We’ve all been there: the alarm goes off, but your cozy bed feels too good to leave. You hit snooze once (or maybe three times), and before you know it, you’re running behind, scrambling to get yourself—and maybe your kids—ready for the day. Mornings can feel like a mad dash, especially if you’re already dreading what lies ahead. But what if your mornings could feel a little smoother, a little more intentional, and way less stressful?
Enter the morning routine. It seems like everyone is talking about it these days—Instagram influencers, productivity gurus, even your favorite bloggers. But do you really need a morning routine? And how do you even get yourself out of bed when it feels impossible?
In this post, we’ll break down why a morning routine might be the secret to a more productive and peaceful day, and I’ll share some practical tips to help you get out of bed even when you’d rather not. Plus, we’ll talk about how to customize your routine so it works for you, not the other way around.
Why a Morning Routine Matters
First things first—what’s the big deal about having a morning routine? Why does it seem like people with routines have it all together while the rest of us are rushing through the door with mismatched socks and coffee stains?
A morning routine is important because it sets the tone for the entire day. When you start your morning with intention, you’re more likely to feel in control, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. You know those mornings when everything goes wrong—spilled coffee, lost keys, tantrums from the kids—and it just spirals from there? A solid morning routine can help prevent those chaotic starts, giving you a smoother, more organized beginning to your day.
The benefits of a morning routine include:
- Increased productivity: Starting your day with clear priorities helps you stay on track and get more done.
- Reduced stress: When you have a plan for your morning, you’re less likely to feel frazzled or rushed.
- Better mental clarity: A calm, structured morning can help you feel more centered and focused throughout the day.
- More time for yourself: A morning routine carves out moments for self-care, reflection, or just a few peaceful minutes with your coffee before the hustle begins.
But let’s be honest—knowing why a morning routine is helpful doesn’t make it any easier to get out of bed when all you want is five more minutes of sleep.
How to Get Out of Bed When You Don’t Feel Like It
Getting out of bed on those groggy, I-don’t-want-to-do-anything mornings can be tough. But the key is finding little tricks that work for you, so that even when you don’t feel motivated, you can still get moving.
Here are some practical tips to help you get out of bed when you just don’t feel like it:
1. Don’t Hit Snooze (Seriously, Don’t)
This one is hard, but it’s so important. Hitting the snooze button may feel like you’re giving yourself extra time to rest, but in reality, those few extra minutes aren’t going to leave you feeling more refreshed. In fact, they often make you feel groggier. Why? Because your body is thrown into another sleep cycle that you’re not finishing.
Instead of hitting snooze, try putting your alarm across the room so you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. Once you’re up, it’s easier to stay up.
2. Create a Morning Playlist
Music is a great motivator! If you’re struggling to get up, create a playlist of your favorite feel-good songs. Something upbeat that makes you want to move can help shake off the sleepiness and put you in a better mood. Have your playlist ready to go the moment your alarm goes off, and let it energize you as you start your morning.
3. Let in the Light
Natural light is one of the best ways to signal to your body that it’s time to wake up. As soon as you get up, open the curtains or blinds to let in some sunlight. If you’re waking up before the sun rises, consider investing in a sunrise alarm clock that mimics the natural light of the morning. The light will help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and make getting out of bed easier.
4. Start Small with Micro-Habits
If the thought of jumping into a full-blown morning routine feels overwhelming, start small. You don’t have to do everything at once. Choose just one or two micro-habits to begin with—something that takes less than five minutes but gets you in the right mindset.
For example:
- Drink a glass of water: Hydrating first thing in the morning is great for your energy levels and metabolism.
- Stretch or do light movement: Even just a few minutes of gentle stretching or yoga can help wake up your body.
- Set your intention for the day: Take a moment to think about what you want to accomplish today or how you want to feel. It’s a quick mindset shift that sets the tone for the rest of your day.
As these small habits become second nature, you can build on them and add more to your routine.
5. Make It Enjoyable
Your morning routine should feel like something you want to do, not another chore. If it feels too rigid or boring, you’re less likely to stick with it. So, think about what would make your mornings more enjoyable.
- Love coffee? Make a ritual out of it. Brew a cup and take a few minutes to savor it before the chaos of the day starts.
- Love reading? Set aside 10 minutes to read something that inspires or relaxes you before you jump into your to-do list.
- Love being outdoors? Take a quick morning walk to get some fresh air and clear your mind.
The point is to make your routine something that feels good and benefits you. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just has to work for you.
How to Build a Morning Routine That Works for You
Now that we’ve talked about getting out of bed, let’s focus on building a morning routine that feels doable and sustainable. The key to a good routine is customization—it should be flexible enough to work with your life, not against it.
1. Plan Ahead
A successful morning routine starts the night before. Lay out your clothes, pack lunches, and do any prep work that will make your morning easier. The less you have to think about in the morning, the smoother things will go.
2. Focus on the Essentials
You don’t need to have a five-step skincare routine, an hour of meditation, and a workout before 7 a.m. Your morning routine can be as simple or as elaborate as you need it to be. Start by identifying the essentials—what will make your morning feel productive and set you up for a good day?
This could be as simple as:
- Drinking water
- Writing a quick to-do list
- Getting dressed and out the door on time
Once you have the essentials down, you can add in other things that feel good, like exercise or journaling.
3. Be Consistent but Flexible
Consistency is key when building a morning routine, but it’s also important to give yourself grace. Some mornings won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. If you sleep in one day or skip a part of your routine, don’t beat yourself up. Just start fresh the next day.
Final Thoughts: Is a Morning Routine Really Necessary?
So, do you really need a morning routine? The answer depends on your goals. If you want to start your day with more focus, less stress, and a greater sense of control, a morning routine is definitely worth considering. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—just something that helps you feel your best.
And remember, even if you’re not a morning person, you can still create a routine that works for you. Start small, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the benefits of a calmer, more intentional morning. Happy mornings start with happy habits—so go ahead and hit that reset button!