How did you wake up today?

For many people, the first few minutes after waking involve hitting the snooze button several times. After finally getting up—often later than intended—they spend a dozen or more minutes scrolling through social media or responding to messages and notifications from the night before.

However, research suggests that starting your day in such a reactive state can have serious downsides. It affects not only your attitude towards the rest of your day but also your health and mental well-being.

Beginning your day as described above can worsen your mood from the start and unnecessarily stress your body and mind in that crucial first hour. This can lead to lethargy throughout the day, increased susceptibility to triggers, and a generally unfulfilling day—all because we didn't start our morning in an energizing and fulfilling way.

It's therefore important to build a morning routine—however long or simple—that works well for you and your lifestyle.

Everyone has different lives, time constraints, and duties, so naturally, not every routine will work for everyone. The key is to focus on those components you value and that make a big difference in your morning. Incorporate these into your mornings as regularly as you can. The goal is to make your routine functional, practical, and energizing for you.

My intention today: I want to provide you with a variety of ideas you can mix and match for your own morning routine, helping you truly elevate the start of your day according to your preferences and needs.

I hope you'll find something useful here to help you build a morning routine that will inspire and prepare you well for the day ahead.

15 IDEAS FOR WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

Getting a good night of sleep the night before: Paradoxically, one of the best things you can do as part of your morning routine is to ensure you're getting a good night's sleep. This makes waking up at an earlier time much easier and helps you feel energized the following day.
Waking up early: Rising early allows you to get the most out of your day and enjoy some unrushed personal time before heading out.
Making your bed: This simple habit helps start your day off right. By making your bed first thing in the morning, you've already accomplished something worthwhile, which helps you tackle the rest of your daily tasks.
Movement: Incorporating some form of movement into your morning can be very helpful, waking up your body and stretching out any sore or tense spots. You don't necessarily need a rigorous workout; even a few effective stretches or a stroll around your neighborhood can be great options.
Eating a nutritious breakfast: While not everyone enjoys breakfast or makes time for it, if you're someone who does, including a nutritious meal in your morning routine can aid digestion and fill you with valuable energy and nutrients for the day.
Planning your day: Taking a few minutes in the morning to plan your day and set your intentions can have an incredible effect on your productivity. It helps you get more done efficiently and ensures you're approaching your day with the right attitude and mindset.
Making time for a hobby or creative pursuit: Another idea is to dedicate 10 or more minutes to a hobby you enjoy or a creative project you're working on. Many people find they're highly creative in the mornings, so if you can take advantage of this by fitting in some creative time, you might be surprised by how much you can learn or improve.
Spending some time outdoors: If possible, spend some time outside or get natural sun exposure in the morning. This can help give your body the cue to wake up naturally and allow you to get some fresh air.
Meditation: Many people find it helpful to dedicate a few minutes of their morning to some form of meditation. This can provide greater clarity of thought and help you approach your day in a more objective and calm state.
Connecting with loved ones or pets: Making time in the morning to talk with someone who means a lot to you—whether in person, over the phone, or via text—can add grounding value to your day. Similarly, if you have a pet, spending a few minutes with them can elevate your mood and make you feel more connected to the world around you.
Listening to a podcast or good music: Putting on music you enjoy or an interesting podcast can empower you to have a great day, spark new ideas or ambitions, and generally elevate your mood.
Drinking water: While it's important to drink water throughout the day, having 1-2 glasses in the morning ensures you rehydrate after a long night's sleep and helps boost your energy levels.
Not rushing: If possible, give yourself enough time in the morning to do everything you want without feeling rushed. A hurried state can add stress and put you in a bad mood.
Learning something new: Taking a few minutes in the morning to practice a skill or learn something new is always valuable. You might have less control over your schedule later in the day, so morning can be an ideal time for this. Expand your knowledge on a topic of interest by reading, solving a quiz, listening to an intriguing podcast, or watching an educational video.
Limiting screen time: Many people start their day by checking their phones and social media. However, this puts you in a reactive, almost autopilot mode, which isn't ideal for your self-esteem or motivation. Instead, try to completely avoid checking your phone and social media for at least the first 30 minutes after waking up. This gives your body proper time to wake up naturally, rather than immediately consuming media.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER

Now that you have some ideas for what to include in your morning routine, here are additional factors to consider for further refinement:

Amount of sleep you need to function best: This will determine the optimal times for you to wake up and go to sleep.
Your living situation: Your routines and daily flexibility will differ greatly depending on whether you live alone or have a family or others to care for. Determine when it makes the most sense to do each part of your morning routine based on your situation.
Breakfast: Not everyone enjoys or makes time for breakfast in the morning. Consider whether you want to include it in your routine and plan accordingly.
Getting ready: Realistically estimate how long it takes you to get ready in the morning—from waking up to leaving your home. Ensure your morning routine allows enough time for preparation to avoid constant rushing.
Time allocation: Consider how much time you want to dedicate to your morning routine from start to finish. This will allow you to perform everything you want in a relaxed manner while still keeping it time-efficient to fit your other daily obligations.