We asked our readers to share their morning rituals, practices, and favorite ways they start each day, and WOW! We are so inspired by these beautiful and diverse answers! 🌅☕🐕🐈
Though many of these routines have overlap (lots of water, dog walks, and journalers among us!), we grouped these responses by loose themes that capture the essence of each person’s priorities and practices. Read on for inspiration from our own community for how to wake up well.
Connecting to nature and creating stillness
“Morning coffee on the porch, with the cats and dogs and the silence of the day that is to be. A gentle moment to reflect and set intentions for the day.”
“I am a Unitarian Universalist minister, and my job is very cerebral and often sedentary and indoors. I start every morning outside on my balcony with my coffee and my two cats…under the patio umbrella if it rains. The fresh air and natural lighting grounds me for the day ahead, and watching my cats relax outside helps me feel rooted and connected.” – Kali F.
“Rebounding, stretching, prayers, meditation, ginger tea and a walk in nature with my pup.” – VB
“Seeing the sunrise outside on the grass — rain or shine!” – Katie
“Keep it simple and slow. I love making a cup of herbal tea and getting outside as fast as I can and feet in the grass. We were in a second floor apartment until recently and I made sure to go down the stairs and get my feet in the grass with sun in my eyes. Stretching and being there for even 5-10 minutes really helps set my day intentionally!” – Beth C
“My cup of coffee and red Adirondack chair, I sit for 15 min and listen to the sounds, feel the grass beneath my feet and pray my intentions for the day.” – Patrice S.
“Meditation, stretching, a big glass of water, and a long walk around my neighborhood!” – Sam D.
“I love reading morning/evening routines and can’t wait for this article! My routine starts with me waking up around 6am. I have an alarm but more often than not I will wake up to my cat or dog snuggling up to me to get some 1:1 time before the other cat/dog wakes up. After that I get up and take my dog for a 15-20 min walk. No headphones, no sunglasses so my body has an opportunity to get some natural light and a few moments of quiet. When we get back I feed the dog and cat and make myself a coffee. Then we all get snuggly on the couch and I do a 10-15 min guided meditation while I sip my coffee. While my body is relaxed and my mind is clear I will pull a card from my Rebecca Campbell Ancient Stones Oracle deck and will ask for guidance for the day. Once all these things are done I will allow myself a few mins of scrolling before I get ready for the day. I am blessed to work from home so this usually just means I wash up quickly for the day and get to my desk at 9am. Maybe not the most glamorous routine but it grounds me for the day.” – RH
“Gratitude walk in the city park near me.” – EM
“A morning walk.” – Hannah
“I’m normally up at 4:00am and feed the dogs first thing. Then I make coffee and go sit at the desk in my office. Depending on the weather I either open the office window all the way or just a little bit because I love to be there when the first birds start singing in the morning. As soon as I hear the first one, I start my Merlin Bird ID app so it can listen and identify the birds I’m hearing. I keep a little spreadsheet on which birds I see or hear each day so I can track the variety that visit my little community. During this time I’m also doing Morning Pages which helps me clear my head and start the day off grounded. As soon as it’s light enough outside, my dogs and I take our morning walk to the park.” – Linda G
“The more burned-out I feel, the more I seek out quiet — so my morning includes reading, journaling, and a slow observant walk!” – Sharon C
“I have a speaker wake me up to birdsong in the mornings, which helps me start my day connected to the beauty of Mother Nature. I like to move my body first thing — a walk or some stretching — and then move my mind with journaling. No screens for at least the first hour of my day!” – Caroline D
“I start a fresh pot of coffee to brew, pray, then take my dog for a walk and enjoy the sounds of nature like birds chirping, the sunrise, a cool morning breeze. It is very peaceful and helps me get my mind started in a positive way.” – Deana B
“I love starting my day by going for a thirty minute walk with my pup while listening to Daily Rosary Meditations before heading into work.” – KAH
“Within 15 minutes of waking up, I am out the door walking my dog. I try to aim for 20 minutes and time it so the sun is rising towards the end of our walk. There is a beautiful sense of peace that comes with walking and meditating in twilight, and truly waking up as the world does.” – M.E.
