Note: This guide is meant for the general public, but it’s important to acknowledge that individuals with physical or mental disabilities may face challenges in maintaining a routine or may need specific adjustments. For those with certain conditions, we recommend consulting a professional to determine suitable morning routines or experimenting with different approaches to find what works best for them.
You might not realize it, but your mornings set the tone for your entire day. If you’re constantly hitting snooze or spending an hour scrolling on your phone in bed, you might end up feeling demotivated and scrambling to get ready for work and other responsibilities.
That’s why having a morning routine is so important. It gives you enough time to prepare for the day and even squeeze in activities that re-energize you before work. This can boost your productivity and help you build healthier habits in the long run.
Now, cntrary to what social media might suggest, your morning routine doesn’t need to include a cold plunge, an intense workout, or a 20-step skincare routine. Simple activities can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day. Here are a few activities to check out:
1Drink some water.
The first thing you need to do when you wake up is grab your smartphone and check TikTok… Just kidding! Doing this can actually cause more problems; more on that in the tips section.
What you actually need to do is drink at least a glass of water. There are plenty of claims online about why this is essential; some say it’s because we’re all dehydrated after sleeping, that it jumpstarts metabolism, flushes out toxins, or even boosts mental performance. However, research on these claims is limited, and the available studies suggest that water doesn’t necessarily cause these effects.
That said, drinking water in the morning is still a good habit. It provides some hydration and, more importantly, gets you out of bed and moving, rather than staying curled up, scrolling on your phone.
2Tidy up your space.
After drinking water, make your bed and clear out any clutter in your room. This isn’t just about hygiene; a tidy space can also help calm your mind, especially if clutter overwhelms you.
There’s also a good reason for making your bed every morning, which came from Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired four-star admiral of the United States Navy and former chancellor of The University of Texas System. In his commencement speech at the University of Texas, he shared:
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another…” He also emphasized, “If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.”
Clearing up your bedroom gives you a nice boost to keep going with your tasks. Plus, it helps you become more productive in the long run by building consistency.
3Get your body moving!
Another activity to add to your morning routine is exercise. Unlike working out in the evening, mornings typically have fewer distractions, making it easier to stay consistent. Plus, exercise helps increase alertness and boost energy, setting you up to tackle tasks more efficiently.
Your workout can be as simple as light stretching or as intense as strength training; it all depends on your fitness level, preferences, and any health conditions. And if you want to multitask, you can listen to a podcast or catch up on the news while exercising. As long as you’re moving, you’re already doing great!
4Follow your hygiene and skincare routine.
After breaking a sweat during your workout, it’s time to hit the shower. You can then brush your teeth, follow your skincare routine, and do whatever else helps you feel fresh and ready to take on the day. If you have extra steps in your skincare routine, like applying a serum or using a gua sha, try to stay consistent since these practices are more effective with consistency.
5Say a few positive affirmations.
Another great way to start your day is with positive affirmations, whether you say them in the mirror, while showering, or jot them down in a journal. If you’re unfamiliar with this practice, it’s simply the act of repeating positive statements to counter negative thoughts.
There are three main types of affirmations:
- Self-affirmations – These affirmations are designed to boost confidence.
- Goal-oriented affirmations – These help motivate you to achieve specific goals, whether in work, personal projects, or self-improvement.
- Healing affirmations – These focus on self-compassion and acceptance, making them especially helpful for those navigating difficult times or processing past trauma.
Here are some examples from our Twitter/X account, you can follow us here for more:
- “I am perfectly imperfect. Everyday, I feel happier and more vibrant.”
- “I am beautiful as I am. I embrace my natural beauty that attracts the right people.”
- “I am confident in myself when doing the deed. I am present and aware of my actions and words.”
Even though positive affirmations can help you stay motivated and improve your mornings, they need to be backed by action. For instance, no amount of affirmations about getting fitter will work if you’re not making an effort with your diet and exercise. Think of affirmations as a tool to support your goals, not a magical solution that makes them happen on their own.
6Eat a nutritious breakfast.
Skipping breakfast, unless advised by a medical professional, can do more harm than good. It can lead to brain fog, low energy, and even disrupt your hormone balance. Plus, you might end up overeating at lunchtime, thinking it’s fine since you haven’t eaten all morning.
