Hey Love, bring on your sunny glow!…Ever noticed how your morning can totally shape the rest of your day? If so, guess why? Mornings set the tone for the entire day. I’m sure some of you have experienced waking up on the wrong side of the bed, right? Well, it’s not usually the best start to the day, and that energy can linger all day—definitely not in a good way.
Whether you’re gearing up for a busy workday or enjoying a more relaxed pace on your day off, the way you kickstart your morning can make all the difference. So, the right routine doesn’t just set the pace—it fuels your energy, enhances your focus, and gives you the clarity to face whatever the day holds.
A flexible morning routine helps you approach each day with intention, balance, and a little joy.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying. See my full disclosure policy for additional information.
Let’s explore how to make those first moments count.
How to Own your Mornings: Energize, Focus, and Thrive.
1. Morning Gratitude (5 min)
Before you even open your eyes, take a moment to feel grateful for the simple things. This practice doesn’t have to be elaborate. On workdays, I try to think of at least three things I’m thankful for. Maybe it’s a cozy bed, the warm cup of coffee I know is waiting for me, or even just the chance to start a new day.
It’s so easy to rush straight into the grind of the day, but taking a pause for gratitude shifts your mindset.
There’s this one morning I remember, when I was feeling particularly stressed about a busy day ahead. But instead of jumping out of bed to check emails, I closed my eyes for a moment, focused on what I was grateful for—my health, my family, my job—and it made all the difference. It helped ground me and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Morning Stretching (5-10 min)
We’ve all experienced that groggy feeling when we first wake up. To shake it off, I always stretch or do a light yoga flow to get my blood moving. I remember when I first started adding stretching into my morning routine. It was hard to get motivated, but once I made it a habit, I started noticing how much more awake I felt, and how it made my muscles feel less stiff throughout the day.
Having the right equipments make it so enjoyable. I like to use this yoga mat, this stretching strap with loops and these yoga blocks. You can watch one of my stretching exercise in the following video.
A few minutes of stretching also clears my mind. I think back to a morning where I was rushing to get out the door for a busy workday. I tried skipping my stretch, and by the time I was starting my shift at work, I could feel the tension in my body. From then on, I learned that even a few minutes of stretching can make the day feel lighter and more manageable. Depending on how I feel and how much I have to do in the morning, I may choose to go for a walk.
3. Morning Hydration & Refresh (5 min)
Hydration is key to waking up your body, but it’s so easy to forget in the rush of getting ready. I’ve found that starting my day with a full glass of water, before anything else, really helps me feel more alert. I remember the first time I made it a habit to hydrate first thing—on a particularly sluggish morning, it was like a wake-up call for my body. My brain felt sharper, and I could feel the energy flowing.
On a workday, this quick habit helps me feel more refreshed as I go about my morning routine. And I have also started taking a minute to splash cold water on my face before even getting in the shower—just that simple act of refreshing myself brings me into the present moment and gets me ready to face whatever comes next.
4. Mindful Moments (5-10 min)
Before checking my emails or getting overwhelmed by the tasks ahead, I take a few minutes for mindful moments. Whether it’s a brief meditation, a few deep breaths, or even just sitting in silence, this helps clear my mind. I remember one hectic morning where I had to tackle a mountain of to-dos, but I forced myself to sit still for five minutes, focusing on my breath. It wasn’t much, but it changed how I entered the day—calmer, more centered, and ready to handle the busy workday.
Sometimes, I even set an intention for the day during this time. One of the most powerful intentions I set was “today, I will focus on patience,” which helped me stay calm and composed even in stressful situations.
A simple act of breathing deeply can provide more clarity than you might think.
5. Fuel Your Body (10-15 min)
Nutrition is one of those things that really sets the tone for the day, especially on busy mornings. I’ve found that having a quick but nutritious breakfast, like oatmeal with fruit or a smoothie packed with greens, makes all the difference in how my energy holds up through the morning. I used to grab a coffee and call it a meal, but I noticed that by mid-morning, I was crashing. Regardless, I still have to have coffee, and my favorite coffee comes from Atlas Coffee Club.
