how to love your mornings & make them meaningful

IG: / rowenatsai | What I really think about morning routines 🙂 It's been a while since I shared an am or pm routine so I thought I'd pop in to explain why, while also giving myself some inspo to get back in the swing of an idealized yet realistic morning routine myself. Thank you Isntree for sponsoring this video!
Check out all the Isntree products mentioned here: url.kr/wo2r5n
╰ Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: url.kr/1ty9fg
╰ Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick: url.kr/qljiya
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╰ Mugwort Calming Clay Mask: url.kr/pjyseq
📚 Book mentioned: Finding your own North Star by Martha Beck amzn.to/3VExlSl
💗 Vlog channel: / @rowenatoo
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🙃 Don't be a stranger: [e-mail]
🎙 Voice Hugs podcast:
╰ Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5IlF8gT...
╰ Apple podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...
✳️ My favorite daily planning & productivity app: try.sunsama.com/rowena
⛳️ My favorite app for everything else (Notion ❤️): affiliate.notion.so/rowena
📬 My favorite email app: superhuman.sjv.io/WD2jde
🌸 OUR NEW JEWELRY LINE w/ Ana Luisa: analuisa.pxf.io/c/2199166/164...
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OUTFITS & MENTIONS:
╰ Shark slippers amzn.to/3VKMaCH
╰ White sweatpants with colorful stitching (temporarily out of stock) go.shopmy.us/p-707637
╰ Green and white headband (currently unavailable) amzn.to/3ShsP9h
╰ White water kettle go.shopmy.us/p-375080
╰ Current favorite matcha go.shopmy.us/p-707301
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✨ If you’re at all curious:
• My spiritual practice, Falun Dafa bit.ly/2z49zqz
• If you're interested in reading more, start with this to get an understanding of what qigong entails bit.ly/2u8DXOC
• The main text we read is Zhuan Falun* bit.ly/2t48xJP
*Best to read start to finish in the shortest time possible for the highest benefit.
• If you want to learn more about Falun Dafa and qigong, check out local contacts in your area - there are practitioners globally and in most big enough-ish cities: bit.ly/2E0PL6S
• My friend Chris over at China Uncensored made an incredibly informative video on what Falun Dafa is and why it's being persecuted in China (YT video): bit.ly/2CR9yZQ
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Video edited by Rowena Tsai
/ rowenatsai
Music from Epidemic Sounds: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Camera & Equipment 🎥:
• Canon point and shoot amzn.to/2ZH8p0Q
• Canon mirrorless amzn.to/3moR07b
• Canon wide-angle lens amzn.to/3kpMinS
• Rode mic attached to mirrorless amzn.to/32yXwQO
• Rode mic for voiceover amzn.to/2FsbwTO
• Manfrotto 3-section tripod amzn.to/2sPRaIu
• Manfrotto mini tripod amzn.to/32BEucD
• Final Cut Pro X

[@theholyhaunted]

I'm literally pacing around my room about how my mornings feels so empty and I forget why I'm even doing anything and then this pops up. 🥺🥺

[@khalilahd.]

Love a well timed video ❤

[@emilyinnoire]

🖤

[@DXmaryoOD]

I really love “productivity” videos but tbh I only watch 2 creators on this app and that’s you and Struthless because you guys focus and emphasize our humanness. so much content out there has a lack mindset. you can’t be happy or successful unless you have a 5am morning routine and manage to schedule a 60 work week perfectly. but that’s why i love your videos so much. you take the pressure off. so love this vid. can’t wait to try listening to my essential self more.

[@BCxFOREVER]

Omg same!! Those are my two!

[@emmabrink2112]

this came at the perfect time, i have unintentionally completely lost any semblance of a morning routine :)

[@khalilahd.]

Oof. Too relatable 😭

[@alexandraaddi]

sameee

[@ambershear]

What a needed video. Almost everything in my life has become unexciting and I've lost all motivation to even wake up before 10am anymore. *Love* the inclusion of needing to "sit with the silence". I think so many of us are unable to not do anything and literally just Be. No phone, no music, just you and yourself. Rowena hitting it right on the head, YT (+kinda everything else too) has become a barrage of people better than you showing how to be That girl.

[@SenseOfElation13]

The reason why I like morning routines is because they help me to keep mine when I’m not my best self. Being totally honest, I don’t judge if they are innovative or “groundbreaking” because I just want it to motivate me to do mine, that’s why they never get old to me.

