How to Create a Morning Routine You Can ACTUALLY Stick To (in 4 Steps)
Imagine waking up with clarity, energy, and a sense of purpose instead of hitting the snooze button one too many times and rushing out the door in a panic. For the past few months, that’s exactly how I’ve been starting my days. Within the first hour, I’ve managed to organize my thoughts, make progress toward my goals, and gently wake up my body.
So, how did I do it? By creating a morning routine. Not just any morning routine—a personalized one, designed to fit my life, my needs, and my goals.
Now, you might be thinking: “Tell me your routine!” and don’t worry — I will. But here’s the thing: my routine works for me because it’s tailored to my life. I could hand it to you, but unless your lifestyle mirrors mine, it’s probably not going to stick—and you might not even enjoy it. What you really need is a morning routine that’s custom-built for you.
The good news? Creating one isn’t as complicated as you might think. Contrary to what most people believe, a morning routine doesn’t require waking up at 5 AM or sweating it out with a long workout every single day (mine certainly doesn’t!). It’s not about rigid schedules or ticking off a trendy to-do list—it’s about designing a routine that excited you and aligns with your life.
Ready to build a morning routine you can actually stick to? Let’s dive in!
The 4 elements a good morning routine consists of
A morning routine is essentially a set of habits you practice consistently every morning.
Sounds simple enough, right? But here’s the challenge: there are dozens of habits you can include—meditating, journaling, working out, and so much more. With endless possibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you decide which habits to include and which to skip?
And that’s the real problem: there’s no “one size fits all” routine. So how do you create a morning routine that actually works for you?
Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of routines with all kinds of habits—and none of them stuck. It wasn’t until I discovered the concept of “mind-body-soul” that it finally clicked. For a morning routine to be truly effective, it needs to nourish all three elements:
Mind: Habits that help you organize your thoughts and start your day stress-free (like meditation).
Body: Habits that help you wake up your body to start your day energized and refreshed (stretching for instance)
Soul: Habits that inspire, connect and bring you joy (i.e. gratitude journalling)
The key is to choose one or more habits from each category, creating a routine that feels balanced and fulfilling. It’s the ultimate way to start your day with intention and set yourself up for success.
Now, here’s where I added my own twist. After practicing this method for a while, I realized there was one more category missing: space. Habits that keep both your physical and digital environment calm and clean, like making your bed.
Let’s dive into each category in more detail, explore some example habits, and, finally, take a look at my personal morning routine!
#1 Nourish Your Body
The first category is all about taking care of your body—because let’s be honest, if your body isn’t feeling good, the rest of your day will feel off too. Your morning routine should help you wake up feeling energized.
Here’s a list of habits you can pick and choose from to create a routine that works for you:
Get enough sleep: 8 hours is the sweet spot for most people, so try to make it a priority.
Wake up at the same time every day: Stick to a consistent wake-up time. It doesn’t have to be 5 AM—just find a time that works for your lifestyle and stick with it to establish a steady rhythm.
No snoozing: Start by ditching the snooze button. It’s tempting, I know, but hitting snooze only makes it harder to wake up and throws off your rhythm. Train yourself to get up with your first alarm—it’s a game-changer.
Water: Once you’re up, drink a glass of water. Your body hasn’t had anything to drink for hours, so rehydrating first thing makes a world of difference.
No caffeine: Don’t dive straight into coffee. Give your body about an hour to wake up naturally and opt for herbal tea or warm lemon water instead.
Exercise: Give your body some gentle movement. You can try stretching, yoga, or a quiet walk to ease into the day. If you’re up for it, you can also get your heart rate up with something like a quick HIIT session, strength training, pilates, a run, or some kettlebell swings — whatever you enjoy the most!
Sauna: If you have (access to) a sauna, take a quick session. It’s a relaxing way to warm up, detox, and set a peaceful tone for your day.
Cold shower: Consider taking a cold shower. I know it sounds intense, but it’s an instant wake-up call and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Skincare: Get your skincare routine in. Even a simple cleanse and moisturize can make you feel refreshed — and don’t forget your SPF!
Healthy breakfast: Fuel yourself with a nourishing breakfast. Focus on protein and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods and heavy carbs that can lead to an energy crash.
