How to Create a Simple Morning Routine in 4 Easy Steps
We’re sharing how to create a simple morning routine in 4 easy steps today!
Do you have a morning routine?
It’s been my observation that people usually fall into two camps.
You’re either super excited to wake up and start the day.
Or you’re hitting the snooze button for the 5th time wondering how it’s even possible the alarm is going off already.
Being a “Natural” Morning Person…
Personally, I feel the most industrious first thing in the morning.
It’s the part of the day where I’m thankful for a fresh start and another chance to chase my dreams.
I usually wake up between 4 am and 6 am each day.
During that time, there is a small window when the entire house is completely quiet save for the sound of the coffee maker.
It’s one of my most treasured parts of the day and one of my most productive too.
My Old Morning Routine Reality…
While I feel like a morning person now, it hasn’t always been that way.
In the old days, I used to run around the house like a crazed squirrel every morning.
I would search the laundry room for the navy sweater that went with the only clean pair of plaid pants I could find.
Then I would race to my disorganized closet to search for the animal print flats that I swore I had put in the shoe cubby the night before.
It was bananas.
Next, I would race out the door yelling something like, “Why are you telling me this now? You know I’m late for work!”
All while trying to balance a bagel and a cup of coffee in one hand and my purse and work bag in the other.
By the time I would get to the office, I would be a total mess on the inside.
On the outside, I was attending team meetings, generating reports my colleagues depended on, and encouraging others like I had it “all together.”
Every day I would keep the façade going.
Until one day, I sat in my driveway totally frustrated with myself and near tears because I felt so depleted each morning.
Time for a Change…
There comes a point when you realize you have to make a big change if you want to see big results and that happened to me with regards to my morning routine.
Don’t get me wrong, it was hard to put all the pieces together at first.
I kept thinking, “I don’t have time to deal with this right now!”
But I knew deep down, it wasn’t about having the time – it was about making the time.
And let me just gently say, one friend to another, you are going to have to give up the things that are not working for you to fully embrace the things that will work for you too.
After a bit of soul-searching, I realized if I could make my mornings more efficient, I could make my entire day more efficient.
It took a little bit of tweaking, but I was able to create a simple morning routine that changed everything.
Here’s a look at how you can create a simple morning routine in four easy steps too…
Step 1:
Decide how much time you have to devote to establishing a consistent morning routine even on the weekends.
It can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 60 minutes.
Step 2:
Determine the tasks you need to accomplish each day before you leave the house or begin your workday.
This includes everything from the length of time it takes you to look and feel confident to how long it takes your littles to get ready for school to clearing the breakfast dishes.
Step 3:
Designate time to complete several easy items on your daily cleaning schedule before you begin your workday or leave the house.
For example:
- Make the bed
- Unload the dishwasher
- Wipe down sinks/counters
- Start a load of laundry
- Check your daily calendar
Step 4:
Devote time to doing something that is just for you, something that will help to set your day up for success.
For example:
- Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot tea
- Devotional, meditation, quiet time
- Read a chapter of a new book
- Listen to a podcast
- Make a green smoothie or healthy breakfast
- Exercise
- Write a letter, an email, or send an encouraging text
- Call your mom or your bestie
My Simple Morning Routine:
- Wake up, brush teeth, wipe out bathroom sink and wipe down countertops
- Drink a full glass of water or superfood mix
- Work out
- Shower/Dress
- Apply Skincare
- Pour a cup of coffee (We make sure the coffee maker is completely set up and ready to go the night before. It has an automatic timer so, we wake up to the scent of coffee brewing almost every morning)
- Devotional, journal, and quiet time
- Review calendar/planner
- Makeup/Hair
- Open the blinds in the common areas
- Have Alexa turn on our morning playlist
- Light a candle if I plan to work from home
- Enjoy a green smoothie or a healthy breakfast
- Unload the Dishwasher (we load and run a fully loaded dishwasher at night so it’s ready to be emptied the next morning. All day long we’re putting our dishes DIRECTLY into the dishwasher so nothing is piling up in the sink)
- Make the bed
- Daily Cleaning Schedule Task
- Weekly Cleaning Schedule Task (if there’s time)
- Start a load of laundry
- Begin the workday
The Secret Ingredients
I know these tasks seem mundane and almost too easy.
In fact, you’re probably already doing a lot of these things every morning anyway.
But the secret ingredient to creating a morning routine in 4 simple steps, one that will last all year, is you have to be intentional and consistent to see the results.
Keep in mind, if you’re new to routines of any kind remember to give yourself lots of grace along the way, forming positive habits takes time.
