10 Things You Can Do to Create a Calm and Stress-Free Morning Routine

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Let’s be real—mornings can feel like a battlefield. Your alarm is blaring, you’re scrambling to find a matching sock, and somehow, your coffee tastes like disappointment. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be this way.

As someone who struggles with anxiety, I’ve learned (the hard way) that how I start my morning completely affects my mood for the rest of the day. If my morning is rushed and chaotic, my brain spends the next 12 hours playing catch-up. But when I take the time to create a calm and intentional routine, I feel like I actually have my life together (even if it’s just an illusion).

So, if you’re ready to ditch the morning panic and start your day feeling calm, centered, and maybe even a little bit joyful, here are 10 things that can help.

1. Wake Up 15-30 Minutes Earlier (I Know, I Know...)

I can hear you groaning already, but hear me out. Nothing feels worse than rushing. Giving yourself just 15 to 30 extra minutes in the morning can make all the difference.

A gentle alarm clock like the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light can help you wake up gradually with soft light and nature sounds, instead of a blaring alarm that sends your soul into shock.

2. Keep Your Phone on Airplane Mode (Or Across the Room!)

Raise your hand if the first thing you do in the morning is doom-scroll through social media. Yeah, me too. But let’s be honest—nothing good ever comes from starting the day with emails, bad news, or someone’s unnecessary 3 AM Facebook rant.

Instead, try keeping your phone in another room and using a classic alarm clock to wake up. That way, you’re not tempted to check Instagram before your brain is even fully functional.

3. Breathe Like You’re at a Spa (Even If You’re in Sweatpants)

If you wake up with anxious thoughts already swirling, take a deep breath. And then another. And another. Deep breathing isn’t just for yoga instructors—it actually signals your nervous system to calm the heck down (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).

Consider using a guided meditation app or a calming essential oil diffuser like this Dynooper Aromatherapy Diffuser to help set a peaceful tone for your morning. I have one in my bedroom, and one in my office by the computer.

4. Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

I know, coffee is calling your name. But before you chug that liquid motivation, do your body a favor and drink a full glass of water.

A motivational water bottle can remind you to hydrate first thing in the morning. If you need an extra boost, add a splash of lemon juice or use a fruit infuser bottle to make it more enjoyable.

5. Move Your Body (Even If It’s Just a Wiggle)

Before you roll your eyes, I’m not saying you need to go for a 5 AM run. Just do some kind of movement—a quick stretch, a few yoga poses, or even dancing in your kitchen while waiting for your toast to pop up.

If you want something structured, try an at-home yoga session with a comfy, non-slip yoga mat. Your muscles (and your brain) will thank you.

6. Romanticize Your Skincare Routine

Instead of rushing through your morning skincare, treat it like a ritual. Light a candle, use your favorite products, and pretend you’re in a spa commercial.

If you don’t have a skincare routine, start simple:

• A hydrating cleanser like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (one of my favorites)

• A moisturizer with SPF like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF (no greasy feel!)

• A soothing jade roller like this one to depuff your face while sipping your morning tea.

7. Actually Eat Breakfast (No, Coffee Doesn’t Count)

If your idea of breakfast is grabbing a granola bar while running out the door, let’s upgrade that habit.

A nutritious breakfast can be quick and easy with a portable blender for smoothies, or a batch of overnight oats prepped in a set of mason jars.

8. Journal (Or Just Brain-Dump Your Thoughts)

If you wake up with 100 things racing through your mind, try writing them down.

A guided journal, like The Five Minute Journal, makes it easy to set intentions for the day and practice gratitude without spending too much time.

9. Play Peaceful Music (Or Enjoy the Silence)

The first sounds you hear in the morning matter. Instead of blasting chaotic TikToks, try soothing sounds with a white noise machine or a soft instrumental playlist. I use rain sounds at night, since I cannot sleep in silence, through a phone app called BetterSleep.

Music can totally shift your mood, so choose something that makes you feel calm and ready to take on the day.

10. Get to Bed at a Decent Hour (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Let’s be honest—the best morning routines start the night before. If you’re running on four hours of sleep, no amount of lemon water or meditation is going to fix that.

• Use a blue light-blocking sleep mask like this one

• Try sleep-inducing teas like Chamomile & Lavender Tea

• Use a weighted blanket to help ease anxiety and improve sleep quality (I sometimes use two at once).

Final Thoughts (From Your Big Sis Who Cares)

A calm morning doesn’t mean waking up at 5 AM and doing a 2-hour self-care ritual. It just means setting yourself up for success in small, manageable ways.

If you’re an anxious overthinker like me, having a predictable, peaceful routine can be a game-changer. It helps you start the day grounded, focused, and ready to handle whatever life throws at you.

So start small. Pick one or two things from this list and add them to your morning. You deserve a stress-free start to your day.

Now tell me—what’s one morning habit you swear by? Let’s chat in the comments!