Your ultimate morning routine is what works for you. It’s not a set of concrete rules created by productivity gurus. In this blog, I’m going to share with you how to create your very own morning routine that feels good and sets you up for the day ahead!
“Lose an hour in the morning and you will spend all day looking for it.”
Richard Whately
I love this quote because it’s so relatable – and I’ve proved it right many times!
In my blog, Your easy evening routine, I talked about how the way you end your day sets the tone for how the next one begins. This time, we’re moving onto morning routines – because when your evenings are organised, mornings become calmer, smoother, and dare I say… enjoyable.
Here’s the thing: there’s never a wrong time to create a routine that works for you. Any day can be your fresh start, whether it’s the beginning of a new week, the first of the month, the start of a new season, or simply the day you decide you’re ready for change. The beauty of routines is that they can be introduced and refined at any point, and once they become habits, they’ll support you through every stage of life.
I’ve learned, both personally and through working with clients, that mornings don’t have to feel like a panicked race against the clock. With the right structure and a handful of simple habits, your mornings can become the foundation for a calmer, more organised day.
Why morning routines matter
Routines are often misunderstood. Some people think they’re restrictive, but the opposite is true. There is freedom in routine. A good routine is simply a set of intentional actions repeated daily until they become habits.
And when they do become habits? You spend less time making decisions, less time scrambling to catch up, and more time actually living your life. This reduction in decision fatigue is one of the biggest mental health benefits of routines – your brain relaxes when it knows what’s coming next.
It’s also about identity. In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about the importance of making habits easy and becoming the type of person who does the things you want to do. That’s how real change sticks. You’re not just ‘someone trying to wake up early’ – you are an early riser.
You’re not ‘attempting to be more organised’ – you are organised. This subtle shift in self-image is what makes a routine sustainable.
A morning routine matters because it creates calm, structure, and momentum, setting a positive tone for everything that follows in your day.
Get ready before the kids
I want to mention this first before we delve deeper, because for me, it was a total game-changer.
When my boys were younger, I learned that if I got up at the same time as them – or worse, after them – my day felt chaotic before it had even started. There was no breathing space, no calm moment to gather myself, no sense of control.
Gradually, I began getting up a little earlier, even if it was just 20 or 30 minutes, and using that time for me to shower, get dressed, put on a little make-up, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or simply collect my thoughts before the demands of the day began. The difference was incredible. When we feel good and in control, parenting feels easier, and we can give the best of ourselves to our children.
That said, if your child is a very early riser or you’re a new mum, please give yourself complete permission to skip this step for now. With a small baby, toddler, or pre-schooler, your days and nights follow their own unpredictable rhythm, and rest is the real priority. Trying to force a structured morning at this stage can add unnecessary pressure and lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, or a sense that you’re somehow failing if it doesn’t work. You’re not failing – you’re simply in a different season of life. This time will pass, and when things begin to feel more settled, you can gently build a routine that feels natural and supportive.
It’s not about 5am
One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll hear about morning routines is ‘get up earlier.’ I remember reading The 5am Club by Robin Sharma years ago and really wanting to join the “club”, but it just didn’t work for me. I tried, but I didn’t fail… it was simply too early.
What I’ve found is that 6am is my sweet spot. I can do it easily, as long as I’ve gone to bed by about 10 the night before. And that’s the key: the foundation of a great morning is always a good night’s sleep. No morning routine should ever come at the expense of your rest, because quality sleep is essential for your health, energy, and mood.
So yes, I talk about waking up earlier in this blog, but please only do this if it feels good and suits your current stage of life. Getting up earlier isn’t the one magic thing you need to do. There are plenty of other habits you can weave into your morning routine that will make just as much of a difference.
6am works for me, but if I’ve had a late night or I’m away on holiday, I adjust. The best morning routine is the one that supports you, not the other way around.
How I discovered my morning flow
Over the years, I’ve read countless books, listened to podcasts, and absorbed research on what makes a morning routine truly effective. I’ve also experimented with every version you can imagine, from elaborate rituals to the simplest two or three habits. Through trial and error, I’ve gradually built a routine that gets my day off to a great start, helps me feel energised, and makes me more productive without feeling rushed.
I have nine tips and ideas to share with you that could make a real difference to your mornings. They’re not rules, just suggestions to explore and adapt so the way you start your day feels calm, purposeful, and enjoyable. Remember, a great routine is the one you’ll actually look forward to and stick with.
The 9 pillars of a morning routine
1. Rise, hydrate, let in light & fresh air
The moment you wake up, try to avoid hitting the snooze button or reaching for your phone. Open the curtains and let the light in. Natural light is one of the most powerful signals to your body’s internal clock – it kickstarts your circadian rhythm and tells your brain, “We’re awake, it’s time to start the day.”
If possible, open a window too. That rush of fresh air instantly changes the energy in a room and can lift your mood in seconds.
Drink a glass of water.
Optional extras: You could try a short meditation or breathing exercise – just 2-3 minutes can make you feel grounded. Or why not step outside for 5-10 minutes? Research shows morning sunshine boosts vitamin D and improves mood.
2. Make the bed – but not straight away!
I know some people love making the bed the moment they get up, but doing so actually creates the perfect warm, damp environment for dust mites. Your mattress and bedding benefit from being aired out for at least 10-15 minutes, longer if you can. Simply pull back the sheets and let the moisture and heat evaporate. Try leaving it to air while you shower, make breakfast, or fit in some exercise. Sunlight also helps to kill off dust mites and their eggs.
Once it’s aired, make your bed neatly. This small, satisfying win signals to your brain that the day has begun and gives you an immediate sense of achievement. As the main focal point of the room, a freshly made bed instantly makes the whole space look tidier too.