On workdays, I take time to eat something that’ll give me lasting energy. I also make sure I don’t skip breakfast—if I start my day hungry or under-fueled, I’m not as sharp or focused. That said, on the rare occasions when I have time to cook something more indulgent, I savor it. There’s something about enjoying a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a treat to myself.
6. Plan & Prioritize (5 min)
Before getting into my to-do list, I take a minute to check my calendar and mentally prep. I remember one day when I was running late for a meeting, and I didn’t take those five minutes to plan my day. Everything felt chaotic, and I found myself scrambling, trying to remember everything I needed to do. After that, I realized how important it was to take just a few minutes to look at what lies ahead.
Now, I take a moment to jot down my top priorities for the day—what’s most urgent and where I can give my focus. It’s amazing how much clarity it brings. I’ve also learned to not overwhelm myself with unrealistic expectations.
Planning doesn’t just mean scheduling tasks—it’s about ensuring I leave room for breathing and self-care throughout the day.
Slower Morning on Your Day Off
On those days when I’m not working—and those rare, blissful moments when I have absolutely no work, errands, or obligations—I give myself the gift of a slower, more intentional morning. Without the usual rush, I can truly savor the simple joys of the morning. I stretch for a little longer, allowing my body to fully wake up and embrace the stillness. I take my time making breakfast, maybe even indulging in something extra special, like pancakes or avocado toast, instead of the quick grab-and-go routine.
Sometimes, I’ll lose myself in a book, reading a chapter or two without constantly glancing at the clock. And on those slower mornings, a long, relaxing bath is one of my favorite little indulgences.
It’s during these slower mornings that I’m reminded of the importance of balance in our routines. There’s a kind of lightness in the air when there’s no rush, and it’s in these moments that I reconnect with myself. These mornings are a reminder that taking things slow is just as important as staying productive—it’s a chance to recharge and reset.
Final Thoughts
A morning routine isn’t about strict rules or a perfect formula—it’s about setting yourself up for a day that feels good.
Some mornings are fast-paced, while others allow for a slower rhythm, but either way, how you begin shapes everything that follows.
Making time for simple habits—gratitude, movement, nourishment, and mindfulness—can bring a sense of balance, clarity, and energy. It’s not about getting it right every single day; it’s about creating a rhythm that supports you.
So, whether it’s a packed workday or a leisurely morning, give yourself that time. Make it yours, make it enjoyable, and let it be the foundation for whatever comes next. Remember that this is not a chore!
So, find what feels good, what works for you, and start each day with intention!
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying. See my full disclosure policy for additional information.
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I always have ambitious plans for my mornings, but more often than not, I end up losing track of time and leaving tasks unfinished. Any thoughts on sticking to a better routine while traveling?
Hi Jarrod,
I totally get that! When traveling, it can be tough to stick to a routine, but starting your day with a quick meditation can really set the tone and help you stay grounded. Follow that with a healthy breakfast, something that energizes you like a smoothie or some oats, and it can make a world of difference. It’s all about finding small moments that keep you centered, even on the go!
I needed this today! I am in the process of reevaluating my morning routine and this gave me some great ideas along with inspiration to start adopting some of these into the start of my day. Thank you.
Hi Colleen,
I’m so happy this helped! It sounds like you’re on the right track with reevaluating your morning routine. Making small adjustments can really set a positive tone for the day. Best of luck with the changes you’re planning!
Love this for a good morning ☀️
Hi Cierra,
I’m so glad you love it. A good morning routine is so important!
I have a strict morning routine, but I feel I need to change it. I liked your suggestions on stretching and the 5-minute gratitude. I usually sit for long hours meditating, so stretching will be optimal to implement. There are a lot of things we take for granted in life, and there is a lot we should be grateful for. Thank you for sharing Domii!