While I’m not saying I don’t ever run around the house like a crazed squirrel anymore (I’m far from perfect) thankfully those days are few and far between now.
Since establishing a morning routine that works those hectic fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants and unproductive days are long gone which feels like the biggest luxury!
Let us know if you have any tips or tricks on how to create a simple morning routine so we can try them too.
Morning Routine Essentials:
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- Alarm Clock
- Body Wash
- PJs
- Toothpaste
- Makeup Mirror
- Journal
- Overnight Oat Containers
- Motivational Water Bottle
- Stackable Organizers
- Toothbrush
- Slippers
- Day of the Week Dividers
- Pill Organizer
- Coffee Maker
- Echo
- Collagen Powder
- Dry Brush
- Blender
- Bible
- Steamer
Additional Morning Inspiration To Enjoy:
Simple Ways to Elevate Your Morning
French Press Coffee Tips and Tricks
My Favorite Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Cinnamon and Vanilla Latte Brown Sugar Scrub
Many blessings,
CoCo
I can so relate to you, Nancy! It is hard to get all of the laundry done sometimes but you are so right when you have your outfits lined up and ready to go for the week it makes a huge difference in how the morning runs. Sending you hugs, CoCo
ha ha I can totally understand that sentiment Bonnie, I feel that way myself some times. You do what is best for you and works the best for you ok? These are just tips and tricks I’m passing along. They can all be customized to fit the way you live, I promise. Hugs, CoCo
You’re melting my heart, Melva! ! I’m really proud of you. Making both of those changes at night will definitely go a long way in helping to make the mornings not feel as rushed. I’m so excited for you! Hugs, CoCo
Sarah, once you’ve decided which items on the morning and nightly routine you want to do – write them down. I know that seems kind of 101 but it really helped to keep me on track when I was first starting out so hopefully it will help you too. Hugs, CoCo
I love your ideas, Coco. I don’t run around crazy in the morning, but I always feel that I could be more productive. My biggest challenge is reading ~ I love to read and sometimes I can’t stop myself from turning just one more page. I need to put a timer on and stop no matter what. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing at Tuesday Turn About.
Speak to my heart, Carol, that’s the reason I only let myself read in the afternoon ha ha. I could get lost all day in a good book. Give me books over tv any day of the week 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweet and kind words. I hope you have the best week, hugs, CoCo
Hi CoCo – I like your tips and ideas. I am NOT a morning person – as much as I try. One thing that has helped me to be more organized is to give myself an extra 10 minutes every morning. Ten minutes of float time. So if something goes sideways – I have an extra ten minutes to fix it. (Like the dog not willing to go potty during her morning walk).
Also – I noticed you linked collagen powder. For the last 3 years I have added it to my coffee every morning and now I can’t live without it. My nails, skin and hair are greatly improved.
Oh my goodness! We have the same story! Those chaotic days were something else! Now my issue is sticking to my schedule. Most mornings I get carried away with some of the things I enjoy (like reading your posts) and still end up running late. 😂
My morning routine is similar to yours. I usually wake up between 5:30 – 6:00, brush my teeth and hit the start button on the coffee maker. Then I listen to a scripture/inspirational message on my phone and read some Bible verses. Then breakfast (usually oatmeal and fruit), make the bed, shower, dress, makeup, then start my daily tasks, and help with other family needs. When the weather is warm, I begin my day outside on our deck for the fresh air and sunshine. I also need natural light so as soon as I see dawn breaking I open our window coverings. My quiet morning is very important for me to start my day with calm and peace and to have my “alone”time. Waking up before anyone else in the family has been my routine since our children were small and even now that they are grown and out of the house I find my day calmer and more productive when I stay in my routine. Thanks for sharing your routine
So exciting to hear that our routines are so similar, AJ. I tell ya, there is nothing like opening up the curtains to let the sunshine in. It just makes everything better. It’s nice that you’ve continued this routine for so many years too. It gives me hope that I’ll be able to do the same. I feel like a total bear when I miss that quiet time! Sending you hugs and prayers that you and your family are all safe and warm during these winter storms. They look intense, CoCo
Great tips. I totally agree that a peaceful and productive morning set the stage for the entire day. Hugs to you
Hi CoCo! I wouldn’t be half as productive if I didn’t have a morning routine! Adding one was a game-changer for me! Our routines are very similar! Have a great week!
Thanks for the inspiration CoCo! I am not a morning person but I do get up early. The first 15 minutes are the worst so if I conquer that I am well on my way to a great day! I would still like to get up 30 minutes earlier and that’s a goal! Have a great day!