How to Create the Perfect Morning Routine (That Actually Feels Good)
So, are you a morning person? I’m firmly in the “wide awake before the alarm” camp (give me sunrise and a hot cup of coffee any day), while my husband would happily snooze until lunchtime if he had the choice. But no matter what time you naturally wake up, I’m a big believer that we all deserve a peaceful, positive start to the day.
That’s why I wanted to share some of the simple habits that have helped me build what feels like the perfect morning routine—one that’s rooted in joy, not pressure. Whether you’ve got ten minutes before the school run or a quiet hour to yourself, these small shifts can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready to face the day ahead.
Here are four gentle ways to make your mornings work better for you.
1. Write it all down
Let’s start with one of my favourite daily practices: morning pages.
If you’ve read Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, you’ll already know the idea. If not, it’s beautifully simple: grab a notebook and write three pages of whatever comes to mind. No editing, no overthinking—just a brain-dump of thoughts, worries, ideas, or even “I don’t know what to write”.
It might sound a bit strange, but it really works. On the mornings when I make space for this practice, I notice I feel lighter. More grounded. More myself. It’s like giving your brain a little clear-out before the day gets going.
I prefer to do it by hand (there’s something cathartic about pen on paper), but if typing suits you better, the 750 Words website is a great digital alternative.
2. Use positive affirmations
Now, I know affirmations can get a bit of an eye-roll, especially if you’re not usually into what some people might call “woo”. But there’s real science behind them—and more importantly, they actually help.
Starting the day by saying a few kind, affirming statements to myself—things like “I am calm and capable” or “I trust myself to handle what today brings”—helps me to step into the version of me I want to be. It shifts the energy. It sets the tone.
If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide to affirmations might help you write your own (or borrow a few until you’re ready).
3. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes
I’ve read so many “perfect morning routine” articles that suggest waking up an hour earlier to fit in yoga, journaling, a walk, and an oat milk matcha all before 7am—and honestly? It’s just not always realistic.
But you know what does feel doable? Setting my alarm ten minutes earlier.
Ten minutes gives you just enough space to slow things down a little—maybe you drink your tea while it’s still hot, or pop your headphones in for a few pages of your audiobook, or simply sit quietly before the rush begins. It’s a small change that makes a big difference to how you show up for the rest of the day.
4. Make a simple, realistic to-do list
We all know a to-do list can help you feel more organised—but there’s a knack to doing it well.
Each morning, I write two short lists: a “must do” and a “could do”. The must-do list has my three top priorities for the day. No more, no less. These are the things that will make the biggest impact and move the needle, and ticking them off always gives me a little boost of motivation.
The could-do list is everything else. If I get to it, great. If not, I know I’ve already done the most important bits.
It’s a system that helps me feel focused rather than overwhelmed—and it stops me from spending the whole day “being busy” without really getting anything done.
So there you have it—four little steps that can help you create a morning routine that feels joyful and sustainable, rather than punishing or performative. Because the perfect morning routine isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what works for you.
I’d love to know: what does your ideal morning look like? Are there any rituals you swear by? Let me know in the comments or come and chat over on Instagram.