Honoring my boundaries and respecting my morning routine

Mornings and I have an understanding: If I allow myself the time I need to ease into the day, things go relatively smoothly. If I don’t? Let’s just say it’s a recipe for disaster.

I know myself well enough to acknowledge that because of my myasthenia gravis (MG), I need at least 90 minutes after waking up before I can even think about being a functional human being. That time isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that gives my morning meds time to kick in for the day. It’s the difference between feeling capable and like I’m dragging my body through quicksand all day.

So what happens when I ignore this routine? When I jump into work too soon, rush my morning, or don’t give my meds the time they need to kick in? Everything, and I mean everything, falls apart.

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The domino effect of a rushed morning

Skipping a slow, intentional start to the day might save time on paper, but in reality, it costs me far more than I gain. When I don’t take those 90 minutes, the following happens:

• Fatigue hits me like a freight train. My energy is drained before I even begin. Instead of feeling ready to tackle the day, I feel like I’m running on fumes.
• What little stamina I do have disappears. Walking across the room feels like running a marathon. Tasks I can usually get done are pushed to the side for another day.
• Air hunger — that frustrating feeling of being unable to take a deep breath — creeps in, and it worsens when I push myself too fast, too soon.
• Brain fog takes over, and I struggle to concentrate, forget what I was doing midtask, and find myself zoning out in my chair, staring at the wall.
• I feel like I’m playing catch-up all day. No matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m behind. Instead of being proactive, I’m scrambling to keep up.

None of this is fun. None of it makes for a productive, enjoyable day. And all of it is preventable — if I simply respect the boundaries I’ve set for myself.

Boundaries aren’t just for business

I own two businesses and have established public business hours for a reason. Those hours aren’t just about clients and workload; they’re also designed to protect the time I need to care for myself. When I honor my morning routine, I set myself up for success. When I don’t, I set myself up for struggle.

Despite knowing this, I sometimes let my boundaries slide. Maybe it’s an early meeting, an unexpected email, or just the pressure to get things done. The truth is, no task is worth sacrificing my well-being.

If a friend told me they needed time in the morning to feel their best, I’d encourage them to take it. If a loved one needed rest, I’d remind them that self-care isn’t selfish. So why do I struggle to extend that same kindness to myself?

It’s time to do better. To stop making excuses. To stop treating my own needs as negotiable. Honoring my morning routine isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about respecting myself enough to prioritize what I know works.

When I give myself the time I need, my entire day benefits. I have more energy, clarity, and ease. I move through the day with purpose instead of exhaustion. I show up as the best version of myself.

So here’s my promise to myself: I will protect my mornings. I will respect my boundaries. I will start my day with the care and patience I deserve. Because when I do, everything else falls into place.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.