[@TheEmzies]

I never got the idea of a morning routine. I start work at 7.30am so would have to get up so early to fit in meditation, journalling etc. My morning routine is get up, feed cats, go to the gym, go to work. Works for me.🤷🏼‍♀️

[@MrJojo1021]

another great video! i was beating myself up for not having a perfect morning routine but this video just shows that nothing has to be perfect, as long as it's enjoyable for you :)

[@khalilahd.]

There’s nothing like a good morning routine ❤ it truly sets the tone for the day and because my mornings have been all over the place lately I’m definitely taking notes!

[@harleyraptor8865]

The three questions are exactly what I'm trying to figure out so I can live my life in peace, joy, excitement. The struggle is knowing the answers! I do enjoy reading, sitting in silence, and making tea in the morning. But I feel like I'm missing something to tap into excitement and joy.

[@sooniemystic]

It’s actually the best time to renew some good habits ❤ even from the astrological perspective, we’ll have mars retrograde in the next few months and basically it triggers us to restart something that was good for us but we abandoned it 😊

[@AyakoSapphirePhoenix]

i'm also motivated by food :') so when i can drink my protein shake in the morning after a workout it brings me joy. and then i can eat a filling breakfast! with black tea!! it really is the small things in life. i wonder whose idea it was to make life seem like it was about chasing a Big Thing instead of just enjoying living. and about the essential self/crucial self - there's that quote that goes something like "finding happiness within ourselves is difficult. finding happiness outside of ourselves is impossible." love the pants!! congrats on the news

[@ypto82]

Already know this will be awesome Edit: this wasn't just awesome, it was a masterpiece. Love the new simpler editing style ❤️

[@khalilahd.]

Couldn’t agree more ❤

[@kekekhai]

It’s 2PM for me here and I have yet to do anything despite planning yesterday on how I want my Saturday to look like 😂 watched your latest upload and decided to start my morning now, no shame. This video gave me a reminder to show up at my own pace and it’s never too late to start your day :)

[@maitryshivalkar]

Hey Rowena! I think this was less about a topic and more about a good friend having a deep talk, reminding some things and just an overall familiar vibe. Thanks for this light video. ❤✨

[@majkel2720]

i really just feel like having a good deep talk with my wise friend when im watching her

[@khalilahd.]

Definitely agree with this ❤

[@citymermaid]

You look so joyful and happy lately 😍 like, you look like you're not just "trying to be okay" but legit happiness 💖 so happyy for u, Ro!

[@rowena]

🥹🥹 this. thanks Z 💗

[@nicolemalacca]

Your videos are on point lately, Rowena! ❤️

[@TheVanillaPress]

Really love and appreciate your honest and down to earth personality. So glad I found your channel 💖

[@PreshKidd1887]

It is not morning, but I still felt like pausing mid-video to do some cleaning in my kitchen. Your videos never fail to give me that last push to start with the thing i procrastinate on.

[@milis2002]

Im always in awe with your content, you teach me so much ❤️

[@erenyeagar4686]

girl i swear to god i start exploring one concept with my therapist and immediately you make a video on that topic - hOW but it helps me internalize the things i learned more when you are explaining them like this so thank you :,)

[@MarchionessZoe]

love how realistic and inspirational your morning routine is. thanks for sharing x

[@ghiaulrey6227]

I love this new era of Rowena

[@ezerstudio9195]

Ooh!! I’m loving the editing/ visual storytelling in this one!!

[@itsbirdy1098]

I love how honest you are with us. Luv u tooo much. Really.

[@interludechloe3701]

LOVE U ROWENA

[@Mymakermovie77]

I love this! I'm always hopping around and finishing tasks that belong to my morning routine, it is def not aesthetic!

[@tarapatwardhan2979]

I love seeing your genuine growth + constant state of learning through your videos. And there are always such helpful nuggets of information embedded throughout. Thank you Rowena :)

[@ascia158]

i love watching morning routine videos coz they inspire me to create my own morning routine and just be productive morning routine.

[@mckennaarzu8741]

Love the way you make your videos. Feels like I’m listening to a close friend ❤️

[@alonemusk27]

So excited for this

[@annafujikami7013]

Thank you so much for this video. I needed this today

[@maysakira4308]

I love this! 30 seconds in and I’ve subscribed and liked the video

[@sarahliyt]

hii rowena ! I just came across your channel and i am so glad i did. i am so in love with your editing, it is soo cute and relaxing!!

