Most of us lead busy, hectic lives. We wish we had more time for ourselves, but there’s already so much to do every day. Between work, family, and chores, our schedules are jam-packed—and that’s without adding hobbies or leisure time. Suggesting that you add a morning routine to the mix can feel overwhelming and unrealistic. We get it!
But what if we told you that a morning routine doesn’t have to be super time-consuming or complex? And that adding a morning routine can actually make your days less hectic and less stressful?
It’s true! A successful morning routine is energizing and empowering. Psychologists will tell you that morning routines promote greater well-being, unlock creativity, and decrease stress. Getting up at the same time every day can lead to better sleep patterns, and good sleep is a cornerstone of good health. People with consistent morning routines might even make more money (no guarantees, unfortunately).*
This isn’t about squeezing more productivity into your morning or embracing the hustle-and-grind culture (although it can be). It’s about giving yourself a head start each day, carving out time that is just for you, and making sure things that are important to you get done before life gets in the way.
Sound good? It IS good. Here’s how to get started.
Elements of a Successful Morning Routine
A good morning routine has two characteristics:
First, it is totally tailored to you. Your routine should start your day on the right foot, whatever that means to you.
Second, it has to be realistic. We’ve all seen people on social media who accomplish an hour-long workout, meditation, journaling, a cold plunge, and a full skincare routine before breakfast. That’s awesome for them! But that might not work for you, at least not as a starting point.
Here are some of the elements you might include in your morning routine:
- Movement: Anything from a gym workout to a stroll around the block, a full-body stretching routine, or a few minutes of gentle yoga poses in your pajamas.
- Nourishment for your body: Kick off your daily hydration goals by drinking some water. Prepare a nutritious breakfast. Take your morning supplements.
- Nourishment for your soul: Journaling, meditation, reading, working on a craft project, cuddling with kids or pets—whatever makes you feel calmer and more grounded.
- Natural environment: Go outside and take some deep breaths of fresh air. Watch the sunrise. Spend a few minutes in your garden.
- Get a head start on your day: Make your bed. Create a to-do list. Tidy the kitchen.
With these ideas for inspo, let’s talk about crafting your personal morning routine.
How to Get Started with a Morning Routine
1. Pick two or three things you really want to include.
You can always add more pieces later, but keep it simple at the beginning.
2. Work backward and decide what time you need to get up.
Then here’s the key: you actually have to start getting up at that time, which also means going to bed on time (which also means getting off your phone after 10 p.m.). You might struggle to get up at first, but soon it will become second nature.
3. Set yourself up for success.
- Set an alarm so you wake up on time. (Set an alarm so you go to bed on time, too!)
- Tell the people you live with about your new routine for accountability and support.
- Track your progress by checking off days on your calendar or in a habit tracking app. This little bit of accountability (plus the dopamine hit of giving yourself a checkmark every day!) can make a big difference.
- Try habit stacking, which pairs new habits with things you already do anyway. For example, if one of your goals is to hydrate first thing, put a water bottle near your toothbrush at night so you see it in the morning.
4. Stick with it.
Building new habits can be challenging, but the payoff is worth it.
Sample Morning Routines
Remember, a successful morning routine is one you can stick with and that YOU find rewarding. Here are some ideas of what it could look like:
10 minutes: Just the Basics
Wake up.
Wash and moisturize your face.
Make your bed.
20 minutes: Calm and Centered
Wake up.
Start the coffee maker.
While the coffee brews, go outside and do 2 minutes of deep breathing exercises.
Enjoy a cup of coffee while you read or journal for 15 minutes.
30 minutes: Nourish and Nurture
Wake up.
Prepare a healthy breakfast.
Sit down to eat and write in your gratitude journal.
Take your vitamins.
40 minutes: Get Moving
Wake up.
Take the dog on a 20-minute walk.
Come home, turn on the kettle.
While water heats, do sets of pushups and squats.
Brew tea. While it steeps, do a 1-minute plank and some stretching.
Sip tea while writing out the top 3 things you need to do that day to feel accomplished.
90 minutes: Active Mind and Body
Wake up
Go to the gym and work out for 45 minutes.
Shower.
Prepare a breakfast smoothie.
Drink your smoothie while doing the morning crossword.
Start Your Day Off Right
Anyone who has implemented a morning routine will tell you how much it enhances their life. (And they will tell you, don’t worry.) All jokes aside, a morning routine can be a total game-changer. Nobody likes to start their day already stressed and frazzled, but that’s what happens when you jump out of bed and throw yourself directly into all the adulting you have to do.
Morning routines allow for calm, productive mornings—not “productive” in a work and career sense, but in an “I already did something to take care of myself” sense. You don’t have to worry about missing out on these important elements of physical and mental well-being. There’s no risk of getting swamped by work or succumbing to decision fatigue later in the day. The good stuff’s already done.
So, get out there and create your own morning routine. Don’t worry if it takes some time to find your morning groove. Stick with it, and you’ll soon be reaping the benefits. As our founder Mark Sisson says, “When you lead with your own peace and well-being... much more is possible.”
