I am a firm believer that there is no one-size-fits-all morning routine, and there is no singular way to be “that girl” as you begin your day. We’re all different people with different priorities, goals, schedules, circadian rhythms, and personal needs. That said, I think there are some morning habits that we should all implement into the early hours of our days. Even if we don’t all do so the same exact way. Especially as I’ve personally found that certain morning habits can make or break the rest of my day. Or at the very least, they make a difference as to whether I’m optimistic and productive, or grouchy and foggy.
Of course, there’s always room for nuance, and every person (and morning) is different. But generally speaking, there are some morning habits that are essential to kickstarting a good day. Or that at least certainly help set you up for greatness as your day begins. And quite honestly, it’s the simplest of things that I find make the biggest difference in my morning. None of these things are really anything that I need to go out of my way for and force myself to do. Even if they do require a bit of mindfulness and intention. Or maybe a bit of self-discipline and gentle redirection.
But honestly, it’s nothing like trying to force yourself into a 4:00 AM morning routine and drinking a gallon of water before you even get out of bed. Quite honestly, it’s much simpler than that, and it’s nothing super prescriptive. These lovely morning habits are little things that can naturally be implemented into anyone’s morning routine. And, in a way that works for your lifestyle, and how you choose to thrive as “that girl”.
Make Your Bed and Tidy Your Space
As someone who uses my bedroom as a multi-purpose space, I’m often looking at my bed all throughout the day. And when my bed is messy, I honestly find that it can be distracting. There’s something about looking at an unmade bed that just feels like my day never truly got started. I also feel like an unmade bed is an invitation to get back in it, and to lay in bed scrolling or watching TV instead of doing my work. Or to take an excessively long nap when the midday slump hits instead of going for a walk, grabbing a snack, or taking a moment to meditate. But a well-made bed encourages me to wait until bedtime to get back into bed.
I also must say, even if your sleeping space isn’t a multi-purpose space, there’s just something so satisfying about a well-made bed. Plus, making your bed is an easy early accomplishment. Not to mention that it actually sets you up for a more restful night of sleep when you smooth out the sheets and blankets early in the day. Honestly, I’d say that this is one of the morning habits that matters up until the last moment of your evening routine. Even if you’re not in your bedroom for most of the day.
Personally, I like to remove everything from the bed and put everything back on as neatly as possible. But honestly? There’s no right or wrong way to make your bed as long as you’re putting a little effort and care into it. You can absolutely just lightly straighten out the sheets and pillows. Do what works best for you in terms of making your bed. Just, while you’re at it, take a few minutes to lightly tidy up and reset your room as well.
Get Some Morning Sunlight
I must say, having an east-facing bedroom window can be both a gift and a curse, and the sunrise practically begs you to start your day at dawn. On a beautiful sunny morning, the sun can even peek through thick curtains. I used to gripe quite a bit about it; I’m not going to lie. But as I’ve started taking healthy morning habits more seriously, I’ve come to love opening up those curtains first thing in the morning to let all the natural light in. It’s an instant mood-booster, even when I do wake up quite groggy and grouchy. Needless to say, I can’t recommend opening up the curtains first thing in the morning enough. Especially on a sunny morning.
Heck, even if it’s a little cloudy or rainy, I’d still open up the curtains, just to let in a little extra natural light. But even more so, when the weather permits, I actually love to spend a few moments outside in the morning sunlight. Mornings are such a beautiful and peaceful time to go for a walk around your neighborhood. But honestly, even just sipping your morning coffee on your patio is a wonderful way to get a little fresh air and natural light in the early morning. And if you wake before the sun rises, perhaps you can even make it a part of your morning plans to watch the sunrise from your porch.
Allow the morning sun to invite you to start your day on a warm and delightful note. Even if you don’t feel quite ready to start your day, you can simply soak it in as you slowly sip your morning coffee.
Drink Some Water Soon After Waking
Certainly, we often think of coffee or tea as our primary beverage to get us going in the morning. I know that I’m brewing up my morning cup quite soon after getting up in the morning. But after a restful night’s sleep, our bodies also do need some fresh water to help us rehydrate after so many hours. Not only is it so important for our wellness to stay hydrated, but I actually find that water is exactly what I need in the morning. As a matter of fact, I find that a glass of water is more effective for clearing up the residual morning fog and grogginess than coffee. Water is such a simple beverage, but it’s objectively so beneficial.
That said, I’m not one of those people who is about to tell you that you need to keep your water bottle on your nightstand and drink 16 ounces before you even get out of bed. You can absolutely use the bathroom first. But I do recommend having your water bottle ready and within reach as you start your day. Fill it up before you go to bed, and place it somewhere convenient where you can easily grab it as you wake up. Perhaps you can sip your water as you allow your morning cup of coffee or tea to brew. Or you can gradually sip your water as you go about your other morning habits.
It doesn’t have to be a chore to drink your morning cup of water. Allow yourself to sip your morning cup of water in a way that feels natural to you. Just don’t use the “coffee has water in it” excuse not to drink some fresh water.