[@tms3119]

This refreshing thank u row💟

[@urspanishguy]

i’ve been missing ro here sm !!!!🙏🏻

[@empoweredbyyasmin]

Finding Your North Star literally changed my life when i read it almost a decade ago! so excited to see it on this video and tying the social/essential self. totally can relate to the mimicking to be “that person”. ❤

[@TheSammiSalsa]

I truly love and adore Martha Beck!

[@rachelwellman8709]

So excited to see another video!

[@sallygarcia960]

My oh my your content, editing skills, everything is soooo freakin amazing 🎉

[@siahts2sena]

Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@cristopherrobin5862]

I really relate to the bit where you said that there's this ecosystem of content on KZbin that's getting really repetitive to the point that it doesn't excite you anymore. It's the melancholic tragedy of clichés. :((

[@ch64321]

I love the reality checks in your videos. THANK YOU for raising the awareness for more authenticity and doing things for ourselves, and not solely for other people.

[@walnutcookies4529]

this video really helped me a lot 😣 thank you!!!

[@tiyaroy4714]

Yess feeling much lighter, much brighter ✨✨

[@adairgarrett5729]

So insightful, well-said, and realistic. I appreciate this content so much and all of your opinions : ) Thank you for creating content worth consuming!

[@sunshinehaydeeify]

Nice video! Honestly I do my routine but sometimes I’m not motivated and watching a video motivates me. I take the good what i can learn from it and next day I’ll try it again! Thanks for the great advice!

[@monalisasmile79]

Thank you so much for your insight, I have reached a place in life where I am overloaded with life and the things that happen in it. I recently decided to take a step back from all of it and put my needs first so I can become more grounded not just for me but my family as well. Your video is a confirmation of what i need right now. I may have to pick up the book.

[@sabagilani1600]

Thank you for this!

[@Rec426]

Ro always coming with great advice every video! I really liked your point about watching content that has not been over done such as morning routines. I think it’s difficult for us as viewers not to do this since the algorithm is banking on us to do this because it’s easy for us to just click on a similar looking video to the previous one we’ve just watched. This reminded me of the reaction videos that I watch when you were talking about morning routine videos. Quite a lot of reaction channels are filming similar content to one another since they are trying to compete with one another on views etc to get peoples interest. It’s made me realise that I need to be more picky with the ones I watch and maybe watch that genre less and try and watch more original content even tho I have a second reaction channel myself (😅) because when I watch more original content that brings me more joy and interest than watching another reaction channel video or even morning routine video. Thanks for this little thought! And on that note, this channel is definitely one of those original channels that brings me joy whenever I watch one of your videos so I can’t wait for your future videos! :)

[@joyce7054]

aaa i love you! ure stunning as always. thanks for this content, a masterpiece once again

[@thebrittannytaylor]

I think morning routine videos are in the same family of makeup tutorials. We put them on while we are doing our own makeup. Same with clean with me, plan with me, study with me, reset my life, etc videos. They’re less educational but motivational at most, and background noise at least. I put on morning routine videos while I’m getting ready in the morning. I don’t expect to learn anything I haven’t heard before but once in awhile I’ll catch a breakfast idea or try this skincare item before using a different one, like I learned from your video. The value add of morning routine videos is the body doubling effect (which can be a odd as you don’t usually shower with others, but I digress).

[@marzettik]

That book you mentioned seems very interesting. And I love a morning matcha too. ❤

[@littleoldvi]

the comfiest, light vibes

[@PietBu]

I love this video and your last one too. A while ago I also noticed that a lot of the things I do are influenced by people on the internet and I always feel the underlining pressure to be like them eventhough deep down I‘m this very chill person who just wants to enjoy life and not constantly work on myself and optimize every little thing I do. So I have been trying to let go of that for a while and let me tell you: I feel so much more at peace 😊

[@majkel2720]

good luck with that 😊

[@caturina]

Last Sunday I came back from a short holiday overseas. It was a much-needed rest from the usual life. Since coming back I've had evening shifts which are nice since I don't have work until 2-3 pm; so I have been getting a lot done in the mornings, including deep cleaning closets etc. I've just been feeling so good, relaxed and stress-free.

[@krystalm_]

Best morning routine discussion!

[@clarissaleung26]

books may come to us when we need it but your channel also posts a video whenever we need it... loved the topic about the balance between social and essential self, it blew my mind when u said it and now I have to mull over it >:)

[@jessbrown8509]

Love you Rowena 😊💛

[@blablabla-92]

Love that you just do random stuff in this video while talking to us!

[@siahts2sena]

I liked this kind of video!

