Mornings and I used to have a toxic relationship and my chaotic mornings were setting me up for equally chaotic days. Honestly? I deserved better. That’s when I decided to take charge and reclaim my AM vibes. No more playing victim to the snooze button—I was determined to become that girl with a morning routine so good it practically deserved its own fan club. After much trial and (coffee-fueled) error, I’ve curated a lineup of nine morning rituals that make me feel like I’ve got my life together—even when I don’t. These habits are my secret sauce for starting the day feeling calm, collected, and just the right amount of bougie.
1. Wake Up with the Sun (Or Close Enough)
I’m not naturally a morning person, but I’ve found that waking up around the same time each day, preferably with some natural light peeking through, helps reset my internal clock. I try to avoid jolting awake to a blaring alarm, opting instead for a gentle sound that wakes me gradually. When I can, I leave my blinds partially open to let in the sunrise. There’s something about those early rays that feels like an invitation to a fresh start.
2. Hydrate Before Anything Else
Before my beloved cup of coffee, I reach for water. Drinking a glass of water first thing has become a tiny act of self-care that wakes up my system. I sometimes add a slice of lemon or a dash of apple cider vinegar to kickstart my metabolism and refresh my senses. I used to be a coffee-on-an-empty-stomach kind of person, but switching up this order makes a world of difference in how I feel right away—more alert, less jittery, and genuinely hydrated.
3. No Phone Zone
This is a tough one, and I don’t always get it right, but I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my mood when I avoid my phone first thing in the morning. No scrolling through emails, social media, or news updates—just peace. Instead of bombarding myself with information, I take the first 20 minutes to be present, focusing on what I want from my day. This small boundary has been a game-changer in protecting my peace and keeping anxiety at bay.
4. Stretch and Breathe
I don’t hit the gym every morning, but I do take five minutes to stretch my body, even if it’s just reaching for the sky or touching my toes. Pairing this with a few deep breaths wakes up my muscles and mind, shaking off the sleepiness. On days when I’m feeling extra motivated, I’ll do a short yoga flow. If not, a few cat-cows or a gentle neck stretch, while I sit on my bed, is enough. It’s my way of telling my body, “Hey, we’re moving into the day now.”
5. A Quick Journal Dump
I’m not writing a novel—I’m just letting my thoughts spill onto the page, unedited. Sometimes it’s a to-do list, other times it’s a reflection on a weird dream I had, and occasionally, it’s just random musings. The point isn’t perfection but expression. Getting things out of my head and onto paper clears mental clutter, making space for more positive thoughts.
6. Eat Breakfast Mindfully
Breakfast is my favourite meal, and I’ve made it a ritual to savour it. I try to sit down and enjoy it without distractions. I still occasionally eat standing up or scrolling my phone—but when I do take those moments to mindfully enjoy my breakfast, I feel more grounded and ready for whatever comes next.
7. Listen to Something Uplifting
Music, podcasts, or even a five-minute meditation track, I choose what I’m in the mood for. I have a playlist of feel-good songs that instantly boost my energy, or I tune into a podcast that inspires me. Listening to something uplifting while getting dressed or preparing breakfast adds a layer of joy to my morning, setting a positive tone for the day.
8. Make the Bed
Making my bed used to feel like a chore, but now I feel like there’s something oddly satisfying about tidying up the space where you’ve just rested. It’s an instant mood booster and gives my room—and my mind—a sense of order. It’s a small task, but it feels like the first productive thing I do each day.
9. Step Outside
Getting a dose of fresh air wakes me up in a way nothing else can. It reconnects me with the world outside my bubble and helps me feel grounded. On busy days, I just open a window and take a few deep breaths, but when I can spare five minutes, I make it outside. It’s a simple ritual that reminds me there’s a whole day ahead, and I’m ready to meet it.
These rituals have transformed my mornings from chaotic to calm, and from uninspired to intentional. They’re my little daily anchors, reminding me to take care of myself before meeting the demands of the world. Not every morning is perfect, but prioritizing these simple actions helps me show up as the best version of myself.
