There’s something powerful about mornings. The way you start your day often shapes how the rest of it unfolds. I used to wake up late, reach for my phone, and dive straight into emails or client messages before my eyes were even fully open. And honestly? That scattered energy followed me all day. It felt like I was chasing calm, instead of starting from it.
Things began to shift when I started slowing down just a little. Not a complete lifestyle overhaul, just small intentional moments that helped me feel more grounded before jumping into work. Especially since I work from home in my online private practice, creating a gentle buffer between waking up and working became essential. I feel more grounded, more focused, and more ready to handle whatever life throws my way.
The truth is, my morning routine still isn’t always perfect. Some mornings I still stumble out of bed and grab my phone first thing (hello, old habits). But over time, I’ve found a simple rhythm that works for me, one that helps me feel calmer, clearer, and more aligned before I face the day. I found that getting up a little bit earlier so that I can be a little bit less rushed was a much nicer way to start the day.
Here’s what my go-to morning routine looks like and how you can create one that works for you too.
Step 1: Wake Up Gently
I used to rely on loud alarms that could probably wake the dead. It was not a kind way to start the day. Now, I use a soft vibration on my smartwatch. As a light sleeper, it’s enough to wake me without the shock. Waking up in a gentler way could also mean using a soft chime alarm or letting the sun filter through the window as nature’s wake-up call.
The key isn’t what time I wake up. it’s how. A calm start helps me begin the day with less tension.
💡 Try this: Place your phone across the room to avoid instant scrolling. Or swap out your alarm for a soothing chime or vibration. Let the first thing you feel in the morning be peace, not panic.
Step 2: Hydrate Before Anything Else
Before I even think about coffee or breakfast, I drink some ice-cold water. After hours of sleep, my body is dehydrated, and a glass of water helps me feel more awake and energized.
Sometimes I get fancy and add lemon slices, but most days it’s just plain water.
💡 Try this: Keep a water bottle or glass on your nightstand so it’s easy to reach for as soon as you wake up. It’s a simple act of care that takes seconds.
Step 3: Coffee + Dogs = Morning Joy
Once the dogs are ready to head outside, I grab my coffee and follow them to the backyard. These quiet moments are often my favorite part of the day. This is my happy place, no phone, no noise, just me, caffeine, and two furry trouble-makers sniffing every blade of grass like it’s their first time outside ever.
There’s something healing about sipping coffee with your feet on the grass, the breeze brushing against your skin, and your dogs happily exploring their world. It’s five minutes of stillness, and I savor it.
💡 Don’t have pets? Take your coffee or tea outside anyway. Listen to the morning sounds. Feel the air. Let the moment be enough.
Step 4: A Moment of Gratitude
I do most of my deeper journaling in the evenings, but mornings are still a chance for me to reset my mindset. Instead of writing, I pause with my coffee and think of one thing I’m grateful for.
It doesn’t have to be big. Some days it’s the quiet. Other days it’s the wagging tails of my dogs or the smell of coffee or that the dogs didn’t throw up on the rug (hey, gratitude is gratitude). Gratitude doesn’t erase stress, but it reminds me of what’s good.
💡 Try this: Name one thing out loud that you’re thankful for. That’s it. No pressure to write or document. Just pause and notice.
Step 5: Look Ahead: Just the Top Three
Even in this digital age, I still love a good paper planner. Each morning, I jot down the top three things I need to focus on. Not everything on my to-do list — just three priorities that help me move forward without overwhelm.
It helps me create structure without the pressure of perfection.
💡 You can do this too: Use a sticky note, your phone, or your planner. Limiting your focus helps clear the mental clutter and brings a sense of control.
Why This Routine Works for Me
This routine isn’t long or elaborate. I’m not waking up at dawn to meditate for an hour and drink celery juice. Most mornings it’s just 20 or 30 minutes. But even when I’m in a rush, I try to fit in at least one or two of these steps.
Here’s what this morning rhythm gives me:
- Calm from waking up softly and starting slowly
- Clarity from knowing my top three tasks
- Focus from taking care of myself before I take care of others
And honestly? It makes my days feel lighter and more intentional. It’s not about being perfect or productive. It’s about beginning the day feeling like me, not a version of me that’s just reacting to the world.
How You Can Create Your Own Morning Routine
Most importantly, the best routine is the one that actually fits into your life. You don’t need to follow mine exactly. Start small.
Here’s a simple way to build your own:
- Pick one calming habit to try tomorrow (like water, fresh air, or gratitude)
- Stick with it for a week
- When it feels natural, add another layer
You’re not building a Pinterest-perfect morning. You’re creating a rhythm that helps you feel steady, supported, and sane. What matters is that it helps you feel like you. You do not have to use my specific routine. Just think about what would help you start your day in a calmer way and try it out.
💌 Final Thoughts
Your mornings don’t have to be rushed, stressful, or on autopilot. With a few small changes, you can create a routine that helps you feel calm, clear, and focused, without adding hours of work to your day.
Some mornings will go smoothly. But on other days, you’ll spill coffee, lose your phone, and forget what day it is before 9 a.m.. It’s fine. You’re human. What matters is creating space and that you keep coming back to yourself, one morning, one breath, one sip of coffee at a time.
Want to track some of these new habits? Check out this habit tracker available in my Etsy shop. You might also enjoy my Daily Self-Care Tracker.
If you found this post helpful, you might want to check out my other posts ‘5 Easy Mindfulness Exercises to Reset Your Mind in Just 5 Minutes’ or ‘Self-Care Sunday Ideas: Therapist-Approved Activities’
I’d love to hear from you:
What’s one thing that helps your morning feel more grounded? Drop it in the comments.
Here’s to mornings that start with intention, not chaos, and to finding what works for you. 🌞
If you’re ready to take your own gentle first step, I’d love to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. You will receive a free download of my 5-Day Self-Care Reset Plan. It’s a simple way to start making space for yourself again, in just five minutes a day.
Feel free to visit my Etsy shop for resources to help you on your journey. I also have a free private self-care interactive Facebook group for women that you can join here.
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