If mornings currently feel like a blur of snoozed alarms and groggy regrets, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Lots of people struggle to wake up and actually feel awake, and that’s not a bad thing at all! However, if you want to be a morning person for whatever reason, here are some simple habits you should start. These tips will have you greeting each day with less dread and more energy in no time.
Hydrate and Eat Well
Your body works hard while you sleep, leaving you slightly dehydrated by morning. Before you reach for anything else, sip a glass of water to rehydrate and help your system wake up gently.
Pair that hydration boost with a balanced breakfast. Foods like eggs, oatmeal, or Greek yogurt provide sustained energy and keep blood sugar stable. Don’t skip this step—fueling your body the right way sets the tone for your day.
Bonus Tip
Add a slice of lemon or a few cucumber pieces to your water if you want some extra electrolytes and feel like you’re in a spa.
Wind Down Without Screens
Great mornings actually start the night before. It’s so important to sleep enough, but screen time makes that difficult for many of us. The glow of screens—whether from your phone, TV, or tablet—can disrupt your body’s natural wind-down process.
At least 30 minutes before bed, trade social media scrolling for something that helps you relax, like reading, meditating, or journaling. Dimming the lights and setting a consistent bedtime also trains your body to feel sleepy on cue. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep to give yourself the best chance of waking up refreshed.
Stretch in Bed
Instead of fighting the urge to stay cocooned in your blankets, use it to your advantage. Stretching under your covers gently wakes up your muscles and increases circulation. Start with easy moves—point and flex your toes, roll your shoulders, or stretch your arms over your head. This quick routine warms up your body and signals that it’s time to transition into your day. Plus, it’s such a simple habit that you’ll barely notice you’re doing it!
Wake Up With an Energizing Beverage
Once you’re up and moving, reward yourself with your favorite energizing beverage. Whether it’s coffee, matcha tea, or a refreshing herbal blend, this step is about creating a moment of joy in your morning. If you drink coffee, try a medium or light blend since these have more caffeine than dark roasts—plus, it’s easy to brew a delicious medium-roast coffee! If you have time, sip it mindfully and savor the flavors before jumping into your to-do list. Looking forward to this small pleasure can help you pop out of bed with excitement, not dread.
Don’t Force It
Not everyone naturally operates at their peak before 9 am, and that’s okay. Forcing yourself to become someone you’re not will only leave you frustrated. Instead, focus on gradually adjusting your habits to become a morning person and giving yourself grace during the process. Consistency matters more than perfection, so aim for progress over immediate results. And if you’re still not a morning person after a while, that’s perfectly fine. You can find other ways to stay productive that align with your body’s natural rhythms.
What’s the first habit you’ll add to your morning routine?
