. “Do not lie in bed. Do not hit the snooze button,” says Mel. How to get yourself up? Use the 5-Second Rule, of course! “Counting backwards is this tiny little micro action you can take that starts the momentum rolling.”
Make your bed. “It makes you feel like a disciplined person, it removes the visual clutter, it prevents you from climbing back in it.”
High five yourself in the mirror. You’re going to resist doing this, says Mel, but it’s a powerful, science-backed way to create new neural pathways in your brain. It creates a mindset that you like and believe in yourself. “You are your own best teammate,” she says.
Hydration before caffeination. “Every single one of us underestimates the crucial role water plays in your body, brain and spirit operating effectively,” says Mel. “Drink a cup of water… and then wait at least an hour for your first cup of coffee.”
Reset your internal clock. “Get outside and take in morning light.”
Take a 10-minute walk. “It immediately boosts your mood. And you get into this optic and auditory flow state […] which quietens your anxiety.” She adds that you can combine morning light and walking.

Why it works:

“Research shows that lying in bed increases rumination, it makes depression and anxiety worse,” says Mel, highlighting the link between rumination and depression.
Making your bed is a small step that kicks you off to a positive start, helping you feel more productive for the day.
High fives may be more powerful than you think! Some research on athletes suggests they can lower cortisol, while a UC Berkeley study on NBA players found that higher levels of touch (like high fives) improved performance.
Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, delaying tiredness (rather than curing it). “The caffeine is preventing your brain from flushing this sleepy chemical out,” says Mel. Drinking water first really is best.
Morning light exposure is awesome for regulating circadian rhythms. That means you sleep better at night!
Walking definitely has super benefits, including the calming effect of “optic flow.”

“Systems work when you can do them,” says Mel. “And I don’t want your morning to be so complicated and time consuming that you have to opt out of it.” That’s why she suggests starting with these six simple steps. Check out her full podcast episode here.

Gemma Stuart

Productivity Tip:

Practice Non-Judgmental Listening

Want to boost your relationships and reduce your own stress? Try practicing non-judgmental listening. When talking with someone, focus on listening without interrupting or forming opinions. Instead of thinking about what to say next or making judgments, simply be present (we know—not always as easy as it sounds!).

Being a non-judgmental listener can deepen connections, increase empathy, and even lower anxiety for both you and the person you’re speaking with. It also encourages the speaker to feel heard and understood, which is incredibly powerful for emotional well-being.

So, next time someone shares something, focus fully on their words and try reflecting back their feelings. With this approach, conversations are more meaningful. Everybody wins! Why not give it a try?

Routine Breakdown

Gemma Stuart, Founder of Gut Wealth

A Gut Health Expert’s Morning Non-Negotiable

Entrepreneur Gemma Stuart, founder of award-winning food supplement Gut Wealth, says she has a few morning non-negotiables that set her up for a smooth day. She:

The Routine:

Wakes at 6:30-7:00 and spends the first 20 minutes scrolling through overnight orders and customer queries. “I’m told by multiple sources that scrolling straight away is not a good start to the day, but it settles me before I head for my morning walk or yoga class.”
Gets moving. “I use the ClassPass app as it allows me the flexibility to find yoga classes to fit my schedule rather than be wedded to one studio. It’s also great for when I’m travelling as I can find classes in the local area. I wouldn’t be without it.” Her favorite is a 60-minute hot yoga class.
Hydrates and takes supplements. “While of course I’m biased, I do take my own Gut Wealth sachet every morning. It’s an absolute must that I give my gut that abundance of beneficial bacteria to start my day and keep my IBS symptoms at bay. I also take a brilliant brain supplement called Noggin to keep me sharp and focused. They’re the dream team for me.”
Has a morning meeting with her second-in-command. “We meet every day at 8:40 to go through actions for the day. It keeps us both accountable, and it’s consistent and helpful to set the day up for success.”

Why it works:

It’s true: experts say scrolling first thing is a no-no since it can interrupt our brain’s natural process of waking. That said, Gemma knows what works for her! Plus, she keeps her device use to a controlled 20 minutes so it doesn’t take over her day.
Using ClassPass ensures Gemma gets her morning exercise in, no matter where she is. And in case you were wondering, hot yoga has a bunch of research-backed benefits.
Gut Wealth contains beneficial bacteria, which studies show are great for gut health.
Consistently meeting at the same time each day makes it a no-brainer: less time and stress spent on scheduling and back-and-forth communications.

How do you feel about reaching for your devices first thing in the morning? Do you find it works for you?

Bex Brame

Productivity Tip:

Align Your Daily Tasks to Bigger Goals

It’s easy to get caught up in daily distractions—you know, those pesky low-priority tasks that don’t move you closer to your goals yet somehow eat up your whole day. Time to scratch them off your to-do list!

In Bex Brame’s routine below, she talks about sitting down each morning to consciously check that her task list aligns with her goals. We love this because it’s a simple practice with high rewards: it keeps you focused on what matters and helps you achieve your short and long-term goals.

To make this easier, try breaking your long-term goals into smaller milestones and assigning them specific deadlines. This makes them tangible and less overwhelming.

Tools like Panda Planner can also help you stay accountable. It’s specifically designed to help you structure your day and align tasks with goals. Why not give it a try?

Routine Breakdown

Bex Brame, Health and Wellbeing Life Coach

How a Life Coach & Mom Stays Productive

Life Coach Bex Brame jokes that she’s one of those “irritating morning people” who loves jumping straight into some early exercise. Here’s her routine.