“The first thing I do every morning is head outside to do a 1-mile walk in my neighborhood. The early morning sun and fresh air have completely transformed my mornings by starting off on the right foot — literally!” – Kelsey W.
“I walk to the local park, use the exercise equipment to gently twist and move my organs and body, walk back home and either meditate or work through a somatic or breathing exercise.” – HB
“I head outside at 6:15am for a morning walk with my coffee and favorite podcast. It’s my time to take care of myself before the rest of my house awakens!” – Amy H.
“Each morning, I won’t look at my phone to avoid any immediate blue light stimulation. I take my dogs outside to the backyard & place my feet on the grass. I focus on grounding, mindfulness, & getting some sunlight on my skin. I always drink a full glass of water & eat a healthy breakfast before drinking any caffeine. I have recently begun to add reishi mushroom powder to my coffee!” – Madison H
“I try to wake up at least 20 minutes before the rest of my family so I can have a quiet moment to myself. I start the morning with water and electrolytes with lemon, then pour coffee with oat milk and collagen. I usually do a 10 minute yoga routine and a three-card tarot spread. If I have time, I’ll journal, read, or write, and go out into the yard with my dogs to watch the sun rise. As long as I can drink my water and move my body for a few minutes before the day’s demands, I can start the day with a sense of groundedness and a better attitude.” – SHF
Movement and energy
“Coconut water with lemon, honey and Himalayan salt. Getting outside and putting my bare feet on the ground. Then a series of movements to release fascia, move lymph and open my body. Sometimes, I’ll sit in meditation or journal. But ALWAYS begin my mornings in and with my body. It makes ALL the difference.” – Lori F.
“Upon waking I make an espresso and drink it while writing in my gratitude journal everyday. Then I meditate for 25 minutes each morning. Then make and eat a healthy breakfast and when finished I head to the gym for a 50 minute workout. I love my morning routine!” – CG
“I started running 1 mile in the morning before work, which takes me ~10 minutes. It’s short enough that it’s hard to talk myself out of but it also guarantees I start my day with movement, fresh air, and some sunshine!” – RJH
“I have the same routine each day. Wake up, eat a few dates for energy and work out at the gym. The time really allows for me to set my day right. I then have my breakfast made so I can head to work and start my day. It’s so difficult to have time through the day alone so this 1 hour each am at the gym to focus on me has been such a great addition to my life.” – Rachael H
“I’m a freelancer so everyday is a bit different, but when I’m not working I typically get up by 8, meditate if I’m lucky, then take my vitamins and pre workout and hit a quick workout at the gym (best and most effective way to ensure I won’t skip). Then I come home and eat either overnight oats that I premake or cook up a breakfast sandwich if I’m extra hungry. Then I make a pot of coffee and read through emails which typically start with The Good Trade. It has become a staple in my morning routine.” – T.C.
“I wake up, and thank the Universe for another day and a warm bed to sleep in. I go to the gym for my daily strength training workout with my partner. I come home, and stretch for the day. Then I read my emails over coffee and a warm breakfast. Thanks for being a part of my wellness routine!” – AA
“I start my morning with a glass of lemon water and a morning workout. My workout varies day-to-day. This sets me up for a productive day and I always feel ready and energized. LT
“Qigong in the morning helps wake me up and puts me in a good mood. There are tons of videos on YouTube, Qigong with kseny is great because she has ones specifically for morning, any aches, pains, digestion, etc.” – Anna B
“Waking up at 5:30, feeding the cats, drinking water and going for an early workout before work.” – MF
“I have a coffee and then work out for an hour. Sets me up for the day.” – Paula B.
“Five minutes of stretching and a big glass of water.” – KB
“I make my bed, grab my cup of coffee and read the news in my lounge chair in our serene living room looking out at the woods, then do yoga before showering and starting work. I begin my work day feeling grounded and more focused.” – Alexis B.
