How to Start a Morning Routine Without Feeling Like You’re Joining a Boot Camp

Going from zero routine to a strict, all-or-nothing approach is the quickest way to burn out before breakfast. Instead, ease into it with 15-minute increments. Want to start running 5k every morning? Maybe just jog to the end of your street first, eh? And if running’s not your thing, maybe just focus on not smashing that snooze button into oblivion.

Small steps, mate. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your morning routine be. Start small, build consistency, and enjoy those little victories.

How to Stick to a Morning Routine
(Without Cursing It Every Morning)

1. Consistency is King

If you want your body to know when to wake up and when to hit the hay, you’ve got to keep it consistent. Go to bed at the same time. Wake up at the same time. It’s not rocket science—but it works.

2. Find Your Why

Why do you even want a morning routine? Stress reduction? More time for the things you love? Write it down. Stick it somewhere you’ll see it every day, like the fridge, or right next to your coffee machine, because let’s be honest, that’s where you’re headed first.

3. Set Yourself Up for Success

If you’re the kind of person who hits snooze ten times before facing the day, try a new trick: count backward from five. Seriously. It’s a thing. Mel Robbins swears by it. Or, just place your slippers right by your bed and a glass of water within arm’s reach—small wins.

4. Create Triggers and Rewards

Habits aren’t born from sheer willpower (thank God). They come from triggers, actions, and rewards. For example, set your alarm to turn on some music you like, get out of bed, and reward yourself with a nice cup of coffee. Boom, habit initiated.

5. Plan on Paper

Get it out of your head and onto some paper. A study found that 91% of people who write their intentions down actually follow through with them. So, go ahead—grab that notepad, scribble down your plans, and consider it the first step in showing future you some love.

How to Adjust Your Morning Routine Without Feeling Like a Failure

Look, you’re not going to get it right on the first try, and that’s okay. Think of your first month as the test run—like soft-launching a business. Adjust. Tweak. Remove anything that’s not working. Just because you said you’d do it doesn’t mean you have to stick with it if it’s not bringing you joy.

Pay attention to what feels good and what doesn’t. That’s how you create a routine that actually works for you. Not everyone else—just you.

Fun Fact About Your Inner Clock

Did you know that you’ve got an internal clock called a circadian rhythm? Yep, it’s basically your body’s way of keeping track of when you should be asleep and when you should be crushing it during the day. Most of us wake up around 6:00 to 7:00 a.m., hit peak focus around 11:00 a.m., and then—like clockwork—crash around 3:00 p.m. Sound familiar?

Morning Routine Ideas to Kickstart Your Day

1. Make Your Bed

Yes, I know. It’s basic. But hear me out—it’s a quick win that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something right off the bat. Plus, it makes your room look tidy. Double win.

2. Drink Water

Hydrate, mate. You’ve just gone several hours without water, and your body’s probably thirsty. A glass of H2O gets things moving—like your metabolism and brain.

3. Stretch It Out

If you can’t be bothered to do a full workout in the morning (no judgement here), at least stretch a bit. It gets your blood flowing and can wake you up better than that triple-shot espresso you’ve been eyeing.

4. Try Journaling

Mornings are quiet, calm, and a great time to clear your head. Grab a journal, jot down some thoughts, practise a bit of gratitude, and see how it sets the tone for the rest of your day. Even five minutes can make a difference.

There you have it—morning routines for real people. No Ironman workouts or 5 a.m. wake-up calls necessary. Just a few simple habits to help you kick off the day feeling like a slightly better version of yourself.