My Simple 10-Step Morning Routine Checklist
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The most tangible thing I can pinpoint as a real turning point in my life was the development of a consistent daily morning routine.
It may sound ridiculously simple, but it sparked a profound mindset shift and became one of the first steps I took toward living with intention. Little did I know that a small, disciplined set of daily non-negotiables would ripple out to inspire so many other positive changes in my life.
If you’re someone who hits the snooze button more times than you’d like to admit, I get it—I’ve been there too. There’s no judgment here. Self-awareness can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s also the perfect starting point for making meaningful changes.
When I first set out to build my own morning routine, I fell into the trap of comparing myself to others. Those perfectly curated schedules seemed so unattainable—an impossible set of standards that I couldn’t stick to long-term. That frustration taught me something important: the best routines are the ones that work for you.
So, instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve created a morning routine builder. It’s designed to help you pick habits that feel realistic, align with your lifestyle, and most importantly, set the tone for a more intentional and fulfilling day.
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1. Prep the Night Before
A little secret: a strong morning routine actually begins the night before.
One simple way to set yourself up for success is by laying out your workout clothes or anything you’ll need for the next day. Having everything ready and waiting makes it much harder to skip and gives you an easy head start.
Another habit I swear by is never going to bed with a dirty sink. That small act of tidying up before bed creates a sense of calm for the morning ahead, instead of waking up to a reminder of unfinished chores.
Writing a to-do list for the next day is another small but impactful habit. It clears your mind, eases pre-bedtime anxiety, and gives you a clear roadmap for the day ahead. These small, thoughtful steps can transform not just your mornings, but your entire day.
2. Get Up at the Same Time – Don’t Hit Snooze!
This is your first win of the day, and it’s all about consistency. Place your phone or alarm clock across the room from your bed, so that you’re forced to get up to turn it off. This simple trick helps avoid the temptation to snooze or mindlessly scroll through social media while still half asleep.
It might feel tough at first, but trust me, the more you stick to this habit, the easier it becomes. Over time, your body adjusts, and before you know it, waking up early becomes a habit.
3. Make Your Bed
Emmanuel Apetsi
“How do you wake up every day with a burning desire to make the world a better place without making your bed in the first place?”
I’ll come clean: I haven’t always been someone who made my bed! But research has shown that this small task has significant mental health benefits. Making your bed first thing after waking up gives you a simple win and helps set a calm, positive tone for the day.
It’s a small act of control that boosts productivity and reduces stress, creating an environment that feels peaceful and organised. Plus, when your bedroom is tidy, it’s easier to feel focused throughout the day. So, make it a non-negotiable part of your morning routine—it’s worth it!
4. Have Some Quiet Reflection Time
Starting your day with a bit of stillness can do wonders for your mindset. A few quiet moments in the morning—whether it’s meditating, reciting positive affirmations, or writing down things you’re grateful for—can really set the tone for the rest of the day. I find that taking a little time for reflection helps me to feel grounded before the day begins.
If you’re interested in building a simple daily reflection practice, I’ve written more on the topic here, but you could also start with a few super simple prompts:
What am I grateful for today?
What do I want the highlight of my day to be?
What was challenging today, and what lessons can I learn from it?
All of this—and much more—is included in my Intentional Life OS, a complete framework designed to help you create a purposeful and aligned daily routine. You can explore it and start building your own intentional life below.
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5. Move Your Body
Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you run a marathon before breakfast! If you love a more intense workout in the morning, go for it—but for many of us, something gentler works just as well.
I enjoy starting my day with a few stretches or some light yoga in the winter to wake up my body. In the summer, I love getting outside for a quick walk, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air.
By getting your body moving first thing, you’re not only setting a positive tone for the day but also breaking down resistance to exercise later on. Even the smallest effort in the morning makes it easier to stay active throughout the day.
6. Take Pride in Your Appearance
There’s something to be said for finding a happy medium when getting ready in the morning. Taking the time to get out of your pyjamas and take pride in your appearance can make a big difference—but it doesn’t have to take ages.
Even if you’re staying home, a quick shower and getting dressed can have a surprisingly positive impact on your mindset. Your subconscious picks up on these small signals, so why not treat yourself like someone you care about? For me, that looks like a simple skincare routine and minimal makeup. It’s less about perfection and more about starting the day feeling put-together and ready for whatever comes next.
7. Do One Household Chore
Starting your day with one household chore can be a quick and satisfying win—just like making your bed. For me, it’s spending five minutes emptying the dishwasher from the night before. It’s a small task I used to put off, but when I did, dirty dishes would pile up, making it feel even more overwhelming by the end of the day.
Choose one simple chore to tackle each morning. It could be wiping down the counters, throwing in a load of laundry, or tidying a small space. There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting the day with a fresh, clean space—and on a subconscious level, this small act signals to your brain that you’re taking action.
For me, it’s often less about the chore itself (though it’s definitely helpful for keeping a tidy house!) and more about that signal to my brain that I’m starting the day with intention and purpose.
8. Refuel with a Healthy Breakfast
If you’re following intermittent fasting, a simple black coffee might be all you need to kickstart your morning. However, for those who prefer a more substantial breakfast, meal prepping in advance can be a lifesaver. It saves time while helping you stay on track with healthy eating.
Personally, I love some pre-prepped overnight oats with blueberries, banana, flaxseed, chia seed, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It’s a warming, nutrient-packed option! But if you’re short on time, wholegrain toast with a side of fruit is a quick and nutritious choice. Remember, breakfast is an important meal—it sets the tone for your dietary choices throughout the day.
9. Learn Something New
I love starting my day by fueling my mind with something interesting. Whether it’s reading a chapter of a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a short video, I make it a habit to learn something new each morning.
Setting aside just 10-15 minutes to read is one of the easiest ways to build a consistent reading habit. It’s something so many of us wish we had more time for, but the key is creating that time. You’d be surprised how many books you can get through in a year with even a small daily commitment!
But it’s not just about the books or podcasts—it’s about what they bring to your life. You’re expanding your knowledge, gaining fresh perspectives, and becoming a more interesting, well-rounded person. It’s a win-win way to start the day.
10. Spend Time Being Creative
When I say “spend time being creative,” I mean carving out a little time each day to focus on something that sparks curiosity or helps you grow. It could be building a side hustle, working on an art project, or learning a new skill. The key is to explore ideas that excite you—purely for you.
For me, that’s working on my blog. Even dedicating a small amount of time daily can lead to incredible results over time—it’s like compound interest for your personal growth. But creativity isn’t something that happens instantly. It takes practice to settle into that flow state, where ideas come naturally and you lose track of time.
One way to encourage this is by creating the right environment. Put your phone in another room to minimise distractions. Pair your creative time with soothing music or a comforting drink to signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. As you keep at it, you’ll find yourself slipping into flow more easily, where creativity feels almost effortless and deeply rewarding.
This time isn’t just about what you create—it’s about finding joy in the process and giving yourself permission to explore.
Being consistent with a morning routine can feel challenging, but it all starts with the present moment and the 24 hours you have in front of you. Prioritise the first few hours of your day, and you’ll see how it shifts the course of your life.
Your ideal routine may differ from mine, especially if you have kids, but the key is to begin. You’ll quickly discover what works best for you.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal. If life throws you off track, simply pick up where you left off when you can. The real power lies in dedicating time to yourself each morning. It’s about creating a foundation of self-trust and building integrity—small, consistent actions that reinforce your ability to show up for yourself and face the day with confidence.
I should also mention that even the best-planned morning routine will fall flat without a solid evening routine to support it. Check out this post next to get yours in place.