How to Build a Successful Morning Routine

The “perfect” morning routine? It doesn’t exist. OK, fine, maybe it’s waking up on a yacht to fresh coffee, a gourmet breakfast, and absolutely nothing to do. But until then, think about your current to-do’s and how they can set you up for a successful day.

1. List the things you do each morning, and how much time they take. Pay special attention to anything you want to stop doing.


2. Think of some small-but-mighty actions you can add to your routine to help build healthy habits. Guesstimate how much time they’ll take. Here’s some inspo:

3. Pick one or two of those actions and decide how you’ll fit it into your morning. Maybe you’ll wake up earlier, swap it for something you want to stop doing, or pair it with a habit you already have locked in.

Let’s dive a little deeper...

Mornings can sometimes get hectic, and it’s easy for that chaos to have a domino effect on the rest of your day. That’s why getting into a routine that prioritizes your health and wellness from the minute you wake can be helpful. Making those better-for-you choices in the a.m. can set you up to keep making those choices throughout the day.

Post your new routine on the fridge or add it to your Notes app so you can stay on track and on time. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight and it may take a little while to get used to. Don’t be afraid to switch things up if you realize they’re not working—maybe you shorten your walk or stretch for five minutes instead.

Once you find a routine that works for you, try to stick with it even when you’re having a tough time on this journey. Instead of writing it off as yet another thing to do, think of it as a chance to reset and get back to smooth sailing. Didn’t eat the way you wanted to today or missed your step goal? No biggie. Lean on your new morning routine to start tomorrow on a different note. There’s a reason we talk about routines so much: They’re powerful tools to help ground you in your journey and bring you closer to your goals.