[@magrose5365]

no seriously i tried to bullet journal and it gave me so much anxiety bc i didnt know how to make layouts and it made me mad if it wasnt as perfect as the one i seen on pinterest or youtube i was like forrrget it lol

[@wengskyscraper6110]

I am surprised u already have a mindset playlist , thank u

[@lunalainesy]

It's so nice to know you in yr. 2018. That year I'm a high school student. I remember the day I met you was I am having an awful day, searching on how to wake up at 4am (this is the 1st video I watched on your channel), not having good relationship with family and facing my YOLO mindset days. Never expected you'll gonna heart react my first comment. Sadly, my other account where I use a lot to watch your contents was gone. You became part of my life. Your contents help me grow. And now I think I have better mentality than before. Ps. I'm so happy to share with you that I'm now a college student.

[@TONADRIEL]

i've only seen several videos but this one seems a bit more 'deconstructed'. it's very nice to see someone's morning routine full of many moments of stillness, the sitting down to eat, the moment to do skincare, the talking at the counter while making food, it's very cozy & seeing that air of relaxation makes ME feel relaxed. it's also very satisfying to my brain that she kind of goes on tangents, like talking about specific skincare brands/trends, social/essential self, & then goes right back into the questions. i love this video in specific, it speaks to me more than the others

[@abutterfly.journey]

PLEASE, MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS, THANK YOU

[@MyrthexLatoya]

Loved this video! Perfect timing since my morning routine has been all over the place lately and I’m still kind of figuring out what works and what doesn’t. (Also just trying to fix my sleeping routine, but autumn and daylight keeps getting in the way) On your comment about YT and morning routine videos I absolutely agree. So I like watching these videos just for fun. But lately all videos just look the same. Almost all are completely unrealistic 4-5 am morning routines. And even if you search for a more realistic one you still end up with these highly polished and unrealistic routines. And it’s fine if these people work from home, etc. but it’s very hard to find a video of someone that has to be at work around 8 and realistically speaking can’t do a 30 min walk, go to the gym, cook a whole meal for breakfast, read 10 minutes, meditate and clean their homes all before work 😅

[@HannahlovesStories]

Haha the intro is so relatable 😬 I need to rethink my morning routine so I’m not frantic in the morning.

[@ash.gardella]

Gosh, I love everything martha beck has written! I would highly recommend her other books + her podcasts!

[@ash__sm]

im going to reflect on those three questions for the next few days thank you

[@halesbellss]

Thank you for calling out the bujo and notion thing. I can’t it’s so complicated and time consuming. Also I don’t feel like a human until I shower and brush my teeth. Don’t ask me to do anything before a shower.

[@hindhader]

Hey! I just discovered you. Everything you said resonated so deeply. So nice to shed all the things that have kept us stuck in ~ unconscious ~ detrimental patterns and use the free space for our true self!! Also thanks for sharing some highlights of that book, Its not available on my storytel (yet) but another book by Martha Beck is so I added that one!! Also; accidentaly clicked on ‘do not like’ button because I’m clumsy on my phone sometimes. I obviously ‘unclicked’ but it might have already got to you so just wanted to straighten that out 🎉

[@10024westsidenyc]

It's been ages since I've seen one of your videos. I love your pink and white gingham plaid blanket where can I get one? Pink is my fave color. I like how you bring up all kinds of deep topics that make me think. I never thought of aligning social self with essential self, in fact I've never heard the concepts before. Thanks for sharing.

[@meredithkoh2128]

You’re right about notion 😭 I tried going back several times but I always forget about it cause for some reason it’s so stressful to use….

[@Internet-Queen]

This made me realize my mornings have been empty lately since i started skipping my cartoons in favor of being productive earlier 🥺

[@LivBotting]

I feel so validated. Notion IS complicated

[@DesmondZee]

The question I’m asking myself is, do social wants and needs necessitate action or can they exist purely as a feeling? To fit in to society is one thing, yet, at the most basic level, a morning routine isn’t seen by anyone else, it’s a personal system that gets you ready for the day before you meet people. Surely everything done in this routine should be for one’s essential self; there shouldn’t be an urge to fit in with the trend for this particular routine and so on the balance of essential vs social self, some routines can be solely for the essential self, others for the social self, and by having them designed to focus on one, the other or both, an overall balance can be achieved that way…

[@LyraValley]

My essential self and social self are not at all aligned during my morning routine. My essential self wants to sleep and my social self tells me I should get up and go to work.

