8 Morning Routines Ideas That'll Help You Rise & Shine

How you spend your a.m. sets the tone for your overall energy and wellbeing for the rest of the day. Whether you’re a night owl or just have a hard time when your alarm goes off, these health pro-approved morning routine ideas can help you get up on the right side of the bed.

Journal

Set yourself up for a good mood first thing in the a.m. with this journaling routine from Isopure trainer and nutrition coach Brianna Bernard.

1. Write down one thing you’re grateful for.
2. Write down 10 dreams or goals as though they’ve already happened.

Set A Goal

“This small practice builds a mindset that prioritizes your own needs relative to those of others,” says Humantold clinical psychologist Jessica Ermilio, PsyD.

1. As you rise, name one thing you want to accomplish that day.
2. Focus on that goal as you get ready.

Stretch

Loosen up tight muscles after a night’s sleep, feel alert, and reduce stress with this a.m. stretching routine from health coach Debra Swan.

1. Warm up with some movement or a hot shower.
2. Child’s pose
3. Gentle twist
4. Standing side bends
5. Shoulder rolls

Exercise

Starting your a.m. with a workout can boost your mood and promote healthy habits all day long, says Bernard. Do whatever type of movement you fancy to get your blood pumping.

1. Wake up.
2. Eat breakfast.
3. Exercise.
4. Get ready for your day.

Plan Breakfast

If you prep your a.m. meal ahead of time, you’ll be more excited to rise and shine, says Ermilio.

1. The night before, plan a healthy breakfast (Swan recommends oatmeal with nuts and berries).
2. Enjoy when you wake up, and savor the time you’ve carved out for yourself.

Do Breathwork

Bernard suggests beginning the day by clearing your head with mindful breathwork.

1. Once you awake, sit up tall in bed.
2. Breathe in through your nose, hold at the top, exhale out your mouth, and hold at the bottom for four counts each.
3. Repeat for five breaths or more.

Get Outside

Starting the day with a stroll outside counts as exercise and gives you a chance to take in some fresh air, which helps wake up your body and mind, says Swan.

1. As you walk, think about your day’s goals.
2. Appreciate your surroundings.
3. Reflect on what you’re grateful for.

DIY

Can’t decide which routine to try? Pick your faves and build a plan that works for you, says Ermilio. Once you have a regimen, she says to do it the same way every day. “This helps minimize the number of decisions you have to make as you go about your morning," she explains.