Whether it’s quiet and relaxing or busy and hectic, everybody has a morning routine. Too often it is the latter, especially if mornings just happen to you, with a blur of alarms, rushing around on a timeline, and rushed coffee or tea. You’re not alone. For so many of us, especially when we’re balancing work, family, and a million little tasks, the idea of a peaceful morning routine can feel out of reach. But here’s the truth: you don’t need hours of free time or a perfect setup to start your day in a way that feels good. It just needs a bit of planning, which is one of my favourite things.
This blog is all about helping you to create a doable and supportive morning routine.
A morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely it will actually stick, even on the busiest days. Think of it like planting small seeds of intention. Over time, those tiny habits grow into mornings that feel calmer, more grounded, and a little more yours.
Today, we’re talking about easy morning routine ideas that fit real life. No more answering emails before your first sip of coffee or racing to make a meeting without filling up your cup first. And because we all need those slower mornings too, we’ll also look at ways to slow down when you have a day off. Together, we’ll build a community of people who care for themselves, even in small ways, and we’re starting right here. Let’s face it, this is important. When you have a better start to the day, you are a better coworker, and when you are better to your coworkers, they are better to THEIR coworkers. It’s time be a positive ripple in the pond.
Why a Morning Routine Matters: Even The Tiny Ones
Before we dive into ideas, let’s talk about why a morning routine matters. Having a few simple steps in the morning sets the tone for your entire day. It can boost your mood, increase focus, and even reduce stress levels, which can affect how you react to people and situations. When you start with even one intentional action, you remind yourself that you are important, and that your well-being matters before the world’s demands come rushing in.
I want to be clear that it doesn’t need to be a 5 AM wake up session. If that is unrealistic for you, then let it be unrealistic and chose something else. Your morning routine can take as little as two minutes. What matters is consistency and the feeling it creates inside you.
Easy Morning Routine Ideas for Busy Workdays
If you’re working full time (or let’s be honest, more than full-time), the idea of adding anything extra can feel overwhelming. That’s why these ideas are designed to fit into even the most rushed mornings. Pick your favourite and add another idea as time goes on. Let’s get started.
1. Don’t Look at Your Phone for the First 15 Minutes After Waking
Smart phones have seriously changed how we spend our time, but remember that they are relatively new to the human experience. The first iPhone was release in 2007 and although there are some positive aspects to our mobile devices there are some concerns as well. Starting your day by looking at your phone can scatter your thoughts and energy before you’ve had a chance to decide how you want to feel about your day. With easy access to emails, news and social media, our phones can make us feel overwhelmed and stressed before our day starts. Give yourself the opportunity to create your own day by beginning it without your phone.
2. Three Deep Breaths Before Reaching for Your Phone
When you do pick up your phone, before you dive into emails, social media, or breaking news, take three slow, mindful breaths. Feel your body wake up gently instead of reacting immediately to outside noise. This tiny practice can shift your entire mindset, and it literally takes less than a minute.
3. A Two-Minute Stretch After Getting Out of Bed
You don’t need a full morning yoga class. Just stand, reach your arms overhead, stretch side to side, and roll your shoulders back a few times. This simple movement wakes up your body and sends the message: “I’m here for you today.” Hold your “power pose” (hands in the air as if you have just won a race) for 30 seconds to one minute. Over time, add another stretch to help warm up your body. Keep adding stretches until you like your morning stretch routine.
4. A Full Glass of Water Before Coffee or Tea
It’s a small thing, but starting with water helps rehydrate your body after sleep. Place a glass by your bed the night before if that helps. This easy habit becomes a powerful part of your morning routine over time. Try adding lemon to your water or making warm lemon water in the morning to have before your coffee. It’s great for your system and the lemon will add vitamins to your day.
5. A Quick Gratitude Note
Grab a sticky note, or your journal. Write down one thing you’re looking forward to or grateful for today. Focusing on something positive can shift your mood even when you know a busy day is ahead.
6. Write Yourself a Note the Night Before
Write a note to yourself the night before and place it somewhere you will find it when you wake up. This can be a quote that you love, an encouraging comment or anything that might help you get through the morning. We believe what we tell ourselves. The more frequently you tell yourself “you got this!”, well… you got this! “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Henry Ford.
