How’s your morning routine?
Now that the long and languid summer days are behind us, September is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and ease back into routines that support your wellbeing. And what better place to start than your morning routine?
A solid morning routine is more than just a checklist: it’s a form of self-care that sets the tone for your entire day. The first few hours after you wake up can have a powerful ripple effect on your energy, focus, and even mood.
Here’s why it matters and how to build one that actually sticks.
Why Mornings Matter & How to Level-up your Mornings
Every decision you make after waking taps into your brain’s willpower reserves and science suggests those reserves are limited. The more choices you face first thing, the faster you burn out your decision-making power.
But when your morning habits become automatic, you're freeing up that mental energy for the stuff that really needs it. No more starting the day with “what now?” fatigue.
So let’s keep it simple. Experiment, be kind to yourself, and remember: consistency is more important than perfection.
🛏 1. Make Your Bed
Yes, really. This small act can be your first win of the day. It’s tidy, grounding, and surprisingly satisfying. Research links it to better productivity, mood, and even sleep. Plus, who doesn’t love crawling into a freshly made bed at night?
📵 2. Put the Phone Down (Or Don’t Pick It Up)
When you check your phone first thing, you're handing over your calm, focused brain to the nearest email, alert, or social media rabbit hole.
Give yourself a few screen-free moments to wake up with intention. You’ll thank yourself later.
💧 3. Hydrate Early
Drink a glass of water before coffee, emails, or anything else. Bonus points for warm water with lemon. It jump starts your digestion and gives your brain and body the hydration they’ve been missing overnight, without the drama of a midday dehydration headache.
Furthermore, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin C content, lemon is a fantastic nutritional support for your immune system. This will aid in fighting the common cold or any infections and will help the body flush out other toxins.
Be sure not to brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after consuming a high content of lemon like this, as it is acidic and you don’t want to brush the acid into your teeth. Rinse your mouth really well with water a few times after you finish your morning drink.
🙆♀️ 4. Stretch It Out
Whether you’re up for yoga or just a few simple stretches, moving your body in the morning helps boost circulation, wake up stiff joints, and mentally prepare you for the day ahead.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a 5min spinal stretch routine you can refer to, or you can try this 7min beginner yoga routine. Again, consistency is key so just doing a small 7-minute routine every day would be very powerful.
🎧 5. Do Something You Actually Enjoy
Let’s be honest: the word “routine” can sound boring. But your mornings don’t have to be. Add in a feel-good ritual to look forward to: read a chapter of your book, listen to music, play with your pet, meditate, journal, or try a new breakfast recipe.
This is your time. Use it in a way that fills your cup.
Final Thoughts
Life is meant to be lived, not just scheduled. A thoughtful, nourishing morning routine isn’t about being rigid or productive at all costs. It’s about setting a pace that supports your body, your mind, and your goals.
So as we step into September 2025, let’s aim for mornings that feel a little more like yours. Grounded, intentional, and maybe even enjoyable.
Because a good morning really can lead to a great day.