Mindfulness, spirituality, gratitude
“Early wake up to welcome the day. It’s beautiful to see the sunrise and birds singing in spring/summer or look up at the stars in fall/winter. I enjoy breath work, stretching, and about 30 minutes of calisthenics, ending with meditation of gratitude and prayer for the day.” – MMN
“Upon waking, I thank the powers that be for another day, think of my intention for my attitude for the day. Then journal for at least one page (ideally three), some quick stretches and always childs pose and thanking the powers that be for my body that can move. Next, take a quiet morning walk with the pup … no phone with me, just silence. Next, sauna for 20 minutes while I read daily meditation readers and meditate. This practice keeps me grounded and centered through my day. It is my foundation.” – Lisa P
“My morning always begins by waking to my sunrise alarm clock. Most days I am fully awake from the gentle light before the sound of birds fills my bedroom. The Ayurvedic practice of tongue is a must for me, followed by warm lemon and ginger water. Next it’s creamy earl grey and The Daily Good before 20 minutes of breathwork, chanting and meditation. A few minutes of gentle movement and then I jump in the shower and I’m ready to face the day. As a Certified Yoga Therapist I find ritual to be key to setting the tone for the day, for me and my clients.” – Lisa Segar, C-IAYT, Soul Deep Yoga Lisa Segar, C-IAYT, Soul Deep Yoga, Michigan
“I wake up at 5:30 and I hop out of bed. Put my yoga gear on. Go downstairs and complete a 20 minute vinyasa, followed by 10 minutes of meditation and five minutes of EFT, ‘tapping’. It is the best way to balance my mind and body for the day ahead.”
“I always start my morning with a cup of cold brew coffee, read my email from The Good Trade, and then set an intention for the day and meditate. After, I practice affirmations. If I feel called, I journal as well.” – AR
“Journaling min 1/2 page, mantra of the day, Rumi Oracle card.”
“I start my morning by listening to my morning devotional podcast and writing in my gratitude journal. Next I read The Bible to start my day with God. I love to stretch and practice good oral hygiene (tongue scrapping, flossing, and brushing) before taking care of the pups (: ” – CW
“Every morning, before I let my feet touch the ground, I sit on the edge of my bed and express gratitude for another day.” – Kristin H.
“First, pour a cup of home brewed, sustainably sourced coffee in my favorite giant mug. Then 15 minutes of wake-up yoga on my back patio facing the rising sun. Then 5 minutes of sitting on the ground and practicing gratitude. No email or social media until these 3 things are done.” – Miyuki O.B.
“I write 3 things I’m grateful for and why, a goal for the day, an intention and an affirmation. I just write in my lined paper journal, no fancy journal needed. This practice takes me as little as 3 minutes and helps me think and ground myself for the day ahead.” – CF
“My morning alarm reminds me to start with three gratitude statements before any intrusive thoughts can pop up!” – Rabia P
“10-12min of meditation/breathing exercises. I usually still do them in bed.” – H.R.
“Wake up to the first alarm & spend the next 15 min reveling in the fact I’m married to my wife and hug her extra tight. Then, I wash my face whispering an intention into the water, put on sunscreen and head to the kitchen. I spend 5 min making the perfect latte & pack my lunch for the day.” – A Walsh
“I start off with a nice run- depending on the day, I may do a longer loop or a shorter run coupled with strength training or intervals. After a quick shower and getting ready for the day, I sit down at my kitchen counter with breakfast and my Bible. It’s nice to have a morning that gets me moving and roots me in my identity as a Christian!” – C.T.
Nourishment and ritualized beverages
“I start every day with stretches before I even get out of bed and a big gulp of water. Then I open up the shades and let the sunshine in! If it’s not too hot, open up the windows and doors to let the fresh air invigorate me. Put the tea kettle on, pour the hot water over the green tea and grab some overnight oats or chia pudding out of the fridge. Add all my favorite toppings, take it all out to my screened in porch and enjoy the serenity, beauty and possibilities of a new day!” – Colleen H
“I have a baby (7 months) so it sounds silly but I really appreciate my making coffee and drinking my coffee part of my routine and to be honest reading my Good Trade email is also a way to start my day off well!” – Cara C
“Having a large glass of water upon waking, then making a coffee and having another glass of water with that. I then sit down and write on paper the top 5-10 things I need to do that day. The rest of my to-do list is secondary.”
