5 Morning Rituals that changed my life
5 Morning Rituals That Changed My Life
Mornings used to be chaotic for me—rushed, stressful, and uninspiring. I would wake up feeling behind before the day even started, struggling to find motivation. I knew deep down that I wanted to be someone who woke up early, had peaceful routines, and felt excited to start the day—but instead, I hit snooze, scrolled my phone, and let my mornings slip away.
I wanted my life to look and feel like the mornings I pinned on Pinterest—calm, productive, and beautiful—so I decided to create that for myself. These five rituals didn’t just change my mornings; they changed the way I show up for my life.
1. Get Out of Bed the Second My Alarm Goes Off
The way you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. If I snooze my alarm, I feel behind. If I stay in bed too long, I lose momentum. So now, I get up the moment my Hatch Alarm Clock lights up.
No thinking. No negotiating. Just 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—get up.
I don’t let my brain convince me to stay in bed because I know the longer I wait, the harder it is. Instead, I brush my teeth, splash my face with cold water, and drink a big glass of water before my mind even wakes up enough to complain about it.
What I’ve learned: When you stop giving yourself the option to procrastinate, mornings become easier. Start before your brain has a chance to argue with you.
2. Move My Body (Even Just a Little)
I used to think morning movement had to be an hour-long gym session or nothing at all. But the truth is, you don’t need a “perfect” workout to feel good—you just need movement.
Some mornings, that means push-ups and jumping jacks to wake myself up. Other days, it’s a quick walk outside, a stretch, or a full gym session. I don’t overcomplicate it. I just do something.
And if I don’t feel like working out? I put on my workout clothes anyway. Because the second I’m in leggings and sneakers, my brain is more likely to just do the thing.
What I’ve learned: Movement isn’t about punishment or perfection—it’s about starting the day proving to yourself that you’re capable of action.
3. Fuel My Body With a Breakfast I Actually Look Forward To
I used to skip breakfast or grab something random because I was running late. But now, I see breakfast as an act of self-care—a slow, intentional moment to nourish myself and set the tone for the day.
I keep quick, delicious breakfasts prepped so I have time to sit and enjoy them without rushing. Some of my go-to’s:
Avocado toast on sourdough with eggs
Overnight oats with cinnamon & almond butter
A protein smoothie for busy mornings
And of course, coffee. Because coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment.
What I’ve learned: When I actually take time to eat something nourishing, I have more energy, more focus, and I feel better all day.
4. Journal & Set My Intentions for the Day
I used to wake up and immediately check my phone—scrolling Instagram, checking emails, getting lost in notifications. But that made my mornings feel reactive instead of intentional.
Now, I take 5-10 minutes to journal before I do anything else. It’s not complicated—I just write down:
How I’m feeling
What I want to accomplish today
A few things I’m grateful for
I just write whatever’s on my mind. But this moment of reflection helps me pause before jumping into the day, so I don’t lose myself in the rush of “getting things done.”
What I’ve learned: Journaling is a reset button for my mind. It helps me move through the day with clarity, peace, and purpose.
5. Romanticize the Process of Getting Ready
There was a time when I’d roll out of bed, throw on sweats, and call it a day. But I realized that how I present myself affects how I feel.
So now, I actually take time to get ready in the morning. Even if I’m just working from home, I:
Shower or refresh my face with skincare
Brush my teeth, make my hair cute, and do my skincare routine
Put on an outfit that makes me feel confident
Because confidence isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel in your own skin.
What I’ve learned: When I get ready like I have somewhere important to be, I show up for my day with more energy, focus, and motivation.
Bringing It All Together: Why These Habits Work
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? How you start your morning is how you start your life.
I wanted my mornings to feel like my Pinterest board—peaceful, productive, and intentional. And these five rituals helped me turn that vision into reality.
It’s not about having a perfect routine. It’s about choosing small, daily actions that make you feel in control of your life.
And if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, just start with one habit. Get out of bed when your alarm goes off. Make your bed. Move your body. Do one small thing that reminds you that you are capable of showing up for yourself.
Because the more you show up in the mornings, the more you’ll show up in life. 🤍
Let’s Talk: What’s One Morning Habit That Changed Your Life?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! And if you’re looking for home and lifestyle essentials to elevate your mornings, shop my curated favorites here