What My Morning Looks Like Now (And How It Changed My Whole Day)

Mornings used to be my least favorite part of the day. I’d wake up groggy, hit snooze a few times, stumble to the kitchen for coffee, and then rush through getting ready—often already feeling behind before my day had really started. I knew something needed to change, but like most people, I assumed the problem was not enough time or not enough energy. Turns out, the problem was my approach, not my schedule.

Over the past year, I’ve transformed my mornings using a few key principles I picked up from reading, experimenting, and listening to others who have cracked the code to a calmer, more productive start. Here’s what my mornings look like now—and how they’ve changed my whole day.

Waking Up with Purpose

I used to wake up reacting—to an alarm, to emails, to whatever was already demanding my attention. Now I wake up with intention. That starts with getting up at the same time every day (even on weekends). For me, that’s 6:30 AM. I keep my phone across the room so I have to physically get up to turn it off. It’s a simple trick, but it really works.

I’ve also learned that sleep is the foundation of any good morning. Getting to bed earlier (with no screens after 9:30 PM) has been a game-changer. I’ve created a better evening routine to support this (you can read about that in my post on Evening Habits That Help You Sleep Better and Worry Less).

📘If you’re struggling with sleep, I highly recommend Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. It completely changed how I think about rest.

Five Minutes of Stillness

Once I’m up, the very first thing I do is sit quietly. I don’t meditate in any formal way, but I sit on the couch, sip a glass of water, and let my mind settle. Sometimes I do a short breathing exercise (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4), but mostly, it’s about being still before the world starts moving.

This five-minute pause has taught me that I don’t need to be productive every second. Sometimes, the most powerful part of the day is just being present.

If you want a more guided experience, The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe is an excellent resource.

Journaling for Clarity

Movement Before Motivation

A huge shift for me was learning that I don’t need a full gym session to feel better in the morning. I used to think I had to do 30 minutes of intense exercise or it wasn’t “worth it.” Now, I do a simple 7-10 minute routine that gets my blood flowing:

• 10 squats
• 10 pushups
• 30-second plank
• 5 minutes of stretching

Sometimes I go for a walk with my dog, Lando (he loves tennis balls and the fresh morning air even more than I do). This light movement wakes me up and makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something.

If you’re looking for ideas, The 7-Minute Workout is a great way to build a consistent habit without needing equipment.

A Real Breakfast (Yes, It Matters)

I used to skip breakfast or grab something sugary and quick. Now I take 10 minutes to make something simple but nourishing: oatmeal with fruit and peanut butter, eggs and toast, or a smoothie with spinach, banana, and protein powder.

It sounds basic, but fueling my body properly in the morning has made a noticeable difference in my energy and focus. I don’t get that mid-morning crash anymore, and I don’t find myself reaching for snacks out of boredom or fatigue.

A Brief Mindset Reset

After breakfast, I give myself five more minutes to read something positive. I keep a few self-help or inspirational books on the kitchen counter and read a page or two while sipping my coffee. Some of my favorites include:

• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

This tiny mindset shift reminds me what really matters and helps me bring a calm, focused energy into the rest of the day.

📘 All of these are available online with great reviews—worth adding to your shelf.

The Unexpected Ripple Effect

What I didn’t expect when I started tweaking my mornings was how much it would affect my afternoons and evenings. I no longer feel rushed or reactive. I get more done with less stress. And the biggest shift? I feel in control of my day, instead of the other way around.

I’ve also noticed I’m more patient—with my family, with my work, and with myself. That might sound like a small thing, but it’s made a massive difference in my relationships and mental health.

What My Morning Looks Like Now

What my morning looks like now is a far cry from the rushed, chaotic starts I used to have. By building in just a few intentional habits—like stretching, a quiet coffee, and some journaling—I’ve created a routine that sets a positive tone for the whole day. These small changes have made a big difference to my energy, mindset, and overall wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Changing your morning doesn’t require a personality overhaul or waking up at 5 AM. It’s about creating small, consistent habits that help you feel more grounded and intentional.

If you’re looking for a place to start, just choose one thing from this list—whether it’s drinking water first thing, moving your body for 7 minutes, or sitting in silence for 5. Build from there. Momentum will come naturally.

Remember: you don’t need a perfect morning to have a better day—you just need a better one.

Let me know how your mornings go. And if you have a favorite morning habit or tool that works for you, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

---

More Ways to Improve Your Morning and Start Your Day Right

1. “10 Morning Habits of Successful People” – Lifehack.org
   👉 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-morning-habits-successful-people.html
   Practical ideas used by high achievers to get the most from their mornings.
2. “How to Build a Morning Routine That Will Make You Feel Amazing” – Tiny Buddha
   👉 https://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-build-a-morning-routine-that-will-make-you-feel-amazing/
   Gentle and relatable advice with a mindful twist.
3. “The Ideal Morning Routine Backed by Science” – NirAndFar.com (Nir Eyal)
   👉 https://www.nirandfar.com/the-ideal-morning-routine/
   A research-based look at optimizing your mornings for focus and productivity.
4. “6 Things You Should Do Every Morning” – The Blissful Mind
   👉 https://theblissfulmind.com/morning-routine/
   Encourages self-care and intentional living through easy, mood-boosting habits.
5. “5 Morning Mindfulness Rituals That Can Change Your Day” – Mindful.org
   👉 https://www.mindful.org/5-morning-mindfulness-practices/
   A deeper dive into presence and peace for a grounded start to your day.
6. “Morning Routines That Help with Anxiety and Depression” – Healthline
   👉 https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/morning-routine
   Simple mental health-friendly strategies, great for readers working on their emotional wellbeing.