3. Move your body
Movement in the morning wakes you up physically and mentally. The trick is to make it easy to do, especially when you’re starting a new habit. As James Clear reminds us, make it simple, and you’ll be far more likely to stick with it.
You don’t need to travel to a gym or book a class (unless that’s your thing). There are plenty of free, quick options you can do from home:
- A 20-minute walk
- Gentle stretching or yoga
- Pilates
- A short HIIT session
- A quick run
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Even 5-10 minutes of movement can make a noticeable difference to your energy and mood. If you’re not sure what to try, YouTube is a great place to start – there are thousands of free guided classes to choose from. I’m a huge fan of rolling out of bed and doing yoga in my jammies with Yoga With Adriene first thing in the morning!
Top Tip: If your chosen activity needs proper clothing, lay out your activewear beside your bed the night before. That simple act of preparation sets the intention and makes you far more likely to follow through in the morning.
4. Delay technology and “mind your mind”
Your body is awake – now wake up your mind. This might look different for everyone, but here are a few tried-and-tested options:
- No Screens: Don’t make reaching for your phone the first thing you do. Research shows that when you do this, your mind becomes hijacked, and it can affect your focus for the rest of the day.
- Journaling: Spend a few minutes jotting down thoughts, a gratitude list or intentions for the day.
- Reading: Choose something that interests you and helps you grow – personal development, a novel, or even a short article.
- A Peaceful Beverage: Savour a cup of coffee or tea without screens or distractions. This mindful pause can be a grounding ritual in itself.
5. Dress to feel good
There’s truth in the saying, ‘Look good, feel good, do good.’ Dressing in a way that makes you feel put together has a knock-on effect on your confidence and productivity.
Even if you’re working from home, resist the temptation to stay in pyjamas. Getting dressed signals to your brain that it’s time to be active and intentional. When you have your evening routine in place, it might include checking the weather and setting out your clothes, shoes and accessories for the next day. That makes this step in the morning even easier.
For tips on how to manage your wardrobe and make dressing easier, take a look at my blog HERE.
6. Review your day
Yes, you’ll have done this the night before as part of your evening routine, but a quick morning glance keeps it fresh in your mind. Check your diary or planner for appointments, to-dos, and priorities.
Knowing what’s ahead helps you move through your day with purpose rather than reacting to whatever lands in front of you.
You might like to write your top three priorities for the day to keep you focused on what truly matters.
7. Time for kids and pets
If you’re a parent, this is where your earlier start really pays off. You can wake your children in a calm, unhurried way because you’re already ready. No frantic rushing, no shouting up the stairs, no half-dressed mum making packed lunches at lightning speed. Just smoother transitions, and a much better start for everyone.
And if you have pets, the same principle applies. Instead of tripping over yourself half-asleep to let the dog out or feed the cat, you’ll feel more prepared and present. Pets thrive on routine, too, and when their needs are calmly met first thing, it sets a peaceful tone for the whole household.
8. Breakfast without the rush
Gone are the days of throwing food on a plate or grabbing a cereal bar as you run out the door. Even if breakfast is simple, sit down to eat it.
A calm, nourishing breakfast not only fuels your body but also gives you a moment to connect – whether that’s with your family, your own thoughts, or your morning reading.
9. A quick household win
I like to get one small household task done before the day officially begins, or I have to leave the house, and a load of laundry is my go-to. If it’s been organised the night before (clothes sorted, detergent ready), it’s as easy as pressing ‘start’ on the washing machine.
It’s a small victory, but it sets a productive tone.
The best morning routine is the one that works for you
There’s no single ‘perfect’ morning routine. The right one is the one you enjoy, the one that makes you feel good, and the one you can stick to.
Commit, yes, but don’t take it too seriously. Your routine might look different on weekdays compared to weekends, and that’s fine. The key is to keep it realistic and flexible, not rigid or overwhelming.
Remember, small habits, done consistently, create big results over time. That’s why starting with something achievable is so important.
If you are starting from scratch, I recommend picking just one thing to try. Yes, one! Try it, see how it goes and then when you feel ready, you can add something else to start building a routine that suits you.
My current ‘ideal’ morning routine
I’m often asked what my mornings actually look like, and how I fit everything in, so here’s my current routine. It’s not perfect or fancy, and it doesn’t always happen exactly like this, but it’s simply what I want my mornings to feel like right now, in this season of life. I am a wife and mum with two young-adult boys and a very busy schedule…
- Wake up at 6am, stretch, drink a glass of water and open the bedroom curtains and windows.
- Pull the sheets back and let the bed air while I brush my teeth and get into my workout clothes.
- A quick 20-minute walk outside followed by a yoga session on YouTube.
- At 7am-ish, I wake the boys, make the bed, shower and get ready for the day.
- Put on a load of laundry.
- Enjoy a herbal tea while reading, journaling and reviewing my diary.
- At 8am-ish, I wake the dog, let him out and feed him.
- Make breakfast before starting work.
This may change in the future, and that’s the beauty of routines – they can evolve as your life does.
The power of starting today
You don’t need to wait for January, a new season, or even a Monday to make positive changes. The best time to start is the moment you decide you’re ready.
Pairing an evening routine with a morning routine creates a powerful combination. You’re preparing the night before, then stepping into the day with stress-free, calm confidence. No more frazzled starts, no more racing against the clock, just a smoother, more intentional flow to your day.
A brilliant morning doesn’t magically make life less busy, but it does make you more centred, resourceful, and ready to handle whatever the day throws at you.
So tomorrow, try waking up a little earlier if you can. Let in the light, breathe the fresh air, and give yourself those precious few minutes before the world needs you.
Because as Benjamin Franklin so wisely put it, “The early morning has gold in its mouth.” And I’ve learned over the years, it’s gold worth claiming!
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