My Morning Routine & How To Build One That Works For You
Over the years my morning routine has varied depending on my required daily schedule and where I’ve been at in different phases of my life.
The most important thing about building a productive morning routine is to have grace with yourself. To have success making any kind of changes especially to the start of your day, start small incorporating one positive change
here and there.
Start by writing out your current routine.
What time do you wake up?
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up, then list out each thing you do after that.
Analyze it. What about your current morning routine do you love? What are your obligations and how long do they take? What are you not willing to change?
If you’re planning on waking up earlier, are you able to start going to bed earlier to make sure you get the amount of sleep your body needs to function at its best?
Years ago when I had a very busy daily schedule and couldn’t go to bed until about 10/11pm I would wake up at 6/7am, have coffee, get ready for work and head out the door.
I knew I needed to make some changes, start eating a healthier breakfast, incorporate daily movement before work because afterwards it wasn’t going to happen. I knew I wanted time to be present in the morning, I wanted to be able to journal and take better care of my mental health. These were my first few changes.
Building a solid morning routine takes time and keep in mind that not every day needs to have the same routine.
I still like to switch up my morning routine from time to time but there are a few days a week that are non negotiable for me.
Mondays, the start of the week I prefer to start with a good workout.
I wake up at 5:30, make lemon water with half a lemon and a pinch of sea salt. Prepare my dogs food, empty the dishwasher then sit for a few mins in silence as the sun begins to rise. I do my best not to look at my phone.
I then go get ready for my workout and am out the door by 7am.
I workout from 7:30-8:30 then head home to make a healthy breakfast and prepare lunch.
If my day allows it, I take both of my dogs for walks. Followed by getting ready for the day & either get some house chores done or start work.
Other days of the week have different demands and this is where I like to switch things up.
Tuesdays I wake up at 6am, strip my bedding and throw it in the wash.
Make lemon water & tidy my house for 20-30 mins. I like to carve out time where I can be alone to meditate and do yoga for 30-40 mins. If the day allows it, I like to journal. I like to try and write at least 3 pages focusing on what’s currently happening in my life and what I’m grateful for. Again, this is the goal but it’s not always the outcome.
The other days of the week you get the idea…however my constants are lemon water with salt, time to be still & time for movement.
Things I also like to include in my morning routines
when I remember and have the time…
Tongue scraping when I first wake up.
Coconut oil pulling while getting ready.
Morning oracle card pulls for daily insight.
Dry brushing my body.
Doing Gua Sha on my face.
Red light therapy mask for 10 mins.
Read or listen to a podcast.
Dance around the house like no one is watching.
Text or call a loved one.
Cold plunge or sauna sesh.
Sit in the natural sunlight.
Breath work.
The way you start your morning can set the tone for your entire day. A well-crafted morning routine doesn't just help you stay organized-it fosters mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical energy.
Everyone’s morning routine will vary, if you have young children or pets to take care of they can vary a lot! It’s all about choosing what’s important to you and finding a way to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Here are some of my best tips for creating a better morning routine that will kick start your day in a positive way:
Since every day will be different, get a clear idea of what your following day will be like the night before. What are your 1-3 non-negotiable things for the following morning and how can you achieve them?
TIP: Lay out clothes, prep meals, or organize your workspace to eliminate decision fatigue.
Wake up with Intention, don’t hit snooze. Studies show people that have multiple alarms set or keep hitting snooze are actually MORE tired upon actually getting up and going throughout their day.
TIP: Place your alarm across the room to help you get out of bed immediately & resist the urge to get back in bed. Tell yourself a positive mantra like “Today is a fresh start, full of possibilities!”
Have a plan to move your body—If this scares you or doesn’t excite you, you have to find a way to make small moves by doing something that will make you happy.
TIP: Start with 5-10 mins of stretching. Then add 5-10 mins of walking. Eventually these little acts of motion will leave you craving more and able to show up for longer. Morning movement wakes up your mind and body, boosts your mood, and increases focus.
Gratitude. Take time to write or say out loud at least 3 things you’re grateful for each day.
TIP: Those who practice gratitude in the mornings are significantly more happy. Research shows that expressing thanks can trigger the release of positive brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
