Calming Morning Routine: 10 Steps for a Great Start of the Day
Mornings can set the tone for the entire day. If you want to feel calm, happy, and ready to handle anything, having a relaxing morning routine is key. In this article, I’ll share 10 easy steps to help you feel amazing in the morning. We’ll also talk about how this can help with anxiety and what a low-dopamine morning routine looks like.
10 Steps for a Calming Morning Routine:
1. Wake Up Gently
Instead of waking up to a loud, annoying alarm, use a soft sound or something peaceful, like birds chirping. If you can, get a sunrise alarm clock that mimics the sunrise to help you wake up naturally.
Try waking up a little earlier so you’re not rushed. This extra time gives you space to start your day calmly, without feeling stressed or in a hurry.
2. Drink Water First Thing
When you wake up, your body is thirsty. Start your day by drinking a big glass of water to rehydrate. If you want, you can add some lemon for a fresh, zesty taste. Staying hydrated first thing will help wake you up and make you feel good all morning.
3. Take a Few Deep Breaths or Meditate
A few deep breaths can do wonders for your mood. Close your eyes, breathe in slowly, hold it for a moment, and breathe out. Doing this for just a minute can calm your mind.
If you like, you can try meditating for 5-10 minutes. Apps like Calm or Headspace are great, or you can just sit quietly and focus on your breathing. This helps clear your mind and gets rid of stress.
4. Stretch or Do Easy Yoga
Stretching in the morning feels amazing. It wakes up your body, relaxes tight muscles, and gets your blood flowing. You don’t need a long workout—just a few stretches or gentle yoga moves will do the trick.
Some good stretches include:
Child’s pose
Cat-cow stretch
Forward fold
If you enjoy yoga, you can follow a quick YouTube video or even just move your body in a way that feels good.
5. Refresh Your Face with Skincare
Start your skincare routine by washing your face with cool water. Then, grab your gua sha tool (if you have one!) to give yourself a relaxing face massage. This helps reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and feels super luxurious.
Finish with moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin. You could even use a facemask once or twice a week for an extra treat!
6. Make a Warm, Comforting Drink
There’s something so calming about sipping a warm drink in the morning. Try a cup of matcha tea, herbal tea, or even a creamy latte. If you’re feeling fancy, add some cinnamon or froth some milk for a cozy touch.
Take a few minutes to enjoy your drink without rushing—this can feel like a little moment of self-care.
7. Write in a Journal
Writing in a journal is such a peaceful way to start the day. You can write down your thoughts, a few things you’re grateful for, or even a list of things you’d like to get done that day.
If you’re stuck, here are some easy prompts:
“What are 3 things I’m thankful for today?”
“How do I want to feel today?”
“What’s one small thing I can do to make my day better?”
Journaling helps you feel clear, focused, and ready for the day ahead.
8. Set a Relaxing Atmosphere
Your environment matters! Create a calm and cozy space in the morning. Light a candle, turn on a diffuser with essential oils (like lavender or vanilla), or open a window for some fresh air.
Soft, soothing music or a relaxing playlist can also help set the tone for a peaceful morning.
9. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast fuels your body and mind. Skip the sugary cereals and opt for something balanced, like:
Avocado toast with eggs
A smoothie with fruits, spinach, and protein powder
Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries
Eating something healthy will keep you full, energized, and ready to focus throughout the day.
10. Plan Your Day Calmly
Before jumping into your tasks, take a moment to organize your day. Write down your top 3-5 priorities instead of overwhelming yourself with a long to-do list.
This helps you feel more in control and less stressed about the day ahead. Keep it simple and realistic!
What Is the Best Morning Routine for Anxiety?
If you have anxiety, mornings can feel extra overwhelming. The best morning routine for anxiety is one that’s slow, soothing, and mindful. Here’s a great example:
Start with deep breathing to calm your mind and body.
Avoid your phone or social media right after waking up. Scrolling can overstimulate you and make you feel anxious.
Move your body gently, like with yoga, stretching, or a short walk. Exercise can help reduce anxious feelings.
Do something calming, like journaling, meditation, or sipping on a warm drink.
Create a peaceful space, with soft lighting, music, or scents that make you feel good.
Anxiety often comes from feeling rushed or overwhelmed. By keeping your mornings simple and intentional, you can set yourself up for a much calmer day.
What Is a Low-Dopamine Morning Routine?
A low-dopamine morning routine focuses on reducing overstimulation from things like phones, social media, or sugary foods. Instead, it encourages slow, intentional habits that don’t rely on instant gratification.
Here’s an example:
No phone for the first hour. Avoid checking notifications or scrolling, as it can flood your brain with dopamine and make you feel restless.
Practice mindfulness, like meditation, journaling, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts.
Move your body, but keep it gentle—think yoga or a morning walk.
Eat whole, nourishing foods like eggs, oatmeal, or a smoothie. Avoid sugary options that can spike your dopamine quickly.
Spend time on calming self-care, like using a gua sha tool, applying a facemask, or lighting a candle.
The goal is to enjoy slower, simpler habits that make you feel calm and grounded, rather than chasing quick bursts of excitement.
Your mornings don’t have to feel rushed or stressful. By following these 10 steps, you can create a calming morning routine that helps you feel refreshed, happy, and ready to take on the day. From sipping matcha tea to journaling your thoughts or using a gua sha tool, these small acts of self-care can make your mornings feel special.
If you deal with anxiety or overstimulation, remember to keep your routine simple. Focus on slow, mindful habits, and avoid things like scrolling through social media or multitasking.
The best part about a calming morning routine? It’s all about you. Start with just a few steps from this list, and soon, you’ll love how peaceful your mornings feel.
Did you like this article? Then you may also like to read about: Red light mask therapy: everything you need to know!
