{"id":96084,"date":"2025-04-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/unusual-morning-routines\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:56:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:56:49","slug":"unusual-morning-routines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/unusual-morning-routines\/","title":{"rendered":"Morning Routines Around the World weirder than Ashton Hall\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Morning routines are different. Some people wake up, hit snooze and drag themselves to the kettle. Others, like viral sensation Ashton Hall launch into a 3 AM symphony of ice baths, banana peel facials and philosophical stares into the abyss. His bizarre morning routine might have the internet talking but let\u2019s be honest he\u2019s not the only one with a morning that raises eyebrows. Around the world, people greet the day in ways that make a simple cup of coffee look like a missed opportunity. Let\u2019s take a trip through the globe\u2019s most fascinating morning routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan: A morning routine through the woods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Japan<\/a>, mornings are all about shinrin-yoku<\/em>, or forest bathing. No, not an actual bath, but a mindful walk through nature. It\u2019s meant to reduce stress, boost creativity and possibly make you one with the trees (okay, maybe that last part is not literal). Instead of doom-scrolling, the Japanese start their day surrounded by fresh air and towering greenery. Honestly, compared to checking emails first thing, this sounds like a far better life choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Turkey: A perfectly brewed morning routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Forget your rushed instant coffee Turkey<\/a>\u2019s morning ritual revolves around a slow, intentional tea-drinking process. Turkish tea is served in delicate, tulip-shaped glasses and brewed so strong it could probably wake up the neighbours. It\u2019s sipped alongside simit<\/em>, a sesame-crusted bread ring, while people chat, read the news, or just stare into the middle distance contemplating their existence. Morning productivity? Who needs it when you\u2019ve got perfectly brewed tea?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Germany: Efficient, No-Frills Morning routines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Germans, known for their punctuality, have no time for elaborate morning theatrics. The typical morning routine is simple: wake up, shower, eat breakfast, and get to work. No cold plunges, no chanting to the sunrise, just a no-nonsense start to the day. Even phone usage is limited in the morning (unless it\u2019s to check train schedules). Efficiency at its finest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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India: A spiritual morning routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In India<\/a>, mornings often begin with a blend of family connection and spirituality. Many start their day with yoga or meditation, followed by a cup of masala chai. Unlike in the West, where breakfast is often a solo affair, Indian families gather for morning meals. News is discussed, plans are made, and most shockingly people actually talk to each other instead of scrolling through their phones (how weird!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Singapore: Morning Group Workouts in the Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In Singapore<\/a>, you\u2019ll find entire parks filled with elderly residents doing Tai Chi at sunrise. It\u2019s a mix of gentle exercise and social interaction, proving that the best way to start the day isn\u2019t with an energy drink, but with slow, controlled movements and communal stretching. Even younger people join in, because, let\u2019s be real, starting the day limber is never a bad idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scandinavia – Morning Routine: Wake Up and Freeze<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Norway<\/a>, Finland<\/a>, Sweden<\/a>, Denmark<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scandinavians have a thing for cold exposure. Morning swims in freezing lakes or outdoor ice baths are common, even in winter. The logic? It boosts circulation, improves mood and makes you feel like an unbreakable Viking warrior. So while you\u2019re debating whether or not to turn on the heater, a Norwegian somewhere is voluntarily diving into a near-frozen fjord before breakfast. Maybe this is where Ashton Hall got the ice face dip idea from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

China: Slapping Yourself Awake (No, Really)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In China<\/a>, some people practice pai da<\/em>, a form of self-slapping believed to stimulate circulation and energy flow. Instead of relying on caffeine, they give themselves a few light slaps to wake up. It\u2019s basically an organic alarm clock, but one that involves hitting yourself in the face. Unconventional? Sure. Effective? Apparently, yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexico: <\/strong>Morning Routines and Spicy Breakfasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Mexican mornings are fuelled by chilaquiles<\/em> tortilla chips drenched in salsa, topped with cheese and eggs. If your breakfast isn\u2019t spicy enough to jolt you awake, is it even worth eating? Some regions also start the day with mariachi music because why ease into the morning when you can wake up with a literal party?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Do Morning Routines Matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. While some cultures embrace slow, intentional mornings, others dive straight into ice baths or self-inflicted face slaps. Whatever works, right? Studies show that a structured morning routine can improve focus, productivity and mental well-being. That doesn\u2019t mean you need to start dunking your face in an ice bucket of Saratoga water at dawn, but maybe there\u2019s something to be learned from these global habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Change Your Morning Routine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

That depends, do you feel like a zombie every morning? If yes, maybe it\u2019s time to shake things up. Here are a few takeaways from the world\u2019s most intriguing routines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n