Mornings can be challenging. While some folks punch the snooze button like it’s an Olympic sport, others wake up feeling like they can take on the world. I’ve experimented with those “ideal morning routine” TikToks where users journal, read a book, practice yoga, and drink green smoothies—all while managing to look immaculate as they leave the home at six in the morning. Spoiler alert: I was a complete failure. But I finally worked out how to create a morning routine that works after a lot of trial and error (and a ton of sleeping). Furthermore, it isn’t some crazy productivity trick that just works for robots.
Begin small, really small.
Going too tough was one error I made when attempting to improve my morning routine. Who needs to meditate for thirty minutes, work out for forty-five minutes, and then check their phone? Your brain is essentially being asked to perform a marathon when it is still partially asleep. Begin small. I’m referring to anything as simple as making your bed, stretching for two minutes, or even drinking a glass of water. Simply something. Sincerely, developing a habit is similar like planting a tree. It won’t grow on its own overnight. Over time, it develops into this sturdy, rooted creature if you water it, observe it, and occasionally speak to it (if you’re strange like me).
Choose Items You Truly Enjoy
The bottom line is that if you detest running, don’t make it your morning ritual to jog. It’s like expecting your brain to prefer broccoli with chocolate frosting on top. Since I adore coffee, I begin my mornings by making a potent cup and inhaling the wonderful aroma while perusing Instagram (don’t judge me). My friend dedicates ten minutes to reading a chapter because he enjoys it so much. Making it something you genuinely look forward to is crucial. Only when habits don’t feel like punishment do they stick.
Be adaptable rather than a drill sergeant.
If I “failed” my routine, I used to be really hard on myself. Did you sleep in? Did you miss yoga? Did you eat a donut rather than a green smoothie? The spiral of guilt. However, life does happen. You should think of your morning ritual as a playlist that you may enjoy even if you skip or shuffle some of the tracks. I occasionally take naps on the weekends rather than keeping a notebook. And what do you know? I’m not dead. Isn’t that shocking? Consistency, not perfection, is the goal. It’s far better to complete even half of your routine than to give up completely.
Combine Chill and Productivity
Mornings are like boot camp for some people: get up, work out, meditate, build a to-do list long enough to fill a planner, and then rush to work. I like a combination. A little work, a little relaxation. I typically take a little stroll outside or do some mild stretching after checking my emails and drinking coffee. I genuinely look forward to getting out of bed because it’s like combining peanut butter with chocolate—a little bit of each makes it more pleasurable.
Make Use of Social Media (Really)
It turns out that social media can improve your morning routine. A few wellness influencers I follow share journaling prompts or three to five minute morning stretches. Seeing their experiences occasionally inspires me to attempt something different, or at the very least, it serves as a reminder to stop scrolling in bed. Though they can be inspiring, online groups shouldn’t cause you any stress. You saw that “perfect” morning on TikTok? Yes, it most likely took them twenty tries before they got that shot.
Stack Habits Expertly
Habit stacking was one strategy that I found to be very beneficial. In essence, you affix a new habit to an already-existing one. Every morning, for instance, I definitely brush my teeth before having a glass of water. Voilà, a habit of staying hydrated without conscious thought. My friend immediately turns off her alarm clock and meditates for two minutes. It’s not necessary to completely redesign everything at once. Simply connect one thing to another until it happens on its own.
Follow, But Don’t Get Obsessed
Initially, I experimented with habit trackers and went crazy, recording every stretch, water sip, and affirmation. It caused me more stress than it was beneficial. I simply keep it informal now. I occasionally mark it on my phone, and other times I don’t. The objective is to establish a rhythm that seems natural, not to become a productivity robot. You end up dreading it if you concentrate over it. And it is not what anyone wants.
Give yourself a justification.
To be honest, figuring out a “why” was the biggest game-changer. I’m not a morning person, therefore my explanation isn’t “wake up at 6 AM because I’m a morning person.” My motivation is that if I get up early, I can spend some peaceful hours alone, sip my coffee, read, and feel like I’m in control of my day. Make it personal for whatever purpose you have. No Instagram hack can match the impact of that emotional connection.
The Surprising Benefits
It takes more than simply productivity to establish a morning routine that lasts. Little things have changed for me: I get more done, I feel less hurried, I worry less about little things, and, shockingly, I even look forward to mornings now. Mornings are said to be difficult, but if you get into a routine, they become your secret superpower. Indeed, it’s acceptable to hit snooze three times and browse TikTok while in bed on some days. You’re still gaining ground.