“I start my day with two glasses of water before breakfast. I also take 10 deep, mindful breaths followed by a brief prayer for the day. These 3 things are generally doable even on the busiest mornings.” – APR
“My morning ritual is sacred. First I have a glass of warm lemon water either outside or while I light a candle (depending on the time of year), then I meditate for 5-20 minutes. Finally, I read, even if just a page or a passage to set the tone of the day. It is a series of short actions to help be connected to the present moment.” – RHG
“Having my coffee ready for me when I come downstairs is a promise of warmth and consideration for myself.” – Cheryl W
“Water, Yoga, chi gong, coffee.”
“Wake up at 5:45, feed my dog and take her outside for 5-10 min., make coffee in my large aeropress and get ready to go to the gym, bike to my CrossFit class, come home to shower, apply a body oil or lotion depending on the season immediatly after showering and then apply Elta MD spf and argon oil to face. I check my planner for priorities for the day and add any weekly to-do’s that I can fit into the day. Check my email and pin important messages that need a response today. I make a very large whey/oat/fruit/spinach/greek yogurt smoothie that will hopefully fill me up until lunch. Give my dog some more love before leaving the house.” – Marieke F
“When I wake up, if it’s a good day and everything is going smoothly I will shower, brush teeth and get ready. Then I will put the kettle on for a cup of black tea. While my kettle is getting hot and tea is brewing I write down my game plan for the day and what I’m grateful for. Then when it’s time to drink my tea I will write in my journal about thoughts or feelings from the previous day or that morning, sometimes I’ll find a prompt online to write about. When I finish I will play a podcast or audiobook and start my daily chores.”
“I love sitting in the quiet in the morning drinking a cup of coffee. No talking or social media. Just enjoying the quiet before the craziness of the day starts. I also put fresh lemons in my water each day. Helps me stay hydrated.”– KAF
“I start every morning sitting quietly with a cup of coffee listening to the sounds outside my window. Even the sound of early morning commuters on the road creates their own soothing sounds.” – Linda M.
“I sit with a cup of coffee and read this newsletter as well as a few others I receive daily. It’s a little me time before the hustle and bustle of the day.” – Miranda B.
“Eating breakfast without screens — no phone, no tv. Just a mindful moment.”– Taylor B.
“I simply refuse to use an electric kettle. So, I put the stove top kettle on to boil and it takes longer but I cherish that time while I am waiting for it to boil. I recite my daily mantra and do some stretches and ease my way into the day. That first sip of my morning coffee is a little reward for my patience. If you don’t have time to wait for a kettle to boil, you don’t have time.” – N.
“I always start out the day having breakfast and watching Narrowboat from England on YouTube. The boaters are people either young, old, families etc that own a Narrowboat and go through many canals.” – Donna R.
“I light an incense from @incentional_ (on Instagram) and set my intentions for the day. followed by a big glass of water and some spa music in the background :)” – KB
“Coffee and the newspaper.” – Sammy
“I like to start with a morning playlist while I wash up. I also found my sleep type which advised I keep away from caffeine for the first 90 minutes of the day, so instead I flood my body with water while I check my cycle tracking app, any newsletters I subscribe to, and my son eats breakfast.”
Creativity, reflection, and finding mental clarity
“I recently started The Artist’s Way and have been loving it! After my morning lemon water, I make a cup of coffee and set a 15-minute timer for meditation, listening to ‘Riverflow’ by Izik on repeat. It’s a spell for happiness that he wrote himself — a mesmerizing, beautiful song and such an intentional way to begin the day. Afterward, I dive into my Morning Pages while listening to the rest of Izik’s KŌWĀ album, which never fails to ignite my creativity and set an inspired tone for whatever lies ahead. I may be biased since he is one of my best friends but this album is a masterpiece and my favorite way to begin the day!” – Jade Snow
“Getting up at 5am and doing embroidery work with coffee and miracle tones music.” – CB
“I have a jigsaw puzzle table set up in the sun room. Every day I sit for about 15 minutes and work on the puzzle. Every time I get a piece in I stop, take a sip of coffee, and take in the beauty outside the window. In kind weather I can open the windows and hear the birds welcome the day.” – Laura
“Every morning, I wake up, turn on KUSC (classical music station), get a cup of coffee, and curl up on my couch with a good book. I’m an overly busy person with way too much on my plate, but if I start the day off by reading (followed by yoga), I feel better and I accomplish more. My life has changed for the better since I stopped scrolling my phone in the morning, and pick up a book instead!” – Katie E.