Take your supplements. the morning is the perfect time to tick this off your list and support your health goals. Do make sure to take them with some food.
Sun: Try to get some sunshine. Step outside for a few minutes or use light therapy glasses if it’s still dark—this helps your body wake up naturally and boosts your mood.
Grounding: If you have the chance, spend a few minutes grounding outside. Barefoot on the grass or sand works best, but simply being outside is enough if you don’t live near nature.
Deep breathing exercises: A few intentional breaths can calm your nervous system and help you start the day with focus and clarity.
#2 Calm Your Mind
Do you feel stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed in the morning? Calming your mind and organizing your thoughts can make all the difference. An organized mind means an organized life, or so they say. Starting your day with mental clarity helps you start your day off right.
These habits can help you do just that:
Prep the night before: Make your mornings smoother by picking out your outfit or packing your bag or lunch the night before.
No phone: Avoid your phone first thing in the morning. Scrolling through social media or checking notifications can overwhelm your mind before you’ve even had a chance to wake up properly.
Meditation: Spend a few quiet minutes meditating. It’s a powerful way to center yourself and bring a sense of calm and focus to your day.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts, check in with how you’re feeling, or simply note anything on your mind. Journaling helps clear mental clutter and provides clarity.
Thinking: Yes, just think. Take a moment to observe your thoughts without distractions—it can be surprisingly grounding.
Affirmations: Speak or write affirmations that resonate with you. Positive self-talk is a great way to boost your mindset and build confidence.
Do a brain dump: Write down everything on your mind. This clears mental clutter and gives you a fresh start for the day.
Set your goals: List the main goal or goals you want to focus on for the day. This creates intention and ensures your priorities are clear.
Plan your day: Take a few minutes to outline your day, from tasks to meetings to downtime. Having a plan in place reduces stress and keeps you on track.
Check your calendar: Take a quick look at your schedule so you’re prepared for the day ahead and nothing catches you off guard.
Eat the frog: Tackle your most important or most dreaded task first thing—it’s a productivity boost and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Avoid notifications: Stay away from emails, Slack, WhatsApp, and social media in the morning. Give yourself time to focus before the world starts demanding your attention.
Choose habits that help you feel calm and in control. By starting your day with a clear mind, you’ll feel ready to handle whatever comes your way.
#3 Feed Your Soul
While nourishing your body or calming your mind might sometimes feel like a bit of a chore, nourishing your soul should feel like pure joy. It’s about adding a little spark to your morning—something that makes you genuinely excited to get out of bed!
Here’s a list of example habits you could try:
Gratitude: Take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It shifts your mindset to focus on the positive and sets a tone of abundance for your day.
Praying: Spend time in prayer or spiritual reflection if that resonates with you. It’s a beautiful way to find peace and connection.
Learn something new: Dedicate time to learning—read a book, listen to an inspiring podcast, or study something that excites you. Plan what you want to focus on the night before to make it seamless.
Connect with a loved one: Send a kind message, make a quick call, or share a meaningful conversation. Connection fuels the soul.
Cuddle with your partner: If you have a partner, take a few moments to be present with them. It’s a simple yet powerful way to start the day feeling loved.
Acts of kindness: Do something kind, whether it’s writing a thoughtful note, helping someone, or even just setting the intention to be kind throughout the day.
Spend a moment with a pet: If you have a pet, give them some love. Their joy and companionship can be incredibly grounding.
Creativity: Engage in a creative activity you enjoy, like drawing, writing, or playing an instrument. Creativity feeds the soul in a way nothing else can.
Listen to something motivational: A motivational podcast, audiobook, or speech can fill you with inspiration and help you approach the day with enthusiasm.
Explore book summaries: Apps like Blinkist or Shortform are great for quickly absorbing ideas and lessons from books that inspire you.
Engage in a hobby: Spend a little time doing something you love. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or baking, hobbies are a great way to connect with yourself.
Look at your vision board: Take a moment to review your vision board or journal your goals. It’s a reminder of what you’re working toward and why.
Do something meaningful: Use the morning to work on something close to your heart—whether it’s your dream business, a creative project, or a cause you’re passionate about.