This is why a healthy breakfast should be part of your morning routine. It doesn’t have to be a salad or something you’re not excited about. Most nutritionists recommend adding healthier elements to the foods you already enjoy and practicing portion control.
For example, if you love waffles in the morning, “healthifying” doesn’t mean cutting them out completely. Instead, have just one piece and pair it with some fruit for extra vitamins and minerals. You can also add eggs for a protein boost.
7Review your checklist and plan your day.
To help you stay organized and efficiently complete your tasks, consider spending a few minutes creating a simple checklist—or better yet, make it the night before and review it in the morning. While having breakfast and checking emails, you might realize there’s something new to add or a task that needs extra time. You can then adjust your list accordingly.
The great thing about having a checklist is that it gives you clarity on what needs to be done and helps prevent overwhelm. It’s also a lifesaver for those who tend to be forgetful, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
8Jot down your thoughts and daily intentions in a journal.
Aside from planning your day, it’s also great to set your daily intentions, jot down things you’re grateful for, reflect on your thoughts, or note any morning insights in a journal. This practice helps clear your mind and sets a positive tone, making you even more ready to take on the day. You can do this while having your breakfast.
9Connect with loved ones.
Most guides creating a morning routine list overlook this, but connecting with your loved ones is a great way to start your day. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation; you can just have a quick chat with your partner or family, a short call if they’re far away, or even have a ten-minute cuddle with your furbabies. It can boost your energy and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
10Carve out at least 20 minutes for yourself.
Ask yourself: What activity would boost your energy? Write down your options and pick the one you enjoy the most.
Mornings are all about preparing for the day ahead, but it’s also important to carve out time for something you love. Whether it’s reading a book, crocheting, playing a round of your favorite mobile game, or even catching up on trending topics on Reddit, go and do it if that’ll bring some positive vibes in your morning.
Set a time limit so it doesn’t disrupt the rest of your morning routine; use an alarm if needed.
Tips
To even help you achieve your morning routine list consistently, here are some of the tips to follow:
1Get enough sleep.
You won’t be able to fully stick to your morning routine if you’re not getting enough sleep. Sleep allows your body and mind to recharge, so without enough rest, your brain won’t function properly when you wake up, making it harder to follow through on your morning plans. Sleep deprivation can also affect your mood, which can set the tone for your entire day. Low energy makes you feel stressed, easily irritated, or demotivated.
That’s why aiming for at least 8 hours of sleep is essential. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try keeping your electronics out of reach to avoid late-night scrolling. If you prefer reading or watching something relaxing before bed, switch your phone to warm light mode to reduce eye strain. You can also use calming room sprays, adjust your sleeping position, or consider sleep-enhancing drinks or medications if necessary.
2Try to get up as soon as your alarm goes off.
Hitting the snooze button might feel tempting, but it only makes your morning routine harder to complete. The longer you stay in bed, the less time you’ll have to finish things.
That said, you don’t have to jump out of bed immediately. Take a few minutes to enjoy quiet time, observe your surroundings, or do light stretches in bed. Once you feel more alert, that’s when you stand up.
3Resist the urge to check social media first thing in the morning.
Scrolling through social media in the morning might seem harmless, but it can quickly derail your routine. What starts as a five-minute scroll can easily turn into ten, twenty, or even forty minutes. Before you know it, you’re rushing to get ready and skipping important parts of your morning.
Beyond just eating up your time, social media can also set the wrong tone for your day. You might encounter negative news or ragebait posts that put you in a bad headspace.
4Create routines for both “good days” and “bad days.”
Nobody’s perfect, and there will be days when you don’t feel like going through your entire morning routine list. That’s totally okay!
Instead of forcing yourself, have a “bare minimum” routine for those off days. Focus on essentials like drinking water, eating breakfast, and personal hygiene while skipping tasks that aren’t urgent, like journaling or exercise. This way, you’re still caring for yourself without adding unnecessary pressure.
5Prep everything the night before.
To make your morning routine smoother, prep your essentials the night before. This way, you can wake up and jump into your day without hassle. For example, you can prepare your breakfast in advance, store it in the fridge, and heat it up in the morning. If you work out, set out your clothes and place your equipment somewhere easy to grab.
Takeaway
Starting your day right doesn’t have to be complicated! As we’ve mentioned, small changes in your routine can greatly impact your entire day. We hope you try out these morning routine activities and enjoy a more meaningful and energizing start to your day!