“I wake up with a cup of coffee mixed with a small amount of protein shake while I’m working a crossword. Then onto solving the Wordle and Connections puzzles of the day. Once my mind is awake, it’s out the door to play Pickleball, go for a walk or to the gym. This wakes up my body for the day.”
“I got this from Patrick Stewart, but start the day with 20 mins or less of light reading. I also throw in a NYT mini crossword.”
“I wake up to a beautiful soft jazz live music melody on YouTube; Cozzy Jazz Apartment channel. It’s relaxing enough that it doesn’t put me to sleep but it makes my mornings softer, feminine, and much slower start. I then journal about how I feel or how great yesterday was and today is going to be while the melody plays in the background. Before that though when I get up I lie in bed mediating and taking in the beautiful jazz instrumental. After Journaling I sit in front of my mirror with my affirmation cards I handmade and recite them all. Then I go to the kitchen prep my breakfast, often just toast, two boiled eggs and chia iced tea. I have my jazz melody playing loudly enough to hear in the bathroom where I am soaking in a beautiful luxurious bubble bath until my eggs are boiled. Once out the tub I turn my eggs off. Back into the bedroom I select my finest silk lingerie (I like to feel sexy and soft at all times), I spray it with my perfume. I take a beautiful dress that I spray down as well. I let it sit and put my makeup on while enjoying a jazz playlist. I then get dressed and go back to the kitchen to finish my food. Of course, I do the usual brush my teeth and wash my face before my bath soak. But after I eat I’m ready to start the day. The jazz melody really helps me not to rush and I feel so softer and ready for my day.” – Betty H.
“My morning routine recently has been so nourishing! I’ve started journaling first thing as I wake up, I found that by writing three pages of whatever I need to get out of my head each morning helps me reflect and also sets me up for a good day. Depending on how I am feeling and how much time I have, I try to make time to sit comfortably with a hot drink to ease myself into it. Other than turning my alarm off I try not to touch my phone again. Once I’ve done my pages I get up for the day then go outside to water my vegetables, there’s something so present about slowly watching things come to life. It’s a great reminder of having patience in the now.” – Darcie
“The Miracle Morning by Hal by Hal Elrod.” – Jenn K
“After going to the bathroom (brush teeth, wash face), I read a book on the couch for about 30 to 40 minutes. This not only allows my brain some time to continue waking up, but I also notice how much more alert and focused I am after a good night’s sleep. I can read faster than when I do at night before bed, haha. Then I’ll make a cup of tea and assemble breakfast. While I eat/drink I read my emails/newsletters (like this one). But fun, personal email. Not my work email. I like reading and taking advantage of my peak focus in the morning — plus the emails help me collect a few fun facts or tidbits to share with co-workers or friends that day.” – Tess L.
“I feed my dog, make coffee, and eat cereal. Then I take a cup of coffee up to my loft and lay down on my yoga mat on the floor, facing windows filled with sunlight and trees. I drink my coffee and watch or listen to a podcast. Lately, I also scroll Pinterest for inspiration for my outfit and vibe for the day. I originally made this routine with the intention to do yoga, stretch, or meditate, but I’ve found giving myself permission to just relax has been more of what I need.” – Ava N.
“I’m not one of those super heroes that can get out of bed as soon as their alarms go off, I need my good 30 mins to come to life and build the willpower to get up, so a long time ago I decided to account for those 30 extra mins and set my alarm a little earlier in the day, so I know I have a bit of time to ease into the day without such a rush. I’m also a long-standing user of radio alarm clocks which are not so common anymore. It goes on for half an hour since it starts, so it’s the perfect system for me: it wakes me up way gentler than my phone would and when it stops I know I exhausted my lay-in-bed time and I have to get up! This makes a huge difference for me and makes early mornings a little less brutal given I’m a night owl through and through.” – Patricia M.
