I'll be honest with you.

I was never a “morning person.”

However, I've always wanted to become one especially after how I felt. 

Waking up used to feel like a battle, and I’d rush into my day feeling stressed, groggy, and already behind. 

Sound familiar?

But I've realized the way you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. 

If you roll out of bed and immediately grab your phone, you’re likely to feel scattered. 

But if you have a morning routine that grounds you, your whole day feels lighter, calmer, and more productive.

That’s why I’m sharing the 10 morning routines to start your day that actually changed my life. 

Think of this as me passing along a tested cheat sheet from one friend to another.

10 Morning Routines to Start Your Day 

1. Wake Up With Intention 

I can't count the number of times I've hit the snooze button. 

It just feels like the best thing to do especially when sleep is the sweetest thing at that moment.

So I'm not judging you for hitting the snooze button.

But as someone who wants to build a good morning habit, waking up early is the first step. 

Easier said than done though.

Still, you can make it easier to get up.

One trick I recommend is to put your alarm clock far away from your bedside- that way, you'll have to actually get up.

Another thing that's worked for me is by pairing my wakeup time with something exciting. 

For example, I like creating hair care products. Remembering I have to do it makes me eager to jump out of bed. 

So pair your wake-up time with your favorite task. 

Trust me, you get to start the day on a high note.

2. Hydrate Before You Caffeinate

I've never been a fan of coffee in the mornings, or anytime to be honest.

Maybe because I dislike the idea of forcing my system to wake up.

But I know coffee is the love of many people’s mornings. 

It's helped you stay up to do a last minute study or prep on time to resume your boring job.

But the thing is, your body is dehydrated.

You've slept for at least 7 hours; the first thing your body needs is some good old plain water. 

Many scientists have said drinking water in the morning wakes up your organs, improves digestion, and even boosts energy.

That's why I keep a glass of water by my bedside. It's the first thing I reach for after waking up. 

So try it, it’ll make a big difference.

3. Move Your Body

For some unknown reason, the gym and I are in a love-hate relationship. 

However, if you want to wake up refreshed, studies show that movement is key. 

It boosts endorphins (hello, good mood), increases energy and focus and helps shake off sleepiness.

Good thing you don't need a full workout at 6 a.m. (unless you want to).

You can simply do a quick stretch, yoga flow, or brisk walk is enough to get your blood circulating.

I love to do some stretches. It feels good and gets my blood flowing.

You can set a five-minute stretch while listening to good music. 

It's simple, doable, and so not too much effort.

4. Practice Gratitude

Ahhhhh!

You're probably sick of hearing this, but this is the biggest game changer for your emotional and mental health.

By choosing to be grateful, you focus your attention on what's working while getting energized to take on your day. 

It's like giving your mind a warm hug before starting your day. 

So instead of jumping to tick off some boxes off your to-do list, take the time to look back on what you're grateful for. 

You don't need to stress your brain. Just look around you, your family, job, health, food, pets etc.

You can even be grateful for the first of chocolate, lol.

5. Fuel Your Body With Breakfast That Works for You

You may find eating breakfast a hassle but if you want to feel your best every morning, incorporating breakfast is a good step.

And no, I don't mean those sugary cereals. 

Let your breakfast be rich in fibre and protein. You'll be full for longer.

Since I started doing this, I've been on my best self. 

If you're unsure where to start, here's some ideas:

Overnight oats with fruit

Smoothies with spinach and banana

Eggs with avocado toast

Food is fuel and the quality of food you eat determines your energy levels in the morning.

6. Limit Phone Time

I laugh as I write this. 

This was the hardest for me. 

My old routine? 

Roll over, grab my phone, scroll endlessly. .

Suddenly 1 hour was gone, and I felt overwhelmed before even brushing my teeth.

Now, I give myself a rule: no social media for the first hour of the day. 

Okay I'll confess: sometimes I still check my messages quickly, but I wait on scrolling. 

Overall, protecting my mind from information overload first thing has been a game-changer.

7. Set One Main Intention for the Day

These days, my to-do list is longer than my phone number. 

It's one pit of endless tasks and that makes me feel stressed even before noon. 

However, things changed when I chose one main focus for the day. 

It must be a task that is largely rewarding. I like to write it down:

“Today, I will focus on finishing that report.”

“Today, I will make time for a walk with my partner.”

“Today, I will prioritize calm instead of stress.”

After doing this, I end up feeling a lot more accomplished. 

So, think of it as giving your day a headline.

Even if the small stuff gets messy, you’ve achieved your main focus.

8. Spend 10 Minutes on Self-Care

I loveeee self-care.

Anytime I go days without pampering myself, I feel at my worst. 

See, morning routines aren’t just about productivity; they’re about you. 

So you need to spend at least 10 minutes doing something that feels like self-care. It could be: 

Journaling

Reading a few pages of a book

Doing skincare (I never skip my face routine now)

Meditating or praying

The best thing you can do is to nurture yourself before giving yourself to the world.

9. Create a Mini Morning Ritual

Beyond the basics, I’ve learned that adding a small ritual makes mornings special. 

It could be as simple as lighting a candle while you journal, making matcha instead of coffee, or playing one specific “morning song.”

For me, it's washing my face and brushing my teeth.

These little ritual signals to your brain: the day has begun. 

It’s simple, but it feels grounding and personal.

10. Prepare the Night Before

If you want to have a great morning, you need to start the night before. Im

Lay out your clothes

Prep breakfast

Write a short to-do list.

Setting the tone for your day means you’ll wake up with less chaos.

It’s like giving “future you” a small gift. 

And trust me, your morning self will thank your night self.

Mine does.

I don't want you to feel pressured to do all these 10 things I mentioned.

When I first started, I picked just two habits: drinking water and having a gratitude list. 

Once those stuck, I added more.

At the end of the day, you want to be consistent. 

Morning routines aren’t about being rigid; they’re about creating space to breathe, focus, and start your day on your terms.

FAQs About Morning Routines

1. How long should a morning routine be?

It depends! Even 15 minutes can be powerful if you use the time intentionally.

2. What if I’m not a morning person?

Start small. Wake up just 10 minutes earlier and add one new habit. Ease into it.

3. Do I need to wake up at 5 a.m.?

Nope. Morning routines are about quality, not the hour. Choose a time that works for your lifestyle.

4. Can morning routines help with anxiety?

Yes, having structure and self-care in the morning can lower stress levels and make you feel more grounded.

5. What’s the easiest morning routine to start with?

Hydrating, gratitude journaling, and stretching are quick wins that anyone can do.