Listen to calming music: Start your day with soothing music to set a peaceful and focused mood.
Choose the habits that speak to you and make your soul feel alive. Not the ones that sound the coolest. This is your time to connect with what matters most to you.
#4 Clear Your Space
Ever notice how the state of your surroundings can totally affect your mood? Waking up to a messy room or a cluttered desk can feel overwhelming before you even start your day. Taking a few minutes to clear and refresh your space can make such a difference—it’s like hitting the reset button for your environment and your mind.
Here’s a list of things you could try:
Make your bed. Start the day with a small win that instantly makes your room look more put together.
Organize your bedside table. Clear away any clutter so you wake up to a tidy, peaceful space.
Tidy your room. Spend a few minutes picking up clothes, books, or anything else lying around—it makes a big difference.
Let in fresh air. Open a window and let the crisp morning air flow in. It’s a simple way to feel refreshed.
Put away last night’s dishes. Waking up to a clean kitchen feels so much better than facing a sink full of dishes.
Water your plants. Take a moment to care for your greenery—it’s oddly therapeutic and brings life into your space.
Empty your bin. A small task, but it instantly makes the room feel cleaner.
Set your workspace for the day. Clear your desk, arrange your tools, and make it a place you’re excited to work in.
Close all tabs on your laptop. Start your workday with a clean slate—no leftover tabs from yesterday.
Light a candle. Add a cozy touch to your space with a calming scent.
Diffuse essential oils. Fill your room with a fresh, uplifting aroma to set the mood for the day.
Do a 5-minute declutter. Choose one area—your desk, dresser, or kitchen—and tidy it up quickly. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in just five minutes.
Put away your laundry. Fold and store it so you’re not staring at a pile of clothes all day.
You don’t need to do a full deep-clean every morning, but even small habits can have a big impact. By tidying up and setting the vibe, you create a space that feels calm, clear, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Creating Your Morning Routine
Now, slowly incorporate habits from each category (body, mind, soul, and space) into your morning. You can experiment with the examples I’ve shared or define your own habits that resonate with you. Choose things that feel exciting and meaningful, not things you think you should be doing.
The key is to take it step by step. Add one or two habits at a time and see how they fit into your life. If something doesn’t feel right or starts to feel like a chore, don’t be afraid to adjust or let it go. Your routine should feel good—it’s all about creating a morning that works for you.
My Morning Routine
To give you a little inspiration, I wanted to share my personal morning routine. It’s taken me some time to find what works best for me, but now I’ve created a routine that feels balanced, energizing, and most importantly, enjoyable.
Wake up at 6:45 every day. During the weekends, I don’t set an alarm, but I usually wake up around the same time. I’ve tried waking up earlier, but this is the sweet spot for me (Body)
No snoozing. I find it always makes me wake up more tired and sets the wrong tone for the day (Body)
Make the bed. It’s such a small task, but it instantly makes my room feel more organized and starts the day with a tiny win (Space)
Clear my bedside table. I like waking up to a clutter-free surface; it just makes my mornings feel calmer (Space)
Open the curtains. Letting in natural light first thing helps me wake up and feel more alert (Space)
No phone. I leave my phone on my nightstand without checking it. I avoid starting the day by scrolling so I won’t lose my “zen” state. I usually come back to check it after 11am — a luxury, I know (Mind)
Pet my cats. Taking a moment to connect with my them and rubbing their bellies honestly brings so much joy to my morning (Soul)
Drink a glass of water. After hours of sleep, rehydrating first thing makes a big difference in how I feel, because boy do I feel thirsty! (Body)
Exercise: morning workouts are not really for me, since these are my focus hours so I don’t want to ‘waste’ them on working out. I do however try to do some stretches (I search for a 10-min morning stretch on YouTube) to get my blood flowing and wake up my body or if I’m really not in the mood 15-30 kettle bell swings. It only takes a minute and it really gets my heart rate up. I have a 14kg kettle bell stored in a corner of my living room, to make it easy accessible so I don’t have any excuses. It’s the only way I get at least some form of exercise that lasts… (Body)
Shower + gratitude: While I’m in the shower I try to think of three things I’m grateful for. This combines a practical habit with something that lifts my mood and reminds me of the positives in my life (Body, Soul)
Skincare. This is part of my self-care—taking a few minutes to refresh my skin always feels good and I look at it as an investment for the future (Body)
