If waking up early is a struggle every day, maybe it’s time for you to create a simple morning routine. One that makes you want to get up at 6 am (or whenever you want to be awake). Having a good plan for how you start your days is a great way to overcome the temptation of hitting snooze and sleeping in 5-minute intervals for an entire hour. Which definitely has never, EVER, happened to me.
I know having a set of good morning rituals in place has been a big part of the progress I’ve made work-wise and health-wise over the last years. I started doing these 7 simple habits in the morning around three years ago. And I’m not always perfect, but whenever I do keep this morning routine up, I see the biggest positive change in my productivity, my energy, my body, my focus and my life. I believe without these daily habits, I wouldn’t be able to create much in life and would just live by reaction. Because that’s exactly how I used to live for most of my life. I used to hate waking up early and was super grumpy, just don’t talk to me in the morning. Now I love early mornings, the hope and peace they bring. It’s a daily new beginning.
The simple 7 morning habits below can help you reduce stress, get focused, improve self-trust and self-confidence and actually maintain a naturally healthy lifestyle. Even if you don’t have enough time to do everything on the agenda, I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration and new ideas to transform your mornings!
Morning Routine For Productivity, Health And Happiness
1. Wake up and spend a few minutes in bed.
Think about what you want to achieve today and what you want in general from life, from this month, this week. Don’t overcomplicate it, let your mind wander a bit.
And always make an effort to think about things more positively. For example, if I get a stressful thought in the morning, a doubt, or a worry, I simply replace it with a different thought and focus on what I’m looking forward to on that day. What’s right in front of me and not in my phone. It does take some self-control and practice, but this trick is so important to put you in a more positive mindset.
Another good thing to think about after you wake up is the things you’re thankful for. Those little things that make you smile, feel excited like a kid or bring you peace. Think about them more often. Especially right after you wake up – it can truly set the tone.
2. Make the bed and drink water.
I don’t actually have to make my bed, I don’t really HAVE to drink water, but both of these habits are good for my well-being. And because I’m a grown-up now, I know it and I simply do it.
And here’s the bigger why. There’s something about doing the right thing and understanding that you’re doing the right thing. Even when you don’t have to answer to anybody. This little exercise of discipline brings so much self-trust and self-respect with it.
So do yourself a favor and boost your self-confidence right after you wake up: Make your bed and drink water, even if nobody else is going to see or applaud you for it. This simple act will empower you to do more things that are good for you throughout the day. You might even get the courage to do the important things that seem intimidating, but are super important for your progress, peace, productivity and happiness.
3. Exercise for at least 20 minutes.
No good morning routine is complete without some exercise, especially when it comes to enhancing productivity and happiness. Exercise is proven, scientifically proven, to change your brain for the better. Making morning exercise a habit can improve your memory, your mood, prevent neurodegenerative disorders and of course improve your cardiovascular, metabolic, gut, and bone health.
My suggestion to make working out in the morning a habit is to keep it simple. All you need is 20 minutes and you can do it at home. There are so many good 20-minute workout videos on YouTube – pick your level and get started!
I personally love to work out after I wake up, because of how it affects the rest of my day. It sounds so annoying, but moving my body keeps me alert and helps me to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
4. Put on uplifting music.
So, this is not something I always do, because I do love being quiet in the morning. But then again, if I have a busy day, I love to put on some uplifting music to really wake me up and put me in a great mood.
I like music from the 80s, 70s, 90’s… actually any decade. Sometimes I like Bob Marley, sometimes Stevie Wonder, sometimes Lenny Kravitz, lately it’s been “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. And I sing along and objectively: I’m really good.
5. Shower and get ready.
I know, we’re all busy and have gotten pretty comfortable over the last years while working from home, but how we present ourselves in front of others, and ourselves, is so important. So this is another little act of self-discipline that can make you more productive and raise your self-esteem. It definitely should be a part of your morning routine.
Do it, while the music is playing – take a shower and get dressed. This is a part I feel gets ignored when people talk about morning routines. It’s self-explanatory, but to me, this is a time to really enjoy and to have some fun. It’s nothing to rush through.
6. Do one thing you’re always putting off.
This is an important part of a good morning routine. Work or do something that will bring you one step further on a goal you actually want to achieve. If you do this early in the day you’ll be very relieved, more confident and you’ll stop having the same constant thoughts that are “constipating” your mind.
To me usually, that thing is writing. It’s the most difficult task I need to do to bring my projects forward. Sitting there for 30-40 minutes, being quiet and focused and not all over the place, not looking at my phone or anywhere else?
It’s hard. But because it’s so hard, and because I always put it off, it’s also the most rewarding part of my day. It takes so much stress, so much pressure off of me to have this done before 9 am. I can’t even begin to explain how much better I feel for the rest of the day.
So for you, this might be learning a new skill, it might be cleaning up, it might be exercise (so you’ll save 20 min here), making a plan or working on another goal – whatever you’re putting off and always saying – I will do this tomorrow. Commit to doing something, finishing a small task every day to move forward. You’re going to feel SO proud of yourself for the rest of the day.
7. Go out for a walk / enjoy nature for 10-20 minutes.
If there’s one thing from this list of morning habits that I never want to miss, it’s spending time in nature. It’s truly rejuvenating and renewing. With all this technology, I feel we’re slowly moving away from what we truly are – a part of nature.
And it’s such a shame because nature can heal most, if not all, of our ailments. Whether it’s physical or mental health, spending time outside can restore both of these. We tend to hyperfocus on what is our “problem” right now, but when you look at that endless big sky – you realize, none of it actually matters in the grand scheme of things.
We’re here for a moment, so let’s make the most of it and live, enjoy, and explore life like we mean it.
Give your mind these precious 15-20 minutes in nature to relax, recharge and refuel. It will thank you with new ideas and solutions that only you can come up with.
While you’re outside don’t listen to podcasts, music, AI or interrupt your own thoughts with dumb social media content. Give your mind, your spirit a chance to speak to you and to gain clarity. It’s the best way to increase productivity, to be happier and healthier.
And that’s it. I know, this is a long morning routine, but to me, it’s definitely worth investing my time and waking up around 1-2 hours earlier than I need to, so that I can do all of these things. I hope some of these ideas inspire you to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilled life!
More Morning Routine Inspiration:
- How To Wake Up Early And Not Feel Tired
- 7 Morning Yoga Routines For Every Day Of The Week
- 31 Days Of Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas To Start Your Day Right
This article was originally published in October 2018 and last updated in August 2025.
