For a long time, I tried to create the perfect morning routine, only to get thrown off the moment I missed something. Eventually, I ditched the rigid, overly long list of "shoulds" and focused instead on a shorter, more doable list of non-negotiables: practices that make me feel good, balanced, and start my day on a high note.

Here are the things that consistently set the tone for my mornings:

Make the Bed

The very first thing I do. It marks the start of a new day and gives me a small accomplishment right away. Even if nothing else goes as planned, I can say I started the day by completing something.

Water First, Coffee later

A full glass of water, followed by a cup of lemon tea. No coffee allowed until after this, I like to hydrate calmly before introducing caffeine. Since I usually intermittent fast until around 9 a.m., I've found staying hydrated is especially important.

Breathwork & Meditation

I've grown to enjoy nervous system regulation practices. I start with a short breathwork session, then sit in silence for a few minutes. Since the rest of the day is full of distractions (text dings, Slack notifications, ads) it feels good to create space for calmness and grounding first.

French Study

I've always enjoyed language learning, with French being my favorite. Sill, my level isn't where I'd like it to be. I made it a priority this year to spend about 30 minutes each morning, splitting the time between lessons on YouTube and Mango Languages (free through many libraries, support your library!).

Morning Walk

I aim for 10k steps daily, but starting with 2-3k in the morning builds momentum and breaks the goal into chunks. It's a huge shift from when I'd only hit 3k on a full day working in tech. Bonus: I'll often pair it with something else like a podcast, audiobook, or even a walking meditation.

Skincare

Of course it helps my skin, but it's the self-care aspect I love most. It's a small ritual that reminds me I respect and appreciate my body. A splash of cold water, gua sha, and my favorite products help me feel refreshed and cared for.

No Social Media (or Email) Until Done

The morning time is for me, not scrolling. It's a boundary I keep because that DM, email, or trending post will still be there later.

What's important to me might not matter to you. Not into meditating? Leave it out, or swap it for something else that brings you clarity. Maybe that's a walk in the park or simply sitting on the porch with your coffee.

The most impactful habits are the ones that hold meaning for you and leave you with a real sense of accomplishment.