[@alonemusk27]

Wohoo new video 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@ClaudineJDN]

Drinking my matcha while watching your video 💖

[@jeanettetobey1312]

I listened with mixed emotions. You make some great points. MB was one of my fav author’s back in the day, but no longer.

[@cherryarc]

Rowena, its time to drop a good reads link. love you!!!

[@Brittanyem]

It’s unconscious consumption habits, no doubt. Thanks for your honesty on this one!

[@EmeliaSings]

We need to remind ourselves about this more often, at least I do. I often think of what is expected of me, instead on focusing on what I actually want to do. Saying yes to stuff I actually want to say no to has to stop. There are some obligations I do have to do, because I am getting paid to do it. But anything above that, I must grant myself the freedom of saying no if that is what I want to do. Often we might fixate on how people will judge you poorly, for example if you continue to say no to social events with colleagues after working hours, but that shouldn't dictate your life. So what if they maybe think you're odd for saying no. You want to spend that time doing something else, and that is perfectly fine. If they have a problem with that, that is just what it is, their problem. You do you!

[@marcielouset6186]

I just found a video from 2019 about essentialism on this channel that I ADORED and then watched this one and the vibe seems so different. Maybe it’s the influence of the tik tok GRWM personality thing but idk, I preferred the older version that didn’t seem to similar to every other girl on social media

[@jRaccoonClan1880]

I heard someone give this advise a few weeks ago; All your habits will have a 100% fail rate. you will never, ever, always do any habit the way you intend to forever. The key is to restarting them.

[@jecoliaha282]

That intro though😂🔥

[@mayevie]

i do think this is a better title than the one you had before!

[@rowena]

ah!! thank you 🥹😅🫶

[@joshshortt9599]

I hear you about the algorithm, Rowena. I'm working on my youtube channel (focused on movies), and I know that I could please the algorithm by making videos about how Rey is a Mary Sue, but that just isn't interesting to me xD. The algorithm feels like a slave driver, that's for sure! As for morning routines, I think it is a good idea to treat morning routines on youtube as a set of suggestions. Try this, if it works for you... keep it, if it doesn't, drop it. The social self sounds like the persona, while the essential self sounds like the ego ( so not really essential, it likes to trick you into thinking it is haha).

[@saaantacruz]

Love your content. I just had an epiphany about my life from watching this.

[@charmincat]

maybe the key is not to try and define our own personhood by what other people do with theirs or who are trying to influence us to be like them?? it's all right to read a book but we should be going within to define who we want to be not looking around us and deciding who we want to be like???

[@majkel2720]

i think its really more about how society tells us how to be and when we notice that it isnt what our essential self want to do we can just ditch it? or unhealthy habits from our parents or smth

[@charmincat]

@@majkel2720 yup that's who's behind the influencers alright!

[@lunablairrr]

Wait, it's not just a morning routine, it looks so solemn cuz it's realistic. 🤍🙌🏻

[@candyrose3651]

The sun is up as you eat your breakfast. Joy would be sleeping until you get up. As is, to pay my bills, I need to get up at 4:30 am if I want to enjoy any part of my breakfast instead of running out the door with something I can just carry out. On days I get up early, I might be able to start my tea in the morning instead of waiting until at work. I can't make my bed because my partner is still in it. What do you suggest for those of us that have less than 30 minutes from waking to driving to work?

[@mas6335]

That notion comment is so me. I’m convinced I’m just slower than everyone else LMAO

[@rupachemudupathi9569]

Nice

[@mensahnicole]

the timing of the video is crazy (in a very good way lol)

[@catsreading]

wonderful video, the smaller fonts could have more contrast to improve readability

[@feliitchi]

the essential morning vs the social morning is why i refuse to make my bed 😂

[@nishkachhaba498]

For some reason this episode isn’t available on Spotify anymore!!

[@crystlair]

Hey! Just wondering where your jacket is from? Thanks!

[@rowena]

hi Xin! the puffer? it was an old Uniqlo collab with JW Anderson 🫶

[@tabithadehaan8405]

how long does your morning routine take? I am looking for an easy skincare routine, I haven't had a routine before and I have NO CLUE what I need and in which order. ..

[@rowena]

morning routine takes no more than 15 😀 for skincare, the essentials are a good & gentle cleanser that doesn’t try out your skin, a moisturizer for your skin type (thicker for dry skin, lighter for more oily), and sunscreen! I’m also on another called ‘beauty within’ and we have a lot of videos going over the basics of a skincare routine 🤓

[@tabithadehaan8405]

@@rowena thank you! Will definitely check it out!!