A morning routine can set you on the path to a better day

Apnews - Apr 21st, 2025
Open on Apnews

Influencer Ashton Hall's six-hour morning routine has taken the internet by storm, amassing millions of views and sparking discussions about the best way to start the day. Hall's regimen, which begins before 4 a.m., includes activities such as swimming, meditation, and even rubbing his face with a banana peel, all before breakfast at 9:30 a.m. While his routine has drawn reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration, it has also ignited conversations about the importance of morning routines. Psychotherapist Kamalyn Kaur reassures that while such an extensive routine isn't necessary, a structured morning can positively influence one's energy and mood throughout the day.

Experts like Shawn McClean, a professor of workplace psychology, emphasize the benefits of a consistent morning routine, noting that it serves as a mental shortcut, preserving mental energy for tasks requiring higher-level thinking. A well-organized morning can lead to improved performance and calmness throughout the day, whereas disrupted mornings can result in mental depletion. Both Kaur and McClean agree that a good routine is personal and should promote functionality, advising against rushed mornings that spike cortisol levels, leading to restlessness. Simple adjustments, such as setting an earlier alarm and incorporating mood-boosting activities, can create optimal conditions for a productive day.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging and generally well-balanced exploration of morning routines, with a focus on both extreme examples and practical, expert-backed advice. It effectively captures public interest by addressing a topic that is relevant to many people's daily lives and offers actionable insights that readers can apply to improve their well-being and productivity.

However, the article's accuracy and source quality could be improved by providing more detailed evidence and data to support the claims made by experts. Greater transparency regarding the evidence base and potential biases would also enhance the article's credibility. While the article is clear and readable, incorporating a broader range of perspectives could increase its potential for controversy and stimulate more meaningful discussion among readers.

Overall, the article is a valuable contribution to the conversation about morning routines, but it would benefit from a more robust foundation of evidence and a wider range of viewpoints to fully realize its potential impact.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents a mix of factual claims that require verification. For instance, the article describes influencer Ashton Hall's elaborate morning routine, which includes activities such as swimming, meditating, and journaling before breakfast. While this claim is specific, it lacks direct evidence or confirmation from Hall himself, making it difficult to ascertain its accuracy. Additionally, the story mentions that a video of Hall's routine has garnered millions of views on social media, a claim that should be substantiated with actual data or references to the platform where the video is hosted.

The article also references expert opinions, such as those of Kamalyn Kaur and Shawn McClean, to support broader claims about the benefits of morning routines. While these experts lend credibility, the article does not provide specific studies or data to back up their statements, such as the impact of consistent morning routines on employee performance. Thus, while the article is generally plausible, several claims lack the necessary evidence to be fully accurate.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting different perspectives on morning routines. It includes the extreme example of Ashton Hall's routine, which is portrayed as ambitious and somewhat unbelievable, alongside expert advice that advocates for more manageable and personalized routines. This contrast helps to balance the narrative by acknowledging that while some routines might be extreme, there are simpler, more universally applicable habits that can benefit most people.

However, the article could improve balance by including more diverse viewpoints, such as those of individuals who may not find structured routines beneficial or who have alternative approaches to starting their day. By doing so, it would provide a more comprehensive overview of the topic, addressing potential criticisms or alternative methods that might resonate with a broader audience.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the various aspects of morning routines. It begins with an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention by describing Ashton Hall's extraordinary routine, then transitions smoothly into expert opinions and practical advice for establishing a morning routine.

The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content easy to understand for a general audience. The article effectively uses quotes from experts to break up the text and provide authoritative insights, which enhances readability. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, with only minor improvements needed in terms of providing more detailed explanations for some claims.

5
Source quality

The article cites a few sources, including influencer Ashton Hall and experts like Kamalyn Kaur and Shawn McClean. While these sources contribute to the story's authority, there is a lack of direct quotes or detailed information about their credentials, which affects the overall reliability. For instance, while Kaur is described as a psychotherapist, the article does not provide any background on her qualifications or the basis for her advice.

Additionally, the article does not cite any specific studies or data to support the claims made by the experts, which would enhance the credibility of the information presented. Including more authoritative sources, such as peer-reviewed studies or data from reputable institutions, would strengthen the article's source quality and provide a more robust foundation for its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context for the claims it makes, such as the benefits of morning routines and the potential negative effects of rushed mornings. It also identifies the experts and their general fields, which adds a layer of transparency. However, the article lacks detailed explanations of the methodology or evidence supporting the claims, such as specific studies or data that underpin the advice given by the experts.

Furthermore, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as whether the experts have any affiliations that might influence their perspectives. Greater transparency regarding the evidence base and potential biases would improve the article's credibility and help readers better understand the context and reliability of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.startribune.com/a-6-hour-morning-routine-first-try-a-few-simple-habits-to-start-your-day/601335621
  2. https://www.tiktok.com/@abbeyskitchen/video/7494327196006255878
  3. https://www.realsimple.com/morning-routine-to-live-to-100-8759811
  4. https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/tiktok-morning-routine-trend/
  5. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/morning-routine/