Have you noticed how you start your day? About five years ago, I decided to tweak my morning routine for good. I was feeling overwhelmed and eventually realized I was prioritizing everything except my well-being. This started to affect both my personal life and my work, and I felt tired and unproductive most days. When I added more structure to my mornings, everything shifted. I left behind the chaos and became a more intentional person.
Tips before you start your morning routine
Starting a morning routine is very easy. You just need the motivation to try. To keep that motivation going, start simple. Choose habits that feel familiar or easy for you, and see how you feel as you add new ones. You don’t have to rush. Little habits can make a big difference.
When I first started learning about morning routines, I tried everything at once. I packed my mornings with long lists of tasks like getting up earlier, cleaning, exercising, writing, journaling, meditating, organizing, and more. Very quickly, those routines made me feel unaccomplished and added pressure. After a short time, I wasn’t enjoying any of it, and I found myself stuck in a box-ticking cycle. That experience taught me how important it is to keep things simple.
One thing that truly changed my mornings is my golden rule: no screens. Yes, screens — no TV, no cellphones, nothing that can disturb your thoughts. When I was growing up, my parents watched the 7 AM news every morning. News isn’t the most uplifting way to start the day, but I was a kid and I didn’t have a choice. Maybe that’s why a screen-free morning feels so important to me now. It creates a quiet space before the day begins.
Starting a soft morning routine
Creating a soft morning routine is an introspective exercise. It starts with understanding your needs and being honest with yourself about what you want to change. Think about what you want your mornings to feel like and what you hope to achieve.
Years ago, I realized I was lacking structure. I didn’t have a system that allowed me to start my days in a better mood. I wanted to feel more productive and energized, but my mornings were packed with chaos — rushing to get things done, arriving late to everything, and barely taking care of myself because I kept telling myself I “didn’t have time.”
Now, things look different. I usually have one hour in the morning to take care of the basics, and that alone changed everything. Here is how my routine looks on a typical day:
7:30 AM — Wake up, drink water, make the bed
7:40 AM — Shower, get dressed, makeup, hair
8:00 AM — Mini walk or stretching
8:15 AM — Breakfast and set my intention
8:30 AM — Routine done, start my day
I make small adjustments depending on whether I’m going to the office or doing a yoga class before work.
Tip: When I’m short on time, I bundle steps. Walking to transit gives me both sunlight and movement. You can also set your intention during your commute or while having breakfast.
My Non-Negotiables During the Morning
These are the habits I don’t skip, no matter what. I keep my routine flexible and switch things around depending on the day. With these habits, you’ll spend about an hour investing in yourself.
Drink some water
During the night, you might get dehydrated, so it’s a good idea to have water handy when you wake up. I keep a water bottle on my nightstand in case I feel thirsty, and the first thing I do after waking up is drink some water.
Getting sunlight even on gray days
I often felt drained by 2 PM and struggled to keep my energy up. Getting sunlight first thing in the morning helped reset my energy and regulate my circadian rhythm. Now I enjoy better days and better sleep.
Go for a walk or introduce some movement
If time permits, a 15-minute walk in the morning is a blessing. It helps me feel happier, more grounded, and in a better mood. If walking outdoors isn’t possible, you can stretch at home. I like to do it near a window so I still get the benefit of the light.
Shower and get ready for the day
Every morning, I get ready shortly after I wake up, even if I’m working from home. Showering in the morning helps me feel refreshed, smell nice, and look put together. I dress up, style my hair, put on my makeup, and I’m ready to start a successful day.
Get some breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You’ve been fasting the whole night, and it’s time to give your body nutrients and energy. I’ve noticed that my energy drops when I wait 3–4 hours before eating. Even something quick but healthy will keep you going. Avoid sugary breakfasts to prevent crashes later in the day.
Set an intention for your day
What I mean by this is having clarity on where your day is going. You need to know how you want to show up today and how you’re going to live this new opportunity. You’re telling yourself what you want from your day even before you start your activities. Some people may not call it “setting an intention”; maybe it feels more like a prayer or simply manifesting the direction you want for the day.
Other morning habits to try
A morning routine has to fit your lifestyle, and if you ever feel the need to add more meaning to your mornings, you can try other things too. I usually don’t add too much to my mornings because I don’t enjoy jumping from one thing to another just to tick a box. But on weekends, I like trying something different — maybe exercising earlier, reading, or doing some journaling.
Reading or learning something new
Reading is a great way to start your morning with meaningful content, ideally with a paper book so you can feel the pages and be in the present moment. I personally hate podcasts in the morning because they overwhelm me, so I leave them for the evening when I can handle more information.
Exercise
When I work from home, I love going to early yoga classes. Yoga helps me feel grounded, gives me vitality, reduces my stress, and helps with those achy spots. But I am aware I don’t always have more than an hour in my mornings, which is why I keep things simple most days.
Journaling
If you enjoy writing or want to get your thoughts on paper, this can be a great moment for it. I usually prefer journaling later in the day when I’m decompressing, feeling emotionally full, or wanting to express gratitude.
Meditation
I wish I were more consistent with morning meditation, but sometimes life gets in the way. I keep it simple by being present during the first hour of my day and visualizing how I want it to unfold. If you haven’t tried it, I really encourage you to explore meditation at any time of the day.
Final Thoughts
I know many books describe extremely detailed morning routines, but I like to keep things realistic and achievable. We already have busy schedules, and I want to make the most of my mornings without sacrificing sleep. Our time is limited, so don’t feel pressured to follow steps that don’t bring meaning to your day. Everyone is different. Create a routine that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
If this post inspired you or help someone you care about, please share it!