7. One Minute of Fresh Air
Even if it’s standing on your front step or opening a window, take a moment to breathe in fresh air. Nature has a grounding effect, and this one-minute ritual can anchor your morning routine with calm energy. Make it a habit to pour your morning beverage and take it outside.
8. Music
Try to start your day with music, but be mindful to not use headphones unless you need to. Creating a positive morning routine is about being unplugged as long as possible before heading into the world of tech everything. Try a new genre of music. You may find something that you really love. Take hints from movies or TV shows. When a song comes on that you really like, take a few minutes to identify it and put it into your morning routine. There is music in the world for everyone and I believe that enjoying music is one of the most healing things a person can do for themselves.
9. Identify the One Task You Need to Accomplish Today
Stress often comes from the need to get things done. However, we rarely give ourselves the grace to not accomplish everything. Usually there is one task that stands out as more urgent than the others. Identify one thing that you need to get done today and do it first. Once you become comfortable with this, you can make your list two things that need to get done, when appropriate. My days are like well oiled machines now, and although I always have a to do list, I never expect that I can finish more than 3 big important tasks in a day. Many times I do, and those are bonus days where I consciously celebrate.
10. Set Out Your Clothes The Night Before
I know this is a tough one. How often have you been at the office only to hear a coworker say they are wearing outfit number 4? I have a rule when shopping for clothes. If its not love, I’m not buying it, and it’s surprising how often I don’t make a purchase now. I’ve doubled up on styles that I love. For the most part, choosing an outfit the night before is no longer an issue for me. You will still have days where you change your mind, but if your morning is super duper busy, choosing your outfit the night before will save you a surprising amount of time. It also helps with decision fatigue. Making fewer decisions before your day gets rolling is easier on the mind.
Slower Morning Routines for Days Off
Not every morning will be rushed. On days when you don’t have to rush out the door, you can gift yourself a slower, more nourishing start. Here are a few ideas to make the most of those mornings.
1. Listen to an Audiobook
A weekend morning is the perfect time to catch up on a book. Try listening to an audiobook first thing in the morning for 15 to 30 minutes. You can spend more time on it if you have the time. From comfy clothes and bios to true crime or self growth, there is something magical about an author sharing their ideas and life with you.
2. Enjoy a Sit-Down Breakfast
Instead of eating while standing at the counter or scrolling your phone, sit down and be with your meal. Even if it’s just toast and coffee, eating mindfully is a powerful form of self-care.
3. Take a Walk Around the Block
A slow walk without a destination can clear your mind and reconnect you to your body. You don’t have to track steps or aim for a certain distance. Just walk and breathe and notice the world around you. This simple ritual can deepen your morning routine when you have more time. It’s even better if you can go somewhere you will be surrounded by Nature.
4. Morning pages
I love morning pages! One of my favourite ways to begin the day is with writing, and for me, any kind will do. You can make lists of things you want to do, practice gratitude in a special journal or just write whatever comes to mind. Writing things down gets them out of your mind and is often followed by a sense of calm.
Join Our 7-Day Morning Routine Challenge!
Feeling inspired to build a more supportive morning routine? Let’s do it together!
Starting now, you can join our 7-Day Morning Routine Challenge. It’s designed to be realistic for workdays and a little more spacious on your days off.
Here’s the plan:
Work Days (Monday–Friday): Tiny Wins
- Day 1: Take three deep breaths before you pick up your phone
- Day 2: Do two minutes of stretching
- Day 3: Drink one glass of water before caffeine (bonus if it’s warm lemon water!)
- Day 4: Write down one thing you are grateful for
- Day 5: Get one minute of fresh air
Weekend (Saturday–Sunday): Slower Moments
- Day 6: Play your “slow morning” playlist
- Day 7: Enjoy a sit-down breakfast
You don’t have to be perfect. Some mornings might still feel rushed, and that’s okay.
The goal is simply to weave a little more care into your mornings, one small ritual at a time.
Want to join in?
Share your favorite ritual in the comments. Let’s support each other and celebrate every small step!
Putting it All Together: Your Morning Routine, Your Way
Your morning routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a few minutes of connection to yourself before the world demands your attention. Whether you have two minutes or two hours, what matters most is the intention you bring to those moments.
You deserve a morning that feels good, and you can start building it today. One breath, one stretch, one small ritual at a time.
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