A Feel-Good Low-Bar Morning Routine
A flexible formula for when you're short on time or motivation
A few years ago I read about a celebrity’s morning routine in a magazine. The intricacies of it still make my head spin (I believe it involved a copper tongue scraper, a cappuccino with ghee, and a 90-minute pilates workout). Good for her — not for me.
I’ve struggled for years to land on a morning routine that felt realistic and practical. I value sleep above all else and also like to catch a little time with my girls before they scoot off to school.
I believe that shrinking goals can sometimes be the only way to accomplish them. So I’ve come up with a flexible, customizable, and realistic formula for building a morning (or evening) routine, designed for people who haven’t had great success with traditional morning routines. Here it is:
The Premise
Every morning when I wake up I pick 1-2 of the following science-backed feel-good habits from my morning routine menu. In a perfect world I would do all of them, but by lowering the bar, I ensure I am doing something instead of nothing. Often I’ll pick a few more to do before bed as a little bonus. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure where you really can’t go wrong.
Option 1: Hydrate
Sipping or chugging a glass of water first thing in the morning takes less than a minute and makes me feel like I'm already winning. I extend this same low-effort self-care mindset to my nighttime wind-down — applying my favorite lip balm and moisturizing my hands and feet. These simple, low-bar rituals make me feel like I'm caring for myself each day.
Option 2: Read Something
Is there anything as cozy and wonderful as curling up with a good book? Instead of reaching for my phone first thing, I like to read even a few pages from whatever book is on my nightstand. I've found this one works better for me at the end of the day as a reward for finishing work — but whenever it happens, it counts.
Option 3: Write Something
I have a busy brain that is always running, and I find it so helpful to empty my thoughts onto paper each day. I let the pen flow, jotting down plans, reminders, worries, goals, ideas, and things I don't want to forget. For days when I'm short on time but still want a moment of mindfulness, I've found The Three Question Journal incredibly useful.
Option 4: Move Your Body
We all know how crucial movement is for our overall health and longevity, and a little can go a long way. Set the bar low — a good morning stretch or a brisk walk outside are great places to start. If you have a few spare minutes, use them to sign up for a class or schedule a hike with a friend; getting it on the calendar is half the battle.
Of course I’d love to commit to all of these things every day, but if I did, I know I’d only end up letting myself down. Instead, I commit to one of my choice and treat the rest as a bonus. I hope this flexible formula helps you customize your own morning or evening routine — one that works for your real life.
Reader Prompt: Let me know in the comments if you've found other ways of prioritizing healthy habits each day. I'd love to hear from you!
Reading: The Mental Strength Playbook - loving the latest from psychotherapist Amy Morin (author of the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do series)
Making: Takeout-Style Sesame Noodles - a top rated weeknight family fave
Watching: This is a Gardening Show with Zach Galifianakis (Netflix) is weird and wonderful and I am learning a lot about agriculture
Clean Beauty Restock: PSA Credo runs an annual friends & family sale and I always use it as an excuse to restock a few staples — my Iris & Romeo hydrating face mist, RMS lip gloss, and Westman Atelier cream blush stick - all 20% off through May 3rd.
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I have always loved how real and non-performative you are, Shira, and this post illustrates that so well.
My one morning non-negotiable is a substantial protein-filled breakfast, eaten slowly while sitting down. It helps fuel my energy, regulate my blood sugar and nervous system, and center me for the day.
I only have a couple minutes in the morning before getting kids ready for school…so I drink a pint of water and I take my dog out and turn my face to the sun for five minutes. It’s a tiny thing but makes a huge difference! I also don’t check my phone until after school drop off and walking my dog. The longer I can put it off, the better!