The Routine:

Does a workout, so she starts the day feeling like she’s already achieved something. “I workout at home and rotate between something strength-based, a run or yoga, depending on my mood, the time of the month, and how my body is feeling.” This early ‘me-time’ energizes her before her two young children wake up.
Spends an hour or two of quality time with her daughters before taking them to nursery and preschool. “We play together, they help me with some simple chores like sorting out the washing, and we eat breakfast together. This is my favourite time of the day, and I really value the quality time together without screens or work interruptions. It keeps me productive later in the day by alleviating the Mum-guilt I might otherwise feel about putting them both into daycare.”
After the school run, spends the first 30 mins checking her to-do list and making sure her tasks align with her goals. “I’m a big fan of setting 90-day goals, and checking in on them regularly helps me to ensure I’m always taking action that moves me closer to achieving them.”

Why it works:

Adapting your workout to suit your mood, energy levels, and how your body feels (including menstrual cycle fluctuations for women) not only helps prevent injury but ensures you find an activity you feel good about so you actually get your workout done!
Quality time with kids not only boosts their well-being—it also keeps parents connected and strengthens family bonds.
As we said above, linking your to-do list back to your goals ensures you focus on what truly matters!

What are your big goals for the next three months? And what tasks do you have lined up for today that will help you advance toward them?

Denise Lewis

Wellness Tip:

Thrive As a Night Owl

Hands up if early mornings just aren’t for you..? ✋ We hear you! If you’re naturally a night owl, there’s no need to force a 5am wake-up (though research suggests you can shift your chronotype if you want to!).

Interestingly, some research has found that evening people have superior cognitive function. So, instead of feeling pressured to become a morning person, focus on maximizing your night owl superpowers.

This video offers some helpful hints, like:

Make mornings less mentally taxing by removing decisions and prepping at night.
Don’t “eat the frog” in the mornings. Do low-effort, repetitive tasks and save your energy for the afternoon.
Work out your peak performance times (e.g., 6-9pm) and think about the best ways to use that time.
Get sunlight during the day to boost energy and get through any slumps.

Check out the full video for more tips. Are you a night owl? How do you manage your days?

Routine Breakdown

Denise Lewis OBE, Former Athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist

An Olympian’s Grounding Morning Routine

Denise Lewis, former athlete and Olympic gold medalist, believes in a set of non-negotiable morning habits that keep her feeling grounded. Here’s how she starts her mornings:

The Routine:

Takes a shot of a water-based probiotic (she takes Symprove) before getting her son ready for school.
Has a morning cup of matcha blended with almond milk.
Gets some exercise. She works with a personal trainer online.
Hydrates. “I just like to make sure I rehydrate myself, so my body feels tip-top.”
Starts ticking things off her to-do lists, which she makes on Monday and works on during the week. “I’m not inherently a morning person, I’m quite nocturnal but as I’m getting older, I just try to switch that up a little bit and put some morning goals in place.”

Why it works:

Studies support the probiotic’s effectiveness in decreasing intestinal inflammation and reducing gut pathogens.
Matcha tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Just remember it contains caffeine, so drink in moderation and look for certified organic varieties to reduce the risk of impurities.
Exercise is important as we age—it literally keeps your brain and body younger!
Denise knows her chronotype and experiments with what works for her as she goes through different phases of life. As we said above, it’s fine to embrace being a night owl, but you can also shift to being more of a morning person if you choose.

Denise says her non-negotiables are what gets her through tough times. “When I feel like things are spiraling out of control, I break it down into what can I do in this moment to make me feel like I’ve got all the strings in my hands,” she says. What are your non-negotiables?

Chris Williamson

Wellness Tip:

Reduce Social Jetlag

Ever feel like your natural sleep cycle conflicts with your social schedule? That’s social jetlag—a misalignment that impacts a bunch of stuff, from mood to general health.

Here are some ways to tackle it:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—yep, even on weekends.
That said, if you’re sleep-deprived during the week, do get some extra shuteye on your days off. Research shows it can help compensate and boost longevity.
Get morning sunlight. Exposure to natural light in the morning can help reset your internal clock. A quick walk outside after you wake can make a big difference.
Avoid late-night stimulants: Caffeine and heavy meals can interfere with your sleep cycle. Try to avoid them close to bedtime, especially on weekends.

By making small adjustments, you can keep your body clock on track, reduce that Monday morning grogginess, and feel better all week long. Try it!

Routine Breakdown

Chris Williamson, Podcaster & TV Personality

Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast says the ultimate morning routine consists of four key steps: move, reflect, learn, and prepare. Here’s his routine:

The Routine:

Goes for a walk outside. “For me, a morning walk is non-negotiable. As soon as I’m up, I’m making a beeline for daylight.”

Avoids caffeine for the first 90 minutes. “Your adrenal system is what’s active for the first 90 minutes of the day; your adenosine system that caffeine acts on isn’t, so having a morning coffee is literally pointless.”
Does breathwork using the State app.
Meditates. “If I’m doing guided, I use Waking Up by Sam Harris; unguided I use Insight Timer.”
Reads for 10-15 minutes. “You can read something that’s going to make you smarter tonight than you were when you woke up.”
Prepares for his day.

Why it works:

If you didn’t know it by now, morning light helps regulate your circadian clock, leading to better sleep.
According to neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, delaying caffeine intake avoids the afternoon “crash”—however, there have not yet been studies to confirm this.
Breathwork is a great way to start the day centered. A 2023 meta-analysis found that it may be effective for improving stress and mental health.
Ah, meditation. It’s shown to reduce blood pressure, increase immunity, lower anxiety, help you sleep, and more. And anyone can do it.
Reading doesn’t just make you smarter—it’s also good for your health.

So that’s move, reflect, learn, and prepare—and you don’t have to spend a long time on each. “This means that before you’ve even left the door, you’ve got an entire day’s worth of self-development in—and it’s not even 9 am,” says Chris.