Let me be real with you: I wasn’t always a “morning person.” In fact, my mornings used to be pure chaos—rushing around half-awake, skipping breakfast, checking my phone before I even got out of bed. I’d start the day already feeling behind and frazzled.
But over the past year, I slowly started making little changes. And to my surprise, those small shifts completely transformed not just my mornings, but my entire day. I feel calmer, more focused, and honestly, more like me.
If you’ve been wanting to create a morning routine but don’t know where to start, here are five simple rituals that have made the biggest difference in my life.
1. Waking Up a Little Earlier (Without the Snooze Button War)
I started by setting my alarm just 15 minutes earlier—not a full hour—and forcing myself not to hit snooze. That tiny window of time gave me space to breathe and move slowly instead of scrambling.
Now I wake up around 6:30 a.m., and those first quiet moments feel like a gift. No emails, no notifications—just stillness, maybe a cup of tea, and time to actually check in with myself before the day gets loud.
Tip: Try putting your phone across the room so you have to get up to turn it off.
2. Drinking Water Before Anything Else (Yes, Even Coffee)
I drink a full glass of water with lemon before anything else. It genuinely makes me feel more awake and clear-headed. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of sea salt or cucumber slices for extra hydration.
It’s a tiny habit, but it makes a big difference in how I feel the rest of the day.
3. Light Movement to Wake My Body Up
I’m not talking about a full-blown workout here. For me, it’s more about stretching, a quick yoga flow, or even walking around my apartment while I listen to a podcast.
Even five minutes makes a difference. My go-to moves: gentle neck rolls, hip openers, and downward dog.
4. Journaling (Just a Few Honest Minutes)
I never thought I was a journaling person, but this has become my favorite part of the morning. Some days I just write down three things I’m grateful for. Other days, I free-write whatever’s on my mind.
It’s not about being poetic or perfect; it’s about starting the day with clarity.
- What do I need today?
- What am I feeling right now?
- One small thing I’m looking forward to?
5. A Breakfast I Actually Look Forward To
I used to skip breakfast or grab something sugary and call it a day. Now I actually enjoy breakfast—it’s a small act of self-care.
Overnight oats, smoothies, or avocado toast with a soft-boiled egg—these keep me full and focused.
Bonus: Prep ingredients ahead of time to make mornings easier.
Final Thoughts
These rituals aren’t about being perfect. Some mornings I still hit snooze, and some days breakfast is a granola bar. But most days, these small habits help me feel more present, more balanced, and more like myself.
Start small. Pick one habit. Try it for a week. You don’t have to “win the morning” to feel better—you just have to start.
You deserve calm mornings. You really do.
