Morning Routines Around the World weirder than Ashton Hall’s

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’s be honest he’s 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’s take a trip through the globe’s most fascinating morning routines.

Japan: A morning routine through the woods

In Japan, mornings are all about shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. No, not an actual bath, but a mindful walk through nature. It’s 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.

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Turkey: A perfectly brewed morning routine

Forget your rushed instant coffee Turkey’s 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’s sipped alongside simit, 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’ve got perfectly brewed tea?

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Germany: Efficient, No-Frills Morning routines

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’s to check train schedules). Efficiency at its finest.

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India: A spiritual morning routine

In India, 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!).

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Singapore: Morning Group Workouts in the Park

In Singapore, you’ll find entire parks filled with elderly residents doing Tai Chi at sunrise. It’s a mix of gentle exercise and social interaction, proving that the best way to start the day isn’t with an energy drink, but with slow, controlled movements and communal stretching. Even younger people join in, because, let’s be real, starting the day limber is never a bad idea.

Scandinavia – Morning Routine: Wake Up and Freeze

Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark

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’re 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. 

China: Slapping Yourself Awake (No, Really)

In China, some people practice pai da, 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’s basically an organic alarm clock, but one that involves hitting yourself in the face. Unconventional? Sure. Effective? Apparently, yes.

Mexico: Morning Routines and Spicy Breakfasts

Mexican mornings are fuelled by chilaquiles tortilla chips drenched in salsa, topped with cheese and eggs. If your breakfast isn’t 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?

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Why Do Morning Routines Matter?

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’t mean you need to start dunking your face in an ice bucket of Saratoga water at dawn, but maybe there’s something to be learned from these global habits.

Should You Change Your Morning Routine?

That depends, do you feel like a zombie every morning? If yes, maybe it’s time to shake things up. Here are a few takeaways from the world’s most intriguing routines:

• Ditch the phone: Many cultures focus on nature, movement and/or human connection first thing. Try it.
• Spice things up: If your breakfast doesn’t excite you, maybe it’s time to borrow some flavour from Mexico.
• Get moving: Whether it’s Tai Chi in the park or a swim in icy water, exercise in the morning might actually wake you up better than caffeine.
• Slow down: Rushing into work mode first thing might not be doing you any favours. A mindful tea session or a family breakfast could make all the difference.

If these don’t work then you need to change your location, book a flight and wake up somewhere new!

Final Thoughts: Should You Go Full Ashton Hall?

Ashton Hall’s viral morning routine might be a lot, but at least it got people thinking about how they start their day. While you probably don’t need to stock up on Saratoga water or commit to banana facials, exploring different cultural approaches to mornings could be the upgrade your routine desperately needs. So, are you ready to swap your alarm-induced misery for a global-inspired wake-up call? The world (minus the tapped mouth) might just have the answer.