“I have very few routines so rooted but I’d like to share a new one that I’ve been building for 140 days so far. First of all, I’m not a meditation or yoga person and I’m very sceptical about manifestation. However, I realized I needed to do something, at least better understand the potential of breathing having to deal with a lot of stress in the last years. I rediscovered the app Insight Timer, only used as a timer but now in a completely new format. Even without the premium upgrade, it offers an incredible variety of materials. I also had the chance to join a couple of challenges and I’m so proud first of all because now it’s an unmissable part of my wake up before rushing to any task. The last few weeks I had my partner around (we live in 2 different countries) and I could manage to wake up even earlier to be sure no disruption during my sessions (which tend to be short). Even if some sessions I picked don’t fully resonate with me, still this devoted action makes me feel like starting on the right path. I still need to practice and understand the practice but so far I can see a positive impact. Hope this can inspire someone.” – AR
“When I wake up, I take 10 minutes to lay in bed and brainstorm. Sometimes I reflect on my dreams, sometimes I ruminate (oops), but generally it’s a gentle, productive start to my day.” – ILP
Connecting with family, pets, and loved ones
“I wake up and open the curtains to let in any light. This is essential. I give my daughter, husband, and cat a hug. Life will bring whatever it will bring that day, but I like to start with sun and hugs.” – CMW
“Since October 2024, every weekday begins at the gym for my husband and me. My husband lets our dog out while I put in my contacts and brush my teeth. 30 minutes on the treadmill to wake up and warm up, then strength training for 30-45 minutes depending on what part of the body I’m working on. When we get home we let Martha (our dog) out again, drink water, and make breakfast for all of us. A cup of coffee, NY Times puzzles, tidying up, and maybe a bit of reading, then it’s time to take Martha and our neighbor’s dog Winnie for a walk. Another coffee outside in the backyard so the dogs can play together for a bit. Inside to shower and get ready for work (remote). By the time my workday starts at 9 am, I’m wide awake, caffeinated, and ready to go.” – JP
“I like starting my day blasting ‘Permission to Dance’ while making coffee and dancing to ‘Butter’ with my cat, appropriately named Butter. It always helps me start the day in a good mood.” – Katie R
“Every morning, I spend about 30 minutes curled up on the couch, coffee in hand while my Samoyed sprawls across my lap, happily chewing a stick. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day and share a quiet moment together.” – Jennifer M
“I usually wake up to my dog, Olive’s, nose nudging me to wake up. We head downstairs, I feed her breakfast, let her in the yard, and I prepare my morning supplement drinks. Then we head back upstairs to snuggle in bed while I read my newsletters (including the Good Trade of course!) and meditate. Then, we head out for our morning walk. It’s the perfect slow beautiful start to our day.” – Banu
“I get up when my daughter wakes up and hang out and read books in bed. I make coffee. Sometimes I make coffee before she gets up but mostly after. We make breakfast and sit by an open window to listen to the birds and water fountain outside. It’s so cozy.” – Christine G.
“I text my older grandchildren each morning before school. I send them an encouraging quote, a Bible verse, or a fun meme along with a reminder of how much I love them. Those words, verses, and memes also help set the tone for my day, as do the sweet responses I receive.” – TL
“My morning routine is as follows: make the bed, wash my face, drink coffee — and then my favorite part is taking my dog for his favorite walk of the day — mornings walks are the best!” – Kitty T.
