How to Build a Morning Routine That Actually Works

Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day. But let’s be honest—most of us hit snooze five times, scroll through social media half-asleep, and then rush to get ready in record time. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The problem isn’t just waking up early; it’s about making mornings less chaotic and more intentional. A solid morning routine can boost productivity, improve mental health, and even help you stay more consistent with your goals. So, how do you build a morning routine that actually works? Let’s break it down.

How to Build a Morning Routine

Step 1: Define Your "Why"

Before you start crafting a routine, ask yourself:

• Why do I want a morning routine? (To be more productive? To feel less rushed? To prioritize self-care?)
• What’s currently stopping me from having a good morning routine? (Late-night scrolling? Lack of motivation?)

Your reason will keep you accountable when the temptation to stay in bed hits.

Step 2: Fix Your Sleep Schedule First

Your morning routine starts the night before. If you’re sleeping at 2 AM, no miracle routine will make waking up at 6 AM feel easy. Here’s how to fix it:

✅ Set a bedtime alarm – Just like you set an alarm to wake up, set one to remind you to wind down.
✅ Avoid screens before bed – Blue light from your phone messes with melatonin (your sleep hormone). Try switching to reading or journaling instead.
✅ Create a relaxing night routine – A cup of herbal tea, dim lighting, or even ASMR sounds can help your brain know it’s time to sleep. I recently started doing chamomile tea and it works wonder. (It could be a pseudo affect, but who cares, right?)

Step 3: Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day

Your body loves consistency. Try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends (yes, even on Sundays). It will help regulate your circadian rhythm, making mornings feel less painful over time.

If you struggle with waking up:

⏰ Move your alarm across the room – This forces you to physically get out of bed.
☀️ Get sunlight ASAP – Open your curtains or step outside. Natural light signals your body to wake up.
🚿 Use the "5-Second Rule" – Count down from 5 and get up before your brain convinces you to stay in bed. I know, none of this makes sense right now. But keep reminding yourself why you wanted to wake up early morning in the first place. After all, it is your job to keep yourself motivated and accountable. 

Step 4: Avoid Your Phone First Thing in the Morning

Scrolling Instagram or checking emails right after waking up puts you in reactive mode instead of intentional mode. Instead, try:

❌ No phone for the first 30–60 minutes
✅ Use a real alarm clock (so your phone isn’t the first thing you grab)
✅ Replace scrolling with journaling, reading, or stretching. Can you imagine how hard this must have been for me? I spend almost all of my time on devices. From reading the newspaper to writing diary entries on my laptop, shifting to a device-free zone for the first 30 minutes in the morning was probably the hardest part of this. 

Step 5: Hydrate & Move Your Body

Your body gets dehydrated overnight, so drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning wakes up your system.

Then, move your body—even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Some ideas:

• A quick stretch
• A short walk
• A 10-minute workout
• Dancing to your favorite song (because why not?)

Even if you’re not a morning workout person, gentle movement can boost your energy levels.

Step 6: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast (or At Least Something Light)

If you’re someone who skips breakfast, you might be running on caffeine and vibes until lunchtime. While that might work short-term, a proper breakfast keeps your energy levels stable.

Good breakfast options:

🥑 Avocado toast with eggs. (Alright, I know what you're thinking. The first time I tried avocado I didn't like it either but trust me when I say it's an acquired taste. Now, I love grabbing an avocado taste every now and then. It's so effortless and quick!)
🥣 Greek yogurt with honey and nuts (You can use curd as well, no worries.)
🍌 A banana with peanut butter (if you’re in a rush)

If you’re intermittent fasting, make sure your first meal of the day is balanced. 

Step 7: Have a "Mindset Moment"

Before you jump into work or school, take a mindset moment to set the tone for the day. This could be:

📝 Journaling – Write down three things you’re grateful for. (God, this might sound rubbish right now, but I was reading this beautiful book- The Ultimate Gift, and I learnt the concept of the golden list there.) Don't want to read the whole book but still want to know what it's about? Read the review here. 
📖 Reading – A few pages of a book to inspire you.
🧘‍♀️ Meditation – Even 5 minutes of deep breathing can help.

Starting your day with a clear mind makes a huge difference.

Step 8: Plan Your Day

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a million tasks, take 5 minutes to:

• Write down your top 3 priorities for the day
• Review your schedule
• Set a small goal for yourself

A simple to-do list can prevent you from feeling like you're aimlessly moving through the day.

Step 9: Customize Your Routine (And Keep It Realistic)

A morning routine isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people love waking up at 5 AM to journal and do yoga, while others prefer a simple 30-minute routine.

Start small. If you currently wake up at 9 AM, don’t force yourself to wake up at 5 AM immediately. Shift your wake-up time gradually and build a routine that fits your lifestyle.

Example Morning Routines

If You Have 15 Minutes:

• Wake up & drink water (2 min)
• Stretch or meditate (5 min)
• Plan your day (3 min)
• Quick breakfast (5 min)

If You Have 30 Minutes:

• Wake up & hydrate (5 min)
• Light exercise (10 min)
• Journaling/Reading (5 min)
• Breakfast & planning your day (10 min)

If You Have 1 Hour:

• Wake up & sunlight exposure (5 min)
• Workout or yoga (20 min)
• Shower & get ready (10 min)
• Journaling or reading (10 min)
• Breakfast & planning your day (15 min)

Final Thoughts: Mornings Can Be Your Superpower

A morning routine isn’t about being perfect—it’s about starting your day with intention. Even small changes, like avoiding your phone for the first 30 minutes or drinking water right after waking up, can make a huge impact.

The goal? To make mornings less stressful and more productive. Because when your mornings are in control, the rest of your day follows.

So, what’s one thing you’re going to add to your morning routine? Let me know in the comments!