If you’re someone who loves wellness or has a busy work schedule, you know how important morning routines can be. You’ve probably seen all those “Get Ready With Me” videos or “my 5-9 before my 9-5” trends filling your feeds. Personally, I enjoy watching these because they’re so inspiring and often give me great ideas to add to my own routine. But sometimes, I wish I could see a simple breakdown of all the different components so that I can choose what works best for me.
After years of listening to podcasts, reading blogs, and watching countless morning routines, I’ve put together the key elements that make up a successful morning. Here are the 10 things that successful people do before 9AM to kickstart their day.
1. Prepare the Night Before
A productive morning often begins the night before. Setting out clothes, prepping meals, and organizing the workspace are key habits I’ve adopted. Knowing exactly what I’m walking into the next morning reduces decision fatigue and helps everything flow smoothly. I also like to write a to-do list before bed – it helps me sleep better knowing I have a plan in place for the next day.
2. Avoid Wasting Time
Goodbye, snooze button! I learned that those extra ten minutes only made me groggier. Instead, putting the alarm on the other side of the room has forced me to get up with intention. When I respect my alarm, I respect my goals for the day. I also try to avoid mindlessly scrolling on my phone in the morning—it’s amazing how much time that can take up without even realizing it.
3. Hydrate First Thing
Before I grab my coffee, I always have a glass of water. It might sound simple, but it makes a difference in how I feel. Hydrating before caffeine has helped me feel more alert, and it’s one of those small acts of self-care that can go a long way. Sometimes, I even add a slice of lemon for an extra boost. It’s a refreshing way to kickstart my system and helps me feel ready for the day ahead.
4. Set Goals and Intentions
The morning is my time to ground myself. I use sticky notes to jot down affirmations and reminders of what I want to achieve. Sometimes I also look over my bigger career or personal goals, just to give myself a sense of purpose for the day. It helps me stay focused on the bigger picture. I also find that setting a small, achievable goal for the day—like finishing a specific task or making time for exercise – keeps me motivated.
5. Move Your Body
Moving in the morning is a game changer. I used to think it meant an intense workout, but I realized that even a 10-minute walk or stretching can make a huge difference. On days when I do get to the gym, I feel even better, but the key for me is to just move in some way. I love doing a quick yoga flow or even just dancing around the kitchen while making breakfast. It wakes me up and gets the blood flowing.
6. Get Fresh Air
Taking a moment to breathe in fresh air has become an essential part of my morning. I open the window or step outside for a minute to reset my mind. It’s a small ritual that helps me start the day with clarity, especially on sunny mornings when I get a bit of vitamin D. If I have time, I take a short walk around the block – it helps me feel connected to the world and ready to tackle the day.
7. Practice Positive Energy
I’ve learned that how I start my day emotionally matters. Whether it’s listening to an upbeat playlist, journaling, or simply dancing around to a favorite song, I make sure my mornings include something that lifts my spirits. When I start with positivity, I carry it with me. I also take a moment to practice gratitude – writing down three things I’m grateful for helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life.
8. Care for Yourself and Your Space
A tidy space equals a tidy mind. Making the bed, cleaning up after breakfast, and sticking to a skincare routine are things I do to feel put together. Whatever self-care looks like to you – whether it’s a quick facial massage or dry brushing – make it yours. I’ve found that taking care of my space and myself in the morning sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Even just five minutes of decluttering can make a big difference.
9. Keep It Simple
The perfect morning routine doesn’t exist. I’ve tried doing it all, and it’s not sustainable. Now, I focus on just a few key things each morning, depending on how much time I have. Some days are busier, some are calmer—what matters is that I keep moving forward. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to have a “perfect” morning and instead focus on what feels right for me that day.
10. Make It Fun
Mornings should bring joy, not stress. I realized that my routine needed to feel rewarding. Whether that means an indulgent breakfast, a favorite book for a few minutes, or simply spending extra time in the shower, mornings are my chance to create a positive vibe for the day. The goal is to make my morning work for me, not against me. I even keep a list of small treats – like a special coffee or a new podcast episode – to look forward to during my morning routine.
Speaking of morning routines, you might be interested in learning more about the concept of Morning Routines and how they can impact your productivity. Additionally, if you’re curious about the benefits of Exercise in the morning, you’ll find that even gentle movement can set a positive tone for the day. And to make your mornings even more enjoyable, consider exploring the idea of Joy and how it influences your daily mindset. Each of these topics can provide valuable insights as you strive to craft the perfect morning routine for yourself!
