LIFESTYLE
(Spoiler: It doesn’t require a 5 AM wake-up, a gruelling Hyrox class, or a celery juice you pretend to enjoy.)
We’ve all seen that kind of morning routine—the one where people wake up at an ungodly hour, meditate for longer than most of us have been awake, journal their life goals, and somehow make a homemade oat milk matcha latte… all before sunrise. If that’s your vibe, more power to you. But for the rest of us? A good morning routine shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.
Instead of overhauling your entire life in an attempt to be that girl, let’s focus on small, sustainable habits that actually make mornings better.
1. Wake Up at a Time That Works for You
Not everyone is a morning person, and that’s fine. The idea that you have to wake up at 5 AM to be successful is a myth. What actually matters is consistency—waking up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends) helps regulate your circadian rhythm and makes getting up feel less awful.
If you’re trying to wake up earlier, don’t go from 8 AM to 5 AM overnight. Start by shifting your wake-up time in 15-30 minute increments and let your body adjust.
Our Tip: Natural light helps reset your internal clock. If you wake up before sunrise, a sunrise alarm clock or a few minutes of bright artificial light can help ease you into the day.
2. Make Your First Few Minutes Actually Pleasant
What’s the first thing you do in the morning? If it involves doom-scrolling on your phone, you’re not alone. But let’s be real—waking up to an avalanche of emails, news, and social media isn’t exactly calming.
Instead, try one of these:
Play music instead of grabbing your phone (a good playlist changes everything).
Open your curtains immediately—natural light wakes you up faster than caffeine.
Drink a glass of water before coffee (you don’t have to, but you’ll feel better).
Stretch for 30 seconds—not a full yoga session, just enough to shake off the sleep.
The key is finding something small that makes waking up more enjoyable, rather than a punishment.
3. A Morning Beverage That Actually Brings You Joy
No, it doesn’t have to be a green juice (unless you love green juice, then go for it). Your morning drink should be something you genuinely enjoy—whether that’s coffee, tea, a smoothie, or even just warm lemon water.
If you want to make it a little more luxe, try:
☕ An upgraded coffee situation - a fancy milk frother or high-quality beans make a difference.
🍵 Loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags (a teapot is definitely more romantic).
🥤 A smoothie that tastes good rather than one packed with random “superfoods” for the sake of it.
The point? Start your morning with something that makes you happy, not just something that sounds healthy on paper.
4. Movement, But Make It Manageable
If a full-blown workout at 6 AM sounds like your worst nightmare, don’t do it. But moving your body—even for five minutes—can help shake off grogginess.
Here are some low-effort ways to wake up your body:
A three-minute stretch or dance session (yes, dance).
A short walk while listening to a podcast.
One strength exercise—literally just one set of squats or push-ups.
The goal isn’t to be a fitness influencer before breakfast. It’s just to wake up.
5. A Skincare Routine That Feels Like a Ritual (Not a Chore)
You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine, but washing your face and adding a little hydration can make you feel instantly more awake. If you have an extra minute, add something that makes the experience feel a little more indulgent:
A cooling face mist
Gua sha or facial massage while your serum sinks in
A scented body lotion (because why not?)
It’s about turning daily habits into small luxuries.
6. Breakfast That Doesn’t Feel Like a Hassle
You don’t have to eat breakfast the second you wake up, but when you do, make it something you look forward to. If cooking in the morning isn’t your thing, prep something the night before (overnight oats, smoothie packs, or boiled eggs).
Some easy, delicious options:
Avocado toast with a fried egg
Greek yogurt with berries and granola
Sourdough toast with almond butter and honey
A protein smoothie that doesn’t taste like protein powder
Your morning meal should fuel you and taste good.
7. A Non-Stressful Way to Plan Your Day
If the first thing you do is stare at a long to-do list, mornings can feel overwhelming before they even start. Instead of listing everything you need to do, try:
📝 Writing down just three priorities for the day.
⏳ Giving yourself 10 minutes before diving into work.
📖 Reading or listening to something inspiring instead of checking emails immediately.
The goal is to set the tone for the day, not start it in a rush.
The most enjoyable morning routine is the one you actually stick to. Forget what social media says you should be doing and focus on small, realistic habits that make you feel good.
If that means waking up at 8 AM, drinking your favorite coffee, stretching for a minute, and easing into work—great. If it means meditating and journaling before sunrise—also great. Do what actually works for you.
Because mornings should set you up for success, not stress you out.