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I'm Emily, and I'm a junior studying psychology at State University. You know what? I used to be the worst morning person ever. I mean, seriously, I would hit the snooze button five times, rush out of my dorm room with messy hair, and grab a granola bar for breakfast. But everything changed last year when I realized that my chaotic mornings were making my whole day feel scattered and stressful. Today, I want to share my morning routine with you, the one that completely transformed how I feel about mornings, and honestly, how I feel about life in general. If you're someone who struggles with mornings like I used to, or if you're just curious about creating a better start to your day, this is for you. I promise you don't need to wake up at 5am or become a fitness guru to make your mornings work for you. My routine is simple, realistic, and actually enjoyable. Yes, I said enjoyable. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and let me walk you through exactly how I start each day. My day officially starts at 6, 30am, but here's the thing, I don't use a harsh, jarring, alarm anymore. Instead, I use a sunrise alarm clock that gradually brightens my room over 30 minutes. It's like having your own personal sunrise right on your nightstand. The light slowly wakes me up naturally, so I don't feel that awful shock of being jolted awake by a loud beeping sound. When the light reaches its full brightness, soft nature sounds begin to play, usually birds chirping or gentle rain sounds. I know it might sound a bit fancy, but this alarm clock was honestly one of the best investments I've ever made. It cost me about $40, and it has completely changed how I feel when I wake up. The first thing I do when I open my eyes is take three deep breaths. I learned this from a mindfulness app, and it helps me transition from sleep to wakefulness in a calm way. I stretch my arms above my head, point my toes, and just take a moment to appreciate that I'm alive and healthy. It sounds simple, but this tiny moment of gratitude sets a positive tone for everything that follows. I don't check my phone immediately, and this was probably the hardest habit to break. For months, the first thing I did was grab my phone and scroll through social media or check my messages. But I realized that starting my day with other people's problems, news, or social media comparison was making me feel anxious before I even got out of bed. Now, my phone stays on silent and face down on my dresser until after breakfast. The next 15 minutes are all about getting my body moving and hydrated. I keep a large water bottle next to my bed, and I drink about 16 ounces of water as soon as I sit up. I know it might seem like a lot, but your body gets dehydrated during sleep, and drinking water first thing helps kickstart your metabolism and makes you feel more alert. After drinking water, I do some light stretching right there in my bed. Nothing crazy, just some gentle neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and leg stretches. Sometimes I'll do a few yoga poses if I'm feeling up to it. The goal isn't to have an intense workout. It's just to wake up my muscles and get my blood flowing. Then I make my bed. I used to think this was pointless. Why make your bed if you're just going to sleep in it again that night? But making my bed gives me an immediate sense of accomplishment. It's like completing my first task of the day, and it makes my room look neat and organized. Plus, there's something really nice about coming home to a made bed at the end of a long day. While I'm making my bed, I open my curtains wide to let in as much natural light as possible. Light is incredibly important for regulating your body's internal clock, and getting bright light in the morning helps you feel more awake and improves your sleep quality at night. Even on cloudy days, natural light is much brighter than indoor lighting. Now it's time for my personal care routine, and I've learned that taking care of myself in the morning isn't vanity, it's self-respect. I head to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face. The cold water helps me feel more alert and reduces any puffiness around my eyes. I brush my teeth thoroughly, and I mean really thoroughly. I used to rush through this, but my dentist told me that taking two full minutes to brush your teeth can prevent so many problems later. So I use this time to think about my day ahead, or sometimes I'll listen to a short podcast episode. My skincare routine is simple but consistent. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, apply moisturizer with SPF, and use lip balm. Even if I'm not wearing makeup that day, I always use sunscreen. Taking care of my skin makes me feel put together and confident. Getting dressed is where I have some fun. I lay out my clothes the night before, so I don't have to make decisions when I'm still waking up. But I always check the weather in the morning and make adjustments if needed. I choose clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident, nothing too tight or uncomfortable because I want to feel good in my body all day long. I also take a moment to look in the mirror and give myself a genuine compliment. It might sound silly, but starting the day with self-kindness instead of self-criticism has made such a big difference in my confidence and mood. Breakfast used to be whatever I could grab on my way out the door, usually something processed and full of sugar. But I've learned that what you eat in the morning really affects your energy levels and concentration throughout the day. My go-to breakfast is simple but satisfying. Oatmeal with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey. I prepare at the night before as overnight oats, so it's ready to go in the morning. The combination of complex carbohydrates, protein from the nuts, and natural sugars from the fruit gives me steady energy without a crash later. While I eat, I practice mindful eating. Instead of scrolling through my phone or watching TV, I focus on the taste, texture, and smell of my food. This helps me eat more slowly, digest better, and actually enjoy my meal. It also gives my brain time to register that I'm full, so I don't overeat. I always pair my breakfast with a large glass of water and sometimes a cup of green tea. I used to drink coffee first thing in the morning, but I learned that having caffeine on an empty stomach can make you jittery and anxious. Eating it with or after food works much better for me. During breakfast, I also review my schedule for the day. I look at my planner and