The simple things I do in the morning before I sit on my desk and start working 😉

Mornings can set the tone. A subtle yet powerful nudge toward a productive, balanced day. Yet, let’s face it, mornings aren’t always smooth sailing. Between the early alarm, a groggy mind, and the scramble to get everything in order, it’s easy to feel one step behind before the day even starts. For many, mornings feel like a rushed routine of necessity, not a moment to breathe, recharge, or find focus.

In the following sections, you’ll find five straightforward morning routines I try to do that don’t require any complicated steps or extra time—just a little attention and a few moments to make the morning yours. Because sometimes, a good morning isn’t about the number of tasks checked off.

1. Mindful Wake-Up and Gratitude Practice

For those who don’t exactly spring out of bed feeling like a beacon of calm 🙋‍♀️, a mindful wake-up might sound like a stretch. Not everyone starts the day ready to channel inner peace; some of us are just grateful to find our way to the coffee maker ☕. But integrating a few quiet moments upon waking—before checking your phone screen or jumping into the day’s to-do list—can make a surprising difference.

The first step? Set an alarm ⏰that won’t jolt you awake. Try something gentle- I set my alarm to forest melody (Huawei ringtone)—rather than harsh rooster calls or blaring sirens that only add stress. A soothing sound can help you ease into wakefulness naturally, making it less tempting to hit snooze. (Let’s be honest: the snooze button doesn’t actually make mornings any easier.) Some studies even say that hitting the snooze too often can indicate a more pressing matter- sleep deprivation. With a soft start and a bit of intention, it’s easier to greet the day with a calm mind instead of a rushed one. And please try to avoid setting up too many alarms; it won’t do your brain any good, and it also would inadvertently wake up your roommate (ehem, ehem Mr. Gonzales 😴😴😴)

Next, take a few deep breaths, stretching as you slowly wake up. Think of one or two things you’re genuinely grateful for—it doesn’t have to be a long list. Even something small, like the comfort of your bed or the promise of a new day, can set a positive tone. This morning, for instance, a smile crept in because it’s payday! But honestly, it’s more than that—I’m thankful for a job that keeps the bills paid, and that’s something worth appreciating.

2. Movement and Hydration

After easing into the morning, it’s time to wake up the body. A bit of movement early on gets the blood flowing and helps lift energy levels for the day ahead. For some, this might mean stretches or a short yoga. But for me with limited mobility, movement might be as simple as heading to the kitchen to start the coffee or check if there are dishes to be washed or floors that need a quick sweep. Even small actions like these get the body moving, making a difference in how you feel.

Don’t skip hydration. After a night’s rest, the body needs a little “refresh. ” A glass or 2 of water can shake off that foggy feeling. I fill my 2-liter water jug each morning and set an hourly water alarm to keep hydration in check. This ensures steady hydration throughout the day.

3. Intentional Planning and Positive Affirmations

With the body awake and refreshed, it’s time to set the mind up for the day ahead. Intentional planning really helps, especially when things get busy. This is about setting a few clear goals or intentions. Think about what needs to get done and what would make the day meaningful.

Along with planning, adding positive affirmations can be a powerful tool. Think of affirmations as little reminders to keep yourself grounded, confident, and focused, no matter what comes up. They don’t need to be complicated—something as simple as “I’m capable of handling whatever comes my way” or “Today, I’ll focus on progress, not perfection” can be enough. For a personal touch, choose affirmations that feel authentic and uplifting.

(CTTO: image downloaded from the web)

4. The Essential Coffee Ritual

Ah, coffee—the morning magic that pulls us from groggy to go-getter. I used to indulge in 2-3 cups of Kopiko Brown daily, savoring the taste and loving the extra energy it gave me.

However, after seeing the spike in my blood sugar on my last lab tests, I decided it was time to switch things up. Now, I blend two sachets of black instant coffee with a touch of Splenda and non-dairy creamer—my new, guilt-free brew! I’ll sip on two cups of that in the morning, and if I’m willing to take the extra steps I’ll make an Americano using the Espresso machine, but most of the time, I don’t want to 🤣🤣 Yes, I’m lazy like that, lol.

5. Praying the Rosary

Praying the Rosary is a tradition deeply rooted in my faith and family. As a Catholic, my parents instilled this prayer in us from a young age, making it a comforting and familiar part of life. I was nearly named Rosario since I was born on October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. I know not everyone believes in prayer, and atheism seems to be on the rise, but I personally find solace in the idea that Mama Mary is always watching over us. To me, she’s a protector from negative influences and a source of strength. Starting my day with the Rosary keeps me grounded and reminds me of the blessings surrounding me, even in life’s challenges.

Take Away

Incorporating these simple routines has transformed my mornings, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. Life may be hectic, but a few intentional moments can make all the difference.