“I am not an early riser, but I like to ease into my day. My alarm goes off at 7am – I keep a separate clock in my room so I can leave my phone out! I do have a bit of a snooze habit, time to cuddle with my husband and dog. I’ve been trying to read a poem first thing. When I get out of bed, I chug a glass of water with my daily meds and supplements. I start the kettle for hot water and meditate while it’s going. I usually wake up starving (and it’s important for women to fuel their bodies first thing in the morning), so I’ll enjoy breakfast while doing a crossword puzzle. Then I head to the beach with my dog. I try not to have any input from my phone (other than the crossword!) before 9am.” – E Bank
“Get up at 4:56am, get changed into my yoga clothes, wander downstairs to my circle. Drink water. Put in my headphones and select music from Meditative Mind (432 hz or 852 hz). Move clockwise around my circle and light my candles. Each candle has a mantra/prayer that I repeat. Complete the circle and then sit inside it and breathe (alternate nostril breathing). Meditate with ujai breathing and witness my mental, emotional, and physical body. Write in my meditation journal. Switch my tunes to Above & Beyond Group Therapy episode of the week. Move my body with dance or yoga. Complete my morning routine at 6:35am by extinguishing my candles. Move upstairs to have a hug with my beloved. At 6:45am (during the school year, wake my son and invite him to my circle to start a 15 minute mother-son routine that includes stretching, breathing, and some type of movement). 7am Have a coffee and chat with my beloveds. 7:25am Get ready for work including washing my face and completing a lymphatic facial massage, thenbrush my teeth, and get dressed. 7:45am Eat breakfast together. 8:10am Finish any personal hygiene. 8:20am Leave the house for work.” – SL
Simple starts with structure
“I wake extra early, 2 AM-ish, drink 33 oz of warm water, enjoy a cup of coffee, workout for 1 1/2 hours, make breakfast, journal and daily devotion, shower and head to work.” – CG
“I love to start my morning with a meditation on the Open app, and check my sleep stats on Oura. Following that, I’ll either go for a walk outside or do a short yoga practice. After moving my body, I take my supplements and eat breakfast (in the sun if the weather is nice). Then I take a shower/skincare/get ready for the day — it’s simple, grounding, and reliable!” – MB
“Make coffee, cuddle my dog, write in my gratitude journal and then my regular journal, pending schedule I will either walk my dog, or shower/get ready for the day and get to work. When I am in ‘relax’ mode, I will take my coffee & journals outside on the deck and do a short meditation. Scroll through emails and read The Good Trade.” – Kimberly
“I take care of all my morning tasks before looking at my phone — make my bed, get dressed, wash my face, and brush my teeth! It’s faster when I don’t start by looking at my phone and it gives me a gentler start!” – CH
“Write in my gratitude journal, meditate for 30 mins and then while eating breakfast go over my emails, calendar, workout at the gym for 50 mins. Then I’m back home to take a shower and get out the door for my day.” – CG
“Every morning, I wake up and do a 5-minute yoga routine to detox and awaken my senses, followed by a 3-minute meditation period to keep me in a healthy mindset for the day. After my (very little) ‘work out,’ I shower and perform some self-empowering mantras before vitamins and a light breakfast to go!” – Valerie S
“My morning routine on weekdays focuses primarily on getting ready for work. I’ve built in time in the morning to sit down at my vanity, put on a youtube video and have a little me-time first thing while I do my makeup and prepare for my day. I feel calmer and more prepared for whatever the day may face. After this I head downstairs to pack my lunch and make my coffee. I enjoy the routine of making coffee. Depending on the weather it may be iced or hot. The ritual of grinding the beans, heating up the water and mixing in the honey cream and cinnamon is lovely. Creating little routines in my day that I can look forward to helps me to feel happier and more content with my day-to-day life. I look forward to putting on my makeup, and having my morning coffee. And no matter what else may happen that day, that time is for me.” – HL
“1. Wake up – 5:10 2. Meditation 3. Scrape tongue + toilet 4. Hydrate 5. Cycle – 20 mins (reading while cycling) 6. Shower 7. Skincare – full morning routine 8. Get dressed – proper clothes (only loungewear if unwell) 9. Breakfast 10. Medication 11. Coffee + hydrate (lemon salt water) 12. Check planner 13. Update food log 14. Pinterest + horoscope scroll (stop at 7:30) 15. Wash dishes 16. Meal prep – lunch prep, defrost tomorrow’s dinner 17. Pilates – 15–20 mins 18. Chores (tidying, laundry, etc.) 19. Make bed 20. Log onto work – 9:00” – LS
“Maybe not morning routine per se, but making sure your kitchen sink is empty and clean when you go to bed. There is nothing more disruptive mentally than coming into the kitchen first thing in the morning to see a physical representation of chores yet to be done. The same goes for the stove and counters. Kitchens are the hearts of the home.”
“Brushing my teeth the second I get up and taking time to practice gratitude.” – KM
“I get up slowly, do some standing stretches, and make my bed. I open all the windows and tidy up the living room briefly, before taking my dog for a walk. It is then breakfast and coffee time. I round out my morning routine looking over my planner, to dos, and clearing out my email inbox. Lastly, I do a 5-10 min meditation in Inside Timer.” – Lia P
“Wake up, scroll email for emergencies, meditate or pick up my kid, get kid out the door, feed dog and take dog out, take vitamins, eat breakfast and drink coffee. Listen to news or affirmations.”