Fuel Your Body With Breakfast
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Now, I’ll be honest, I don’t think that any one meal is more important than another. Every meal is important, and we should be striving to eat all three meals daily. We should also be allowing ourselves to snack between meals if we feel we need it. But I will say, breakfast is the most tempting meal to skip, when we should be prioritizing it. We shouldn’t be outright skipping breakfast just to save some time in the morning. Or because we won’t feel like preparing it. Especially when we know we’ll be having a later lunch. Because honestly, midday hunger after a skipped breakfast can totally throw off your mood and productivity.
Plus, your body needs a bit of fuel to get going as you wake up and start your day. Enjoying a good breakfast also gives you a little moment of enjoyment, even if it’s something small and simple. You don’t have to prepare a grand pancake, bacon, and eggs breakfast every morning. Personally, I love a yogurt bowl with fruit and grains as a delightful, nutritious treat in the morning. I also quite enjoy a bagel with cream cheese, or even a muffin, to go with my coffee or tea. Fresh fruit is also a delightful sweet treat in the morning. Even a granola bar or packaged treat is a great option when you’re short on time.
Seriously, even if it’s something quick, allow yourself the time to eat breakfast in the morning. Make it one of your non-negotiable self-care morning habits. Even if you wait until later in the morning, or you have something small. And remember, coffee, tea, or juice alone does not count as food. It’s just part of the meal.
Have A Strict “No Screen” Period Upon Waking
Listen, as someone with many hobbies that relate to technology, and who creates content for a living, I am not going to bash technology. But honestly, there are so many reasons we should all be taking a regular detox from screen time. And honestly, given the fact that our minds are the most impressionable in the morning, our phones shouldn’t be the first thing we reach for in the morning. Or our tablets, laptops, or even TV remotes. There is no reason we need to be connected to the digital world before we even have a sip of coffee or a bit of breakfast.
We never know exactly what we’re going to be exposed to on our feed or what’s going to pop up on the local news. And sometimes, what we see can ruin our day before it even begins. Plus, we don’t want to accidentally scroll our morning away when we could have been doing something so much more grounding. Or even objectively more enjoyable. Remember, my lovely, your time is so precious, at all times of the day. But there is also something so delightful about allowing our mornings to be slow and calm. After all, those texts, emails, and notifications can wait just a little while longer.
At the very least, I’d say to give yourself at least half an hour before so much as even checking your phone or turning on the TV. But, honestly, I’d even say to give yourself an hour before you start scrolling or responding to messages, or doing any digital work. Heck, maybe even longer if you’re able to. Give yourself time to enjoy your breakfast, sip your coffee, and spend time with yourself before you check in with the digital world in the morning.
Take A Moment To Focus Exclusively On You
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but taking the time to tune in to your own wants/needs and care for yourself is not selfish. Again, self-care is not selfish! Especially as you’re preparing for the day ahead. We all need a moment to do something exclusively for ourselves, and fill our cup. Certainly, we don’t want to be pouring from an empty vessel as we go about our day. We all deserve a moment in the morning that feels like it’s just for us, whether we view ourselves as a morning person or not. We all deserve to take a mindful moment to enjoy life, pamper ourselves, and make ourselves a priority before we try to care for others.
How you choose to give yourself some personal enjoyment time in the morning is entirely up to you. Maybe you want to read a few pages from a book, meditate, do a tarot reading, or color. Perhaps you find enjoyment in taking the time to mindfully apply your skincare and take your time doing your makeup. Perhaps there’s a podcast you like to listen to in the morning as you go for your morning walk. There is no right or wrong way to pamper yourself and practice self-care in the morning. It should be something that fully resonates with you.
That said, I acknowledge that for many, life responsibilities and obligations can make it difficult to carve out a significant amount of time for solitude. But honestly? Even giving yourself 15 minutes truly makes a difference. Even if that means waking up a little earlier. Or locking the bathroom door, putting in noise-cancelling earbuds, and cranking up the music. Or safely integrating that moment into your morning commute.
Conclusion
Everybody is different in terms of what they want and need out of their morning routine. Some of us absolutely are the type who thrive on a 4:00 AM morning routine and going to the gym first thing. But some of us thrive better on an 8:00 AM wake-up and a slow morning at home. And honestly? We’re all “that girl” when we curate a morning routine that works for us. And while everyone’s ideal morning routine will look very different from another’s, there are some morning habits that benefit all of us. Even if we all might implement them a little differently.
Let’s all set ourselves up for greatness every day by integrating morning habits that fuel our minds, bodies, and souls in the early hours of the morning. Whether we’re looking to have a productive day or just feel good from morning to night, the smallest of habits certainly can make a difference.
What are some of your essential morning habits that help you have an amazing day? What is your favorite part of your morning routine? Do you consider yourself to be a morning person, or do you not care too much for mornings? I’d love to hear from you!
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