A slow and simple morning can set the tone for your entire day. And this is so true! Today, I want to share with you a simple, minimalistic morning routine—not a rigid schedule where I wake up at 5:30 AM, hit my workout, drink my greens, and then bike five miles. No, that’s not what this is about!
Instead, I want to share a few key steps that I try to follow each morning to create a successful and stress-free start to my day. My mornings change depending on my schedule—some days I start work at 8 AM, other days at 10:30 AM, and sometimes I sleep in until 8:30 AM. Every morning is different! But these small habits help me set up my day for success.
1. Set an Alarm (Or Find a Wake-Up Routine That Works for You)
I go back and forth on this one, but setting an alarm is essential for ensuring I don’t oversleep. Some weeks, I need my alarm to wake up at 7:30 AM. Other times, I prefer to leave my phone in the bathroom at night to prevent late-night scrolling and wake up naturally. I’d love to get a real alarm clock one day, but for now, I use my phone. Find what works for you!
2. Get Out of Bed Immediately
When the alarm goes off, I try to get up right away. No scrolling on my phone. No laying in bed for “just five more minutes.” I also avoid going to get my toddler up and then crawling back into bed—it’s a trap! Getting up right away helps set the tone for a productive day.
3. Let in Natural Light
Open the blinds as soon as possible! Whether I’m drinking coffee in the kitchen, eating breakfast, or getting dressed, I always open the blinds to let sunlight in. It makes such a difference, especially during the transition from winter to spring.
4. Get Dressed for the Day
Even if I’m just putting on a cute matching workout set, getting dressed helps me feel more put together. Doing something fun with my hair—like adding a braid or pinning it back—also makes a difference. When I show up for myself, I show up better for others.
5. Meal Prep Breakfast
I love cooking—except for breakfast! I don’t enjoy cooking in the mornings, so I meal prep my breakfasts ahead of time. That way, all I have to do is heat it up, and I’m ready to eat in a minute. It saves time, reduces dishes, and makes my mornings smoother.
6. Start with Water
Before I drink my flavored water or Starbucks mocha frappuccino, I aim to drink at least 20 ounces of water. Hydrating first thing in the morning helps me feel refreshed and ready for the day.
7. Get a Workout In (If Possible)
Getting a workout done in the morning gives me a sense of accomplishment. It’s one less thing to worry about later, and I feel like I can conquer anything afterward!
8. Take Vitamins Early
I take my vitamins in the morning so I don’t forget about them later in the day. It’s a small step that helps me stay consistent with my health.
9. Have a Plan for the Morning
Before going to bed, I try to have a plan for the next morning. If my husband and I are both home, we figure out who’s handling what—whether it’s getting our toddler ready, packing a bag, or prepping snacks. Knowing the plan ahead of time prevents the morning from turning into a chaotic scramble.
10. Keep Your Morning Routine Simple
I don’t wear makeup, so my bathroom routine is quick—brushing my teeth, maybe applying lotion, mascara, and chapstick, and throwing on earrings if I feel like it. I like to keep it light and simple so I can get in and out.
Final Thoughts
These steps help me create a simple and minimalistic morning routine that sets my day up for success. If you’re interested in a more detailed breakdown of what my different mornings look like, let me know! I’d love to hear about your morning routine as well. Drop a comment below and share how you start your day.