“I like to lay in bed til the last possible minute then I zoom off and get ready and go.” – GDC
“I moved cross country just three months ago and am slowly trying to get my daily habits in check. Starting with a warm beverage, a candle, and a notebook to jot down my thoughts and ideas in morning pages form is my sweet spot.” – Michelle M
“Box breathing.” – NP
“Giving myself at least 30 minutes before TV, music, anything that would clutter my mind.” – Denise O.
“I like to wash my face and brush my teeth immediately upon waking up. Yes before coffee because it’s the best time for me. Then I’ll grab my gut health drink and sip while I do my devotional. I finish by reading the newsletter before getting my son up for the day!” – Deborah C
“First and foremost I do not sleep with my work or personal cell phones in my room. I wake up to an alarm clock that plays a gentle flute sound to wake up. I wake up earlier than I have to to give myself the gift of being slow. I stretch in bed and have a glass of water that I leave on my nightstand the night before. Once I’m ready to step out of bed, my next action is usually yoga and/or taking my dog for her morning walk. Depending on how energized I’m feeling, I’ll either do a challenging Ashtanga practice or a more gentle stretching focused morning flow. Yoga with Tim is a great resource with many free classes on YouTube. Walking my dog is my favorite thing so spending time with her outside first is the best mood booster and it also allows my body sun exposure which is good for my natural circadian rhythms. After my shower, I go through my morning skincare routine which ends with ice rolling down my face, which always feels very rejuvenating and energizing. While I roll, I typically open a spiritual text or daily reader to help ground myself in an intention for the day. I conclude my morning routine by making coffee and filling my husband and my fellow travel tumblrs which we both carry to work. Only after this do I check my personal phone to see my Oura ring data and google maps to determine which train is best to take to work. On the train, I limit phone use to reading the Good Trade and filling out the Stoic app morning prompts. I only check my work phone before reaching the office if I know colleagues in an earlier time zone need my input on something urgently. Otherwise I wait until I reach out. I’ve been cultivating this routine over the last year and it has changed my life. I feel so much warmer, softer, present and able to handle what the day throws my way.” – MN
“I would love to say that my morning routine includes meditation, mindfulness, journaling and a matcha latte, but it’s definitely not like this. I wake up at seven, head to the bathroom, dry brush my legs (yes, this is the only ‘cool’ thing I do in the morning), wash up, get dressed (I leave all my work clothes, including underwear ready, as well as my gym bag and my lunch), do my makeup and run to catch the bus! When I get to work, I turn my pc on and head to the kitchen to make coffee. A big cup with a scoop of collagen. And I don’t feel guilty about it because it’s an hour after I wake up, so it shouldn’t be messing up my cortisol levels. That’s it, very simple, sophisticated and real :)” – Daura M.
“My morning always begins with waking to my sunrise alarm clock. Most days I am already awake.”
“I have a routine I’ve used for years called M/J/R: Meditate for 5 minutes, journal for 10 minutes, read for 15 minutes. In 30 minutes I have set the grounding for my day in a very intentional way, I’ve given myself some time to get my thoughts together and put myself first. It’s a system that is simple, practical and effective!” – Sara C
“I keep eucalyptus essential oil (diluted) next to my bed and start each morning with a drop on my left palm, then rub my hands together and breathe in. Gives me the energy I need to start the day!” – CK
“I drink water, do a 30-second stretch, make my bed, put on my workout clothes, bathroom, meditate, coffee, workout, walk outside for 5 minutes, shower, coffee, breakfast, floss/brush my teeth, then I’m off to work! Simple, took me time to get it down and disciplined, and while I sometimes don’t feel like it, remind myself it’s just what I do (so suck it up and get it done, because you’re always glad when you do)!” – Melissa C.
Ashley D’Arcy is the Senior Editor at The Good Trade. She holds an MA in Philosophy from The New School for Social Research and has contributed to esteemed outlets such as The Nation, 032c, and Yale School of Management’s Insights where she’s leveraged her expertise in making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her editorial work, she is training as a psychoanalytic mental health professional and provides care to patients in New York City. Ashley also explores sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and wellness trends, combining thoughtful cultural critiques with a commitment to mindful living.
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