The Best Ways to Start Your Day

Mornings can sometimes be rough for some if not most of us. Regardless of whether you’re an early riser or someone who repeatedly hits the snooze button, how you start your day off can really shape how the rest of it goes.  

Now, of course we’re not saying you’ve got to leap out of bed like a motivational speaker on their third shot of espresso — but a few little tweaks can seriously make mornings feel less intimidating and a lot more bearable. So here’s a realistic little list on the best ways to start your day. 

1. Don’t reach for your phone first thing 

We’re all guilty of it — the alarm goes off on your phone, and suddenly you realise it’s been twenty minutes of scrolling through mindless social media. Not exactly the best way to start the day. Try leaving your phone on the other side of the room to help break the cycle of doing this first thing, or better yet, buy yourself a proper alarm clock. 

Allow yourself ten minutes to wake up without the digital world taking over. Your brain will definitely thank you. Plus, you won’t start the day by doom-scrolling through stressful news that’ll put you in a worse mood before you’ve even had your morning coffee. 

2. Drink some water 

Before you reach for that much needed coffee, drink a glass of water. You’ve been asleep all night, leaving your body feeling pretty dehydrated by morning. The burst of hydration helps your brain wake up, kickstart digestion, and gives your skin a bit of life. 

Try leaving a glass or bottle of water next to your bed at night to encourage yourself to do this. That way, it’s there ready to go in the morning and you don’t have to stumble to the kitchen bleary eyed and half-asleep. 

3. Let the light In 

If you’ve got blackout curtains, make sure to open them up as soon as you’re awake and out of bed. Natural light helps to regulate your body clock and makes you feel more awake. If you’re up before the sun in the winter, consider investing in a daylight alarm clock. They're a bit of a game-changer for those who struggle getting up— they’re designed to wake you up gradually with light rather than an aggressive beep. 

4. Move a little 

Now, I’m not saying you have to do a full 45-minute HIIT session at 6am — unless you’re one of those mystical gym-at-dawn people, then go for it.  

A few gentle stretches, some yoga, or even a walk around the block if you’ve got time will work wonders. It gets the blood flowing, helps to clear your head, and gives you a little win by feeling like you’ve done something productive before the day’s even begun. 

5. Make time for breakfast  

We’ve all heard it a thousand times, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. That is true but it doesn’t mean it has to be an Instagram-worthy spread of smashed avo and chia seeds. You just need to eat something to get you going. 

A banana, a slice of toast with peanut butter, overnight oats, or even just a handful of nuts and a cuppa. Giving your body some fuel makes a big difference, especially if you find yourself feeling those mid-morning hunger pangs. 

If you’re always in a rush, try being organised and prepping something the night before — overnight oats or breakfast muffins are great options for something you can just grab and go, no thought involved. Keep some emergency cereal bars in your bag for those days where time gets away from you. 

6. Have a bit of quiet time  

This one’s a bit more on the mindful side, but it’s worth it. Take five minutes in the morning just for you. You could try things like journaling, meditating, just sitting and enjoying a cup of tea while staring out the window — whatever works and makes you feel good. 

If your mornings are usually chaotic, it might mean getting up just ten minutes earlier to find that bit of calm before you have to go about your day. It’s not about having to feel super zen, it’s just about giving your brain a minute to relax and get working before you jump into the day. 

7. Plan out your day (roughly) 

You don’t need to create a minute-by-minute itinerary, but having a general idea of what’s on the cards for the day can help you feel more in control. 

Jot down your top 3 priorities for the day, any appointments, or even just one thing you want to get done. It might be work stuff, personal errands, or to finish putting the laundry away. Ticking stuff off a list feels good, no matter how small it may seem, it all counts. 

8. Play some music or a podcast 

If you can’t stand the silence, pop on a specially curated morning playlist or a chilled podcast to make you feel good while you get ready. It helps set the tone. Choose something upbeat if you need a mental boost, or choose something mellow if you’re easing yourself in gently. 

Try to avoid any intense news podcasts first thing unless you’re feeling brave — stick to something that you know will make you feel positive.  

9. Dress for the day you want (even if you’re WFH) 

Even if you’re not leaving the house, getting dressed properly can switch your brain into “right, let’s do this” mode. You don’t have to get dressed up to the nines or wear jeans if you hate them. Just make sure to change out of your PJs — even if it’s just into comfier loungewear or a nice hoodie. 

Put on something that makes you feel like a functioning human ready to go about their day.  

10. Give yourself a moment of gratitude (cheesy, but it works) 

This might feel a little strange at first but starting your day with a tiny bit of gratitude can really help shift your mindset almost subconsciously. Just think of one thing you’re looking forward to, or something you’re thankful for — even if it’s as simple as “the weather looks nice” or “I’m looking forward to lunch today.” 

It sets a positive tone and reminds you that life’s not all bad — even if the train’s delayed and your inbox is overflowing. It’s the little things that are often the most important.  

The best ways to start your day: final thoughts 

There’s no perfect morning routine, and not every day is bound to start off smoothly. Some mornings are just about making it through, and that’s totally fine. Gradually building in even one or two of these habits can make a huge difference over time to your outlook. It’s about prioritising a bit of space for yourself before the madness of the day begins. 

Start small, figure out what brings you joy and fits with your routine. Don’t beat yourself up if it all goes out the window sometimes. We’re all just doing our best, one blurry-eyed morning at a time.