25 morning routine ideas to start your day off right

It’s never too early in the day for self-care. Whether you’re a morning ray of sunshine or someone who needs three alarms to wake up, having a blissful morning routine will make your whole day better.

Wondering how to create a morning routine for yourself? It’s important to keep in mind that everyone starts their day differently and morning routines are not one-size-fits-all. We all have different biological rhythms, productivity styles, and preferences. Some people like to run five miles at 5 a.m. while others need to drink three cups of coffee in bed at 10 a.m before feeling fully awake.

Ideally, your morning routine will be personalized to your unique preferences and goals. Do you want to relax before starting a long day? Aim to fit in 20 minutes of meditation or yoga stretches. Do you want to wake up quickly and feel energized? A brisk jog or workout might be an essential part of your morning routine. Whatever your goals may be, cementing some early hour habits can make it easier to prioritize your physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the day. Here are 25 morning routine ideas to help you design your own perfectly tailored routine.  

25 Morning routine ideas

1. Wake up early

Instead of rushing around first thing in the morning, give yourself enough time to wake up slowly and peacefully. By early, we don't mean the crack of dawn—just simply early enough to give you enough time to start your day without feeling the anxiety that comes with rushing or being late. Whether it’s two hours or just 15 minutes earlier, having some extra time to yourself will help you start the day off on the right foot. 

2. Avoid hitting the snooze button

Experts agree that hitting the snooze button on your alarm is a bad idea. If you fall back into a deep sleep, it can make you feel even more tired when you do eventually wake up, and if you press it enough times you could end up being late to school or work. Instead, try an app that detects when you are out of REM sleep, or your deepest sleep, so when the alarm does go off, it's not as difficult to wake up. 

3. Drink a full glass of water

You already know how important it is to drink water, so get your hydration started with a full glass of water. Drinking a full cup of water is a quick morning energizer and it can help prevent headaches, fatigue, and other effects of dehydration that might disrupt your day.

4. Notice your first thought and write it down

Do you remember the first thought you had this morning? For many people, it’s the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed. The thoughts you have at the beginning of your day can impact the feelings and energy you carry around for the rest of the day. By paying attention to and recording your first thought, you can more easily get into a positive mindset each day.

5. Make your bed

It may sound simple, but making your bed can make you feel a whole lot better, not to mention, crawling into a made bed at the end of the day can be a great part of your night routine. Simply taking a minute or two to pull up the sheets and plump your pillows can give you a sense of accomplishment. And a freshly made bed also improves the overall tidiness and appearance of your room, creating a subtle vibe of tranquility.

6. Exercise

While it’s not always easy to find motivation to work out in the morning, making time for exercise has amazing benefits for your mental and physical health. Getting those endorphins going and your heart rate up can put you in a good mood, raising your energy level to face the day. Even a short, 10-minute sweat session can make a positive difference.

7. Listen to a song that makes you smile

Whether it’s a go-to playlist or favorite song that makes you happy, listening (and singing along) to your favorite song will get you out of bed and put a pep in your step.   

8. Have a cup of coffee

Is there anything more satisfying than that first sip of coffee in the morning? For many of us that caffeine boost is crucial when it comes to our daily morning routine. And research shows that a cup of joe is not bad for you, as long as you aren’t overdoing the sweeteners. 

9. Or a cup of tea

Not a coffee person? Warming up with a hot cup of herbal tea is a healthy alternative, and recent studies show it might even boost creativity levels. 

10. Take a cool shower

While being blasted with ice cold water in the morning might not sound like fun, a cold shower can make you have more energy throughout the day by increasing your alertness and overall oxygen intake.

11. Brush your teeth mindfully

There are tons of reasons to brush your teeth in the morning, including protecting your teeth from decay and gum disease. Rather than making it just another morning chore, you can try brushing your teeth mindfully. By taking a moment to notice what you’re doing, you will feel calmer and happier.

12. Chat with friends and family

Having a quick chat with someone you love can quickly put a smile on your face as you start your day. Whether it’s someone you live with or a phone call with a faraway friend or family member, friendly interaction is a great addition to any morning routine.

13. Do your skincare routine

For many, skincare is a big part of their self-care routine. Having healthy skin can stop you from getting sick and prevent damage to your organs and muscles. Whether you like to shower and put on a full face of makeup or just like to splash some water on your face and apply mascara, give yourself time to concentrate on caring for your skin.

14. Practice meditation and mindfulness

A little bit of mindfulness in the morning can go a long way. When it comes to designing your best morning routine, meditation is one of the most commonly recommended additions—everyone from Oprah to Miley Cyrus does it. You can keep it simple with breathing exercises or use an app to help guide your practice.

15. Keep your phone on airplane mode 

It’s super easy to get distracted by text messages or your phone lighting up. Try keeping your device on airplane mode or Do Not Disturb from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. This will help keep you focused on living your best morning routine and helps you have a full eight hours of sleep each night.

16. Eat breakfast

Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day, so it’s a good idea to have something to eat or drink as part of your morning routine. Smoothie bowls and vegetable scrambles are both light and energizing options. If you’re usually not hungry when you first wake up, try a green juice or smoothie. You’ll get those healthy nutrients without forcing yourself to eat a giant meal.

17. Tame your mane

The way our hair looks can play a big role in how we feel throughout the day. Just think about how emotionally crippling a bad hair day can be, versus how amazing a good hair day feels. Finding ways to love your hair in the morning isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of ways to quickly and easily tame your mane. Throw your hair up in a high ponytail or add a ponytail extension for an extra pep in your step. 

18. Listen to a podcast

Make good use of your morning commute by listening to a podcast. More than good entertainment, podcasts are great education and cover every topic imaginable. They also leave your hands free to multi-task, so you can listen while exercising or doing other chores.

19. Learn something new

Setting aside just 15 minutes in the morning is enough time to study and learn a new craft each day. Plus, if you learn before checking your email, your creative juices will still be flowing and you can absorb the information better. 

20. Get outside

Whether taking your dog for a walk or going on a short jog, getting outside in the fresh air will help set a positive and energized tone for your day. If you are pressed for time, step out onto your balcony, backyard or front doorstep to breathe in the crisp morning air.

21. Stick to your bedtime

The best way to become a morning person is to go to bed earlier. If you keep your bedtime the same every night, your body will eventually fall into the habit.

22. Try aromatherapy

Essential oils make for an effortless addition to your morning routine. Sniffing certain scents like rosemary and eucalyptus can provide stimulating motivation, while others like Fir Needle and Douglas Fir have gently uplifting and grounding aromas. Try turning on your diffuser when you wake up so that it’s running while you get ready.

23. Do something you love

Our mornings are often a frantic rush to get out the door, leaving little time to relax or enjoy. If you’re able to fit one small thing you love into your morning routine, it can make all the difference. Whether it’s dancing or singing to your plants, try making the time to do something you love. 

24. Lay out your clothes the night before

If you’ve ever been late after changing your outfit 20+ times you can probably appreciate this tip. Taking the time to figure out what to wear the night before can save you tons of time in the morning.

25. Give thanks

Giving thought to all the good things in your life can make a huge difference in your overall mood and view on life. Carve out some time when you first wake up to express gratitude for what you have.

Written by: Mikayla Uber