Hi Aleksa,
I’m so happy this resonated with you! Stretching is such a game-changer, especially when you’re sitting for long periods. And yes, gratitude really does make a big difference in how we start our day. Wishing you the best as you mix up your routine—it’s all about finding what feels right for you! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Great tips for making time for simple habits. I really need to focus on mornings full of gratitude to begin my day! Great reminder!
Hi Debbie,
Absolutely! A little gratitude in the morning goes a long way. Wishing you peaceful mornings!
Great tips! I need to focus on making the most of my mornings 🌄
Hi Doris,
Glad that you like it. Go ahead and do your best to start your days right!
I wish I had read this before rushing through a muffin this morning! But seriously, this is such a great reminder that came at just the right time for me.
Hi Simona,
Haha, we’ve all been there! Glad this resonated with you—here’s to more mindful mornings ahead!
You’re so right about how mornings shape the rest of your day, speaking from experience 🙂
Hi Anastasia,
Absolutely! A good morning sets the tone for everything that follows. 😊
I’m starting to walk some in the morning but getting up can be a challenge. Great advice!
Hi David,
That’s great. It’s a good practice and I hope you stick to it, for good results!
Wonderful tips on owning our morning and making it extra special everytime. Thanks for these ideas!
Hi Hari,
Thank you so much! I am glad that you enjoyed reading this post!
These are great things to do in the morning! Keep it simple and easy so you can stick with it 🙂
Hi Deanna,
Definitely! Keeping it easy in the morning makes it so much easier to stick with. Simple steps can really set a good vibe for the day!
Great tips to help slow down in the morning and set things up for a better day! I hope to implement some of these into my daily morning routine.
Hi Rachel,
I’m glad you liked the tips! Starting the day off slow really can make a difference. Hope you find a routine that works for you and sets the tone for a great day ahead!
I typically move slowly in the mornings until I’ve had some caffeine, but I’ve found that going to bed with a routine in mind for the next day (even if it’s as minor as laying my clothes out the night before) helps me to feel more organized and start my day in the right frame of mind.
Hi Danielle,
That’s a great habit! Even small preparations the night before can make mornings feel so much smoother. A little planning goes a long way!
Love this so much! These are great tips on how I can make my mornings better! I definitely saved this. Thank you so much for sharing this
Hi SHakia,
So glad you found it helpful! Hope these tips make your mornings smoother.
This is such a great list of things to do in the morning, especially for those of us who’ve never been morning people! Plus, it feels so peaceful, even just reading it and thinking about planning out mornings with gratitude and mindfulness. Thank you for these lovely ways to look at starting the day!
Hi Kat,
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Mornings can be tough, but a little gratitude and mindfulness really do make a difference. Hope you get to enjoy some peaceful starts to your day!
It’s crazy how simple practices can have a huge impact on our day and mental wellbeing. I love that most of your suggestions involve no longer than 10 minutes so really easy to implement for anyone! all you need is a little consistency.
Hi Sam,
Absolutely! It’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference over time. So glad you appreciated the simplicity—sometimes 10 minutes is all it takes to shift the whole vibe of the day!
Honestly, I want to make a better morning routine. But it is hard with kids and school, and I don’t want to wake up earlier. I will definitely try morning 5 minutes of stretching. Thank you for the ideas.
Hi Olga,
Totally feel you—it’s tough juggling mornings with kids and school. Even just sneaking in those 5 minutes of stretching can make a difference. Glad the ideas helped!
Love this, I totally agree if you can start your day right the rest of it is easier, even if you only have time for a couple of your tips it makes a difference! Thanks 🙏
Hi Kelly,
Absolutely! Even just doing one or two little things in the morning can set the tone for the whole day. It’s all about finding what works and keeping it simple. Thanks so much for reading!
Great reminder of the importance of being mindful and spend some time just for us as we start the day.
Hi Biba,
Thanks so much for reading! Glad you find it useful.