15 Morning Habit Ideas to Start Your Day With Intention
The way that you spend your morning sets the tone for everything that follows (no pressure!).
If your mornings feel more like a mad dash to the kettle than a grounded, mindful beginning… you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: starting your day with a few simple, intentional habits can make a massive difference to your mindset, energy, and overall sense of calm.
And no, we’re not talking about waking up at 5am and running 10k before sunrise. This is about tuning in, not burning out.
So here are 15 morning habit ideas that can help you start your day with purpose.
1. Reach for your journal before your phone
Swap doomscrolling for something gentler. Even just jotting down three things you're grateful for or your intention for the day can shift your mindset in seconds.
Try keeping your phone in a different room when you sleep- this will stop you reaching for it as soon as you wake up!
2. Light a candle while you get ready
It sounds small, but adding a warm scent (think sandalwood, vanilla or neroli) can turn a rushed routine into a little moment of peace.
If you’re not a candle type of girl, consider a reed diffuser or sunrise lamp instead!
3. Play a morning playlist that makes you feel like the main character
Whether it's acoustic coffee shop vibes or Beyoncé-level confidence boosters, a good playlist sets the mood. No sad songs allowed before 9am.
You can find plenty of pre-made playlists on Spotify or dedicate some time to creating your own. I like to have 3-5 on the go, depending on which mood I’m in!
4. Make your bed like you’re in a hotel
Fluff the pillows, smooth the covers. It’s a 2-minute task that instantly makes your space feel pulled together (and less tempting to crawl back into).
Plus, it’s a great way to practice self-discipline, which you will thank yourself for later on.
5. Add something green to your breakfast
No need to go full wellness influencer, but spinach in your eggs or a handful of greens in your smoothie? That’s a win.
I personally like to use the Shreddy Supergreens powder. It’s a REALLY easy way to get your daily greens. without needing to raid a green grocers!
6. Set a tiny, achievable goal for the day
One small win. It could be replying to that one email you’ve been avoiding or doing a 10-minute stretch. Success builds momentum.
Try to set this goal as soon as you wake up, it will give you some direction and stop you from procrastinating.
7. Do a 5-minute visualisation of your dream life
Close your eyes. Picture the version of you who has it all figured out. What’s she doing? How does she feel? Then ask: what’s one thing I can do today to move closer?
You can take this even further by investing in The Dream Life guided journal, which contains over 200 prompts to help you align with your dream lie!
8. Drink a proper glass of water before your coffee
Hydration before stimulation. Trust us, it makes a difference to how your body and brain feel.
It’s also a good idea to eat something (even if it’s a handful of granola or a banana) before your first coffee. This helps to regulate your hormones.
9. Wear something that makes you feel like you
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that feels aligned with the energy you want to bring into your day. I try to ALWAYS wear my favourite outfits- I would rather be overdressed than uncomfortable!
Spend some time figuring out what clothes make you feel good and invest in more of these.
10. Keep your phone in a drawer while you get ready
We all know it: notifications kill focus. Give yourself 30 sacred minutes before the outside world gets access to your energy. Try to avoid doom-scrolling and limit the time that you spend on content that drains your energy.
11. Say one kind thing to yourself in the mirror
It might feel cringe at first. But replacing “I look tired” with “I’m doing my best” really does shift how you show up.
Try to say at least one nice thing to yourself each morning- even if it’s just a smile! Your brain can’t differentiate between thoughts that are real and false. So, speaking to yourself kindly will rewire your mind to love yourself more.
12. Get sunlight on your skin ASAP
Open the blinds. Step outside. Natural light signals your brain to wake up properly (and helps regulate your sleep later on too).
If you wake up when it’s dark outside, invest in a sunrise alarm clock! This is a great way to flood your room with light- even at 3 in the morning!
13. Pick a mantra or affirmation to carry with you
Something like “I trust the timing of my life” or “I am capable and calm” can anchor you when the day gets hectic.
I like to find quote wallpapers on Pinterest (we have loads on our page) and set one of these as my phone wallpaper for the day.
14. Move your body in a way that feels nice
No pressure for a workout- this could be stretching, a walk around the block or dancing in the kitchen. Choose joy over punishment. My favourite form of morning movement is a simple walk to a coffee shop or a gentle at-home pilates.
I love the pilates workouts on the We Glow app. You can choose workouts based on your experience level and time constraints.
15. Create one romanticised ritual
Make your coffee like it’s a café moment. Read one page of a book in bed. Slow down and turn something ordinary into something lovely.
Try to romanticise one part of your morning routine to set the tone for the rest of your day.
Final thoughts
You don’t need a 10-step routine or a 6am wake-up call to have an intentional morning. Pick one or two habits that feel good for you, and build from there. You deserve a day that starts gently, and a life that feels like yours.
