Not every morning is calm, and that’s okay. Some days, I wake up ready to go. Other days, I need a little more care and intention to ease into the day.
What’s helped me most isn’t chasing a perfect morning—it’s building a gentle morning routine made up of practices I can return to when I want to feel grounded and energized. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about knowing what helps, and giving myself space to choose what fits today.
🌿 Gentle Morning Practices
These are the real habits I lean on—flexible, calming, and energizing when I need them most.
🌿 Start with Hydration + Daily Greens
Before coffee, I drink a tall glass of room temp water and mix in my daily greens. It’s a quick way to hydrate, support digestion, and get a variety of nutrients without overthinking it.
On rushed mornings, this is the one thing I try not to skip.
Pro tip: Keep your greens near your water bottle or coffee station so it becomes automatic.
🌿 Go for a Walk- Even Just a Quick One!
Morning movement clears my mind like nothing else. I aim for a 30 minute walk, but even 15-20 minutes can shift energy. If you live in a chillier climate like me, a walking pad or treadmill works too!
I usually pop in headphones and listen to something that fits my mood—a podcast, audiobook, or playlist. Some mornings, it’s science-based conversations. Other days, it’s early 2000s hip hop. There are no rules.
And if you have a dog, a morning walk outside is a win for both of you.
🌿 Use Under-Eye Masks or a Cold Water Splash
While sipping coffee and easing into the day, I use my fave under-eye masks. They’re cooling, hydrating, and help me feel more awake—especially after a restless night.
No eye masks? Splash your face with cold water. It’s simple but effective.
🌿 Quick Journaling (Just a Few Lines)
When my mind feels full, I grab my journal and check in with myself. This isn’t a full journaling session—it’s a few moments to reflect. Some days I spend 5 minutes here but on slow mornings I’ll spend 30 minutes jotting things down.
Here are a few quick prompts to try:
- How do I want to feel today?
- What’s one small thing I can do to support that feeling?
- What am I grateful for right now?
Even a couple lines can shift your perspective.
Pro tip: Throw on your favorite Zen music. I listen to solfeggio frequencies to promote relaxation and stress relief. This really allows me to be in the moment.
🌿 Breathwork Before the Day Starts
A few deep breaths can change everything. Sometimes I use a breathwork app (like the Wim Hof Method- not sponsored), but more often, I sit quietly and breathe with intention.
A few simple techniques to try:
- Box Breathing: Inhale 4 – Hold 4 – Exhale 4 – Hold 4
- 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale 4 – Hold 7 – Exhale 8
- Alternate Nostril Breathing: Great for balance and calming
No pressure. Just presence. Whatever you choose, just be safe and follow your Doctor’s orders 😉
🌿 Why a Gentle Morning Routine Works—Even When Life’s Busy
Here’s what I’ve learned:
✔️ You don’t need to do it all. One or two small actions can shift your day.
✔️ These habits are adaptable. They work whether you have 5 minutes or 30.
✔️ There’s no “perfect” morning. Just simple ways to reconnect and move forward with care.
Some mornings, I do it all—walk, journal, breathwork. Other days, it’s greens and affirmations before I run out the door. Either way, I’ve learned to meet myself where I am.
Don’t waste time beating yourself up. Life is short and we’re all here trying to power through as the best versions of ourselves. Take it easy on yourself.
Because showing up—gently, consistently, and without judgment—really does add up. Promise.
