Lifestyle design is the act of intentionally crafting your lifestyle in a way that fulfills you and supports how you flourish. This can look unique for each individual.

One way to do this is by curating your morning routine. Your morning routine is critical since how you start the day can dictate the rest to follow. It’s important to prioritize what you need most in your mornings.

A benefit of a remote lifestyle is that you can customize your morning routine to how *you* best thrive.

Here are four ways to maximize your morning routine in a remote lifestyle:

1. Natural light ☀️

In the morning, natural light in your space can give a huge energy boost. I like to call these sunshowers. Natural light helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, improves focus, and can fuel creativity and productivity. Spend some time meditating, drinking a coffee, or working on your laptop outdoors, to enjoy the sunshine.

In a remote lifestyle, finding accommodations full of natural light can also support providing an energy boost to start your day.

2. Movement 💃🏽

Movement in your mornings can fuel your body for a productive day. In a remote lifestyle, you can enjoy this in many ways including:

• Finding a nearby gym
• Taking a dance class (a personal favorite)
• A local yoga or exercise class
• Going for a run through a nearby park or by a local beach
• Joining a morning walking tour (learn about the city and get your movement in!)
• A sunrise hike (to add some local adventure to your morning routine)

Movement is medicine. It is also so important when tied to a laptop throughout the day. Starting the day with movement also provides a needed energy boost.

3. Time zone 🕦

This one is huge. You can actually curate your destination to maximize your morning routine based on the time zone.

Some examples:

• If you work in Pacific Time, Brazil/Argentina/Chile are 4-5 hours ahead (depending on the time of year). You could block out a 4-hour morning routine before your workday even begins!
• If you work in Eastern Time, Spain/France, or any other country in Central European Time (GMT+1) is 5-6 hours ahead. Portugal/the UK, or any country in Western European Time (GMT), is 4-5 hours ahead. You can have an entire morning routine and enjoy the day before starting work in the afternoon.

Depending on the time zone you primarily work in, you can choose a destination that provides the space to maximize your morning routine.

4. Time blocking 📆

Finally, use your calendar to organize your morning routine. Time block out what you have planned (movement, meditation, reading, etc.) to organize your day ahead of time.

The benefits of time blocking include knowing what you have on your agenda for the morning and protecting the time for you.

See below for an example:

Use these tips to help maximize your morning routine remotely.

For more routine-related content (see the below):

How to Ground In The Digital Nomad Lifestyle