Tea. Make a cup of herbal tea (ginger and lemon). It’s a soothing way to wake up gently and start the day hydrated (Body)
Dishwasher. While I wait for the water to boil, I clear out the dishwasher. I always turn it on before I go to bed, so it’s clean in the morning (Space)
Getting ready. Then I get dressed and do my makeup. I usually pick out an outfit the night before if I’m working from the office, but if I work from home I still get ready, put on some make-up and wear ‘normal’ clothes instead of just wearing leggings all day. It makes me feel more refreshed (Body)
Music. I turn on some calming instrumental music on low volume. This sets a peaceful and relaxing vibe for my morning (Soul)
Candle. Sometimes I’ll light a candle. It’s a small, cozy ritual that makes my space feel warm and inviting (Space)
Meditation. Take 5-10 minutes for meditation if I feel like it. This really helps me when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. I only do this when I really feel the need, because I really struggle with doing it every single day (Mind)
Journal if I feel like it. I just start writing whatever comes to mind. Sometimes it’s pages about how I feel, other days it’s a few words or even just a smiley. I tried sticking to a gratitude journal, but answering the same questions every day became repetitive. Letting it be freeform has made journaling something I actually enjoy. (Mind)
Read or research. I always try to start my day by learning something new. I love reading, so usually I’ll read a self-help book on my iPad. Sometimes for over an hour, sometimes for just a couple of minutes, depending on my schedule and mood (Mind)
Read my post on “How to Start Falling in Love With Reading” here.
Caffeine. While reading, I drink my first cup of coffee. It’s my little ritual that combines something I love with my morning learning habit. (Body)
Look at my calendar. This helps me get a quick overview of the day ahead and mentally prepare. (Mind)
Look at my goals and tasks. I take a few minutes to write down what I want to accomplish that day and I prioritize my task list from most to least important. (Mind)
Creative work. I start with some deep focus work. I like doing something creative first thing, because that’s when I’m sharpest, so I usually spend the first hour of my workday on my YouTube channel, my blog, or my course. It feels productive and energizing to start with something I enjoy. (Mind, Soul)
See how I’ve incorporated all four categories into my routine? It really makes me feel balanced, at ease and ready to tackle the rest of the day. Now, this isn’t a rigid checklist—it’s a set of habits that help me start the day feeling calm and rested. Remember, your routine doesn’t have to look like mine. The goal is to create something that works for you.
Sticking to Your Morning Routine
Now, creating your routine is just the first step—sticking to it is where the real magic happens. Here are a few tips that have made a huge difference for me:
Start small. Don’t overload your routine with too many habits at once. Ease into it so it feels manageable and enjoyable.
Make it fun. Choose habits you actually look forward to. If your routine feels like a chore, it’s not going to stick.
Switch it up. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to mix and match! Your routine should evolve as you do.
Don’t treat it like a task list. You’re not being graded on this. If you miss a day or don’t complete everything, it’s totally fine.
Set yourself up for success. Make things as easy as possible, like prepping the night before so your morning flows effortlessly.
Track your progress. Use a habit tracker or gamify your routine to keep yourself motivated. Watching your streak grow can be really satisfying!
Keep your routine visible. Write it down and keep it somewhere you can easily see it as a reminder.
Create a “minimum routine.” Have a short version of your routine for days when you’re short on time—just the essentials that make you feel your best.
Know your why. Write down the reason behind each habit. When you connect it to something meaningful, you’ll be more motivated to stick with it.
Combine habits. Find ways to stack habits together, like practicing gratitude in the shower or journaling while sitting in the sun. This saves time and makes your routine feel seamless.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Your routine should work for you, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
Creating your routine isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint—it’s about designing one that feels good for you. By taking small steps, experimenting with habits from each category, and staying flexible, you’ll build a routine that energizes your body, calms your mind, feeds your soul, and clears your space.
Remember, your routine doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to look the same every day. The important thing is that it helps you start your day on a happy note.
So start small, stay consistent, and give yourself the freedom to adjust as you go.
