Building a morning routine you’ll actually stick to

I once tried to become a “morning person” after watching endless Instagram reels of influencers waking up at sunrise, journaling under golden-hour light, and sipping on chlorophyll water (whatever that is). On day one, I hit snooze three times, scrolled my phone in bed, and barely managed to brush my teeth before rushing out the door. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: a real morning routine doesn’t have to be aesthetically perfect or ridiculously ambitious. It just needs to work for you. Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, the key is to build something easy to repeat, no matter your mood, the weather, your Wi-Fi, or your hangover status.

Pick three non-negotiables

Start small. Like, really small. Pick three tiny things that make you feel even slightly more human in the morning. These become your non-negotiables—your “I can do this even half-asleep” actions. Splash cold water on your face, drink a full glass of water, or put on SPF (yes, even if you’re staying indoors). Even on the worst days, sticking to these three creates a tiny sense of structure and control. On the best days, they can become the springboard for more.

Make it habit-stackable

Habit stacking—pairing a new habit with something you already do—is a proven way to actually stick to a routine. You’re not reinventing the wheel, just upgrading it. While brushing your teeth, mentally list three things you’re grateful for. While waiting for your coffee to brew, do ten squats or open your blinds. And yes, even while scrolling (we know you will), set a two-minute timer and stretch during it. These micro-habits don’t take extra time—just a little intention.

Have a “lazy day” version

Not every morning will feel like a montage from a productivity podcast. Some days you’ll snooze, some days you’ll want to cry, some days you’ll forget you even had a routine. That’s why you need a “bare minimum” version—the one you fall back on when everything else feels like too much. Brushing your teeth, drinking water, and sitting on your bed to breathe for 60 seconds counts. No guilt, no pressure to “make up” for it later. You showed up, and that counts.

This isn’t cringe—it’s science. When you enjoy your routine, you’re more likely to repeat it. Add little sensory touches that make mornings feel less like a chore and more like a ritual. Play your favourite playlist, sip from your favourite mug (even if it’s chipped), light a candle while you get ready, wear cute socks, or spritz perfume even if you’re WFH. Finding joy in the small stuff makes all the difference.

Make it yours

Your routine doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board. It just needs to serve you. Start with what feels doable, be flexible, and let it evolve with your schedule. The best morning routine is the one you actually follow—even if it takes just 10 minutes and includes lip balm and loungewear. Because no one needs a perfect morning, just a peaceful one.

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