mentally prepare for my classes, study sessions, and any other commitments. This helps me feel organized and ready rather than surprised by what's coming up. The last part of my morning routine is probably the most important, even though it only takes 10 minutes. I sit in my comfortable chair by the window with my journal and practice a few minutes of mindfulness. I start with five minutes of meditation. I use a simple breathing technique. I breathe in for four counts, hold it for four counts, and breathe out for four counts. I focus on my breath and try to let go of any worries or to-do lists that pop into my mind. Sometimes my mind wanders, and that's totally okay. The goal isn't to empty my mind completely. It's just to create a few moments of calm and peace. After meditation, I write in my gratitude journal. I list three things I'm grateful for. They can be big things like my health and family, or small things like the sunshine coming through my window, or the delicious breakfast I just ate. Gratitude practice has been scientifically proven to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall life satisfaction. Finally, I set my intention for the day. This isn't a long-to-do list. It's more like choosing how I want to show up in the world. Maybe my intention is to be patient with myself and others, or to approach challenges with curiosity instead of frustration, or simply to notice beautiful moments throughout the day. I write my intention on a small piece of paper and put it in my pocket. Having this physical reminder helps me stay connected to my values and goals throughout the day, especially when things get stressful or overwhelming. By 8.00am, I'm completely ready for my day. I've nourished my body, calmed my mind, and set clear intentions. I feel energized but not rushed, prepared but not anxious. I grab my backpack, check that I have everything I need, and head out into the world feeling confident and positive. The beautiful thing about this routine is that it's become so automatic that I don't have to think about it anymore. It just flows naturally from one step to the next, and even when I have early morning classes or unusual schedules, I can adapt it. The key principles remain the same. Wake up gently, move your body, nourish yourself, and take a few moments for mindfulness. I want to be honest with you, creating this routine didn't happen overnight. It took me about three months to build these habits, and there were definitely mornings when I didn't follow through perfectly. But the changes I've experienced have been incredible. First, my energy levels throughout the day are so much more stable. I don't have that afternoon crash anymore, and I can focus better during my classes and study sessions. My professors have even commented on my improved participation and attention in class. Second, my stress levels have decreased significantly. Starting the day with calm intention instead of chaos means that I handle unexpected challenges much better. When something goes wrong, like a canceled class or a difficult assignment, I don't immediately feel overwhelmed. I have this foundation of peace that helps me respond rather than react. Third, my relationships have improved. When you feel good about yourself and start your day with gratitude and positive intention, it's so much easier to be kind and patient with others. My roommates, friends and family have all noticed that I'm more pleasant to be around, especially in the mornings. Finally, my overall sense of well-being and life satisfaction has increased. Having a morning routine gives me a sense of control and purpose. Even on difficult days, I know that I've already accomplished something positive by taking care of myself in the morning. Now, I know that my exact routine might not work for everyone. We all have different schedules, living situations and preferences. But here are some principles that can help you create your own morning routine. Start small. Don't try to completely overhaul your mornings all at once. Pick one or two elements that appeal to you and focus on those first. Maybe it's just drinking a glass of water when you wake up or taking three deep breaths before getting out of bed. Be consistent, but also be flexible. Try to do your routine at the same time each day, but don't abandon it completely if you have an unusual schedule. Adapt it to fit your circumstances rather than giving up entirely. Focus on how you want to feel, not just what you want to do. My routine is designed to make me feel calm, energized and positive. Think about how you want to feel at the start of your day and choose activities that create those feelings. Prepare the night before. Laying out clothes, preparing breakfast, and setting up your alarm clock the night before eliminates decision-making in the morning when your brain isn't fully awake yet. Listen to your body and preferences. If you're truly not a morning person, don't force yourself to wake up at 5 a.m. Work with your natural rhythms rather than against them. Creating a morning routine has been one of the best gifts I've ever given myself. It's a daily reminder that I'm worth taking care of that my day matters, and that I have the power to choose how I want to experience life. Your morning routine doesn't have to look like mine. Maybe you prefer to exercise first thing, or maybe you love having an elaborate breakfast, or maybe you need absolute quiet to start your day. The important thing is that it serves you and helps you feel your best. I encourage you to experiment and find what works for you. Pay attention to how different activities make you feel, and be willing to adjust your routine as your life changes. What works for you now might not work forever, and that's perfectly okay. Remember, the goal isn't to have a perfect morning every single day. The goal is to create a foundation of self-care and intention that supports you in living the life you want to live. Some mornings will be better than others, and that's completely normal and human. Thank you for letting me share my morning routine with you. I hope you found something useful here, whether it's a specific activity you want to try, or just the inspiration to be more intentional about how you start your day. What's one small change you could make to your morning routine starting tomorrow? I'd love to hear about your own morning experiences and what works for you. Remember, you have the power to make each morning a fresh start and a new opportunity to take care of yourself. Have a wonderful day, and here's to many beautiful mornings ahead.

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