I don’t know about you, but my morning routine used to be pretty much non-existent. Similarly to many of us, my morning routine involved running around my apartment, trying frantically to get ready for the day ahead. So how exactly do you establish a (*quote*) successful morning routine?
This post isn’t just a summary of my morning routine. It’s a breakdown of tips that I’ve personally tried and tested over several years.
Like I always say, you need to find out what works best for your body and mind. So everything I offer in this post is a set of suggestions.
Please bear in mind that I’m giving you tips that I include in my morning routine for school. I’m a PhD student by day and a blogger by… day too, lol.
This post is all about my morning routine | 18 life-changing tips and tricks
1. I remember that morning routines change
Before I share these tips, I think it’s important to say this: your morning routine will change.
Just think about it. You don’t start the day the same way you did when you were twelve or when you were 25.
Therefore, you don’t need to commit to an intense 5:00am morning routine and stick to it forever. It should be a flexible experience that makes sense for whatever you’re doing at that stage of life.
2. I do food prep the night before
For me, a successful morning routine starts the night before.
I don’t prepare a fancy breakfast or unique bunch of snacks. I just prep what I need for my body.
A simple morning routine is made extra simple when you can get up, open the fridge, and grab something healthy to eat before the day kicks into full swing.
3. I wash my face
One thing I love to check off my morning routine checklist is washing my face.
Personally, I just splash my face with cold water before applying moisturizer, face oil and sunscreen.
4. I make my bed
Nothing creates a better morning vibe than making your bed.
All you need is to get the sheets and duvet on the mattress with the pillows – it doesn’t have to be a perfect, hotel-style made bed!
5. I do the dishes
When I’m manifesting “my morning routine aesthetic,” I’m not going to lie… doing the dishes isn’t the first image that comes to mind.
But in reality, doing the dishes or cleaning up your kitchen can make the start of your day feel much more relaxing in the long run.
It’s so lovely to come home to a somewhat clean kitchen surface and a dishwasher that’s already been run.
6. I drink water
My morning routine list isn’t fully checked off without having a full glass of water with electrolytes before eating.
For affordable electrolytes, try adding a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon to your water.
7. I journal about the person I want to become
A few months ago, I was cleaning out my office and realized I had a lot of notebooks that I hadn’t even used.
I grabbed one of them and decided it would be the first of many morning journals.
Now I spent a few minutes every morning writing about the person I want to become.
It keeps me focused on the future and helps align my priorities for the day ahead.
8. I read between two and ten pages of a book
Nothing helps me stay more in the moment than reading a book. As a PhD student and a journalist, I’m certainly reading a lot, but I choose to read whatever I feel like first thing in the morning.
My morning routine book is currently a mix of a few different ones: one is a self help book about forming healthy habits and the other is a fiction book about Agatha Christie.
9. I break my fast around 8:00am
I prioritize intermittent fasting for around 14 hours, three times a week.
Even when I’m not fasting, I tend to eat around 8:00am most days of the week.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying a couple of eggs and an apple for breakfast. It’s simple, easy, and the right type of food for my body.
10. I play my violin
I’ve been playing the violin most of my life. It’s one of the things I do when I want to feel grounded.
I don’t always manage to fit it in, but I love to spend five or ten minutes playing some traditional Scottish music on my violin before the day starts.
It makes me feel connected to my family who all live in Scotland.
What hobbies do you have, or wish you had, that might make you feel similarly grounded before your day starts?
11. I do yoga or an ab workout
Nothin makes me feel physically stronger and more resilient than moving my body first thing in the morning.
Whether it’s five minutes of yoga or a short ab variation, I love feeling strong after I wake up.
It gets the endorphins going (thanks for teaching us, Elle Woods), and I strongly advise you to move your body in a fun way as part of your morning routine.
12. I shower
I’ve lost track of all the “my morning routine videos” I’ve watched. But weirdly, not a tonne of YouTubers talk about showering in the morning!
Wash off the bad dreams with a quick shower. Again, it doesn’t have to be a complicated part of getting ready: just blast the water and soap over yourself and get going!
13. I do my hair and make up
I know a lot of people will say not to bother with this one, but I feel strongly that finding a way to look and therefore feel your best is key to starting your day effectively.
Personally, my best days normally start with a full face of make up and hair done.
For me, it feels like a uniform (along with a cute outfit) and helps remind me that I’m here to show the f*ck up in this life. There isn’t an option B.
14. I drink coffee
I actually never drank coffee till I was 25. But wow, I’m glad I started now that I’m 31.
I’m not advocating for a billion cups of coffee a day(!), but I personally have one in the morning and then I’m good to go.
15. I listen to a podcast or YouTube video
Sometimes it’s comforting or motivating to listen to another person’s voice in the morning.
I love to listen to all types of podcasts and YouTube videos: political commentaries, general news updates, health and beauty… I’m open to whatever in the early hours.
16. I check my schedule for the day
Have you ever been ploughing through your daily workload and suddenly realize you missed a call or appointment on your calendar?
After learning the hard way, I make sure to check my calendar before the day gets underway.
17. I list three things I have to do that day
I always have a continuous to-do list that I’m adding to, but I prioritize three things every morning that I need to get done that day.
This approach is useful because it stops me from getting overwhelmed by my super long “to-do list.”
18. I pack water, lunch and snacks
Before I head out the door, I make sure I have water, lunch and snacks in a bag.
Remember, we all need to consume a nutritious diet to enjoy the day fully.