If you often feel stressed, rushed, or flustered in the mornings, you might need to set a morning routine. Sticking to a routine can help you manage your time wisely so you can start having a good day from the moment you wake up. Once you find a routine that works for you, don’t be afraid to change it up if you need to!

Here are 13 tips to help you create the perfect morning routine.

Method 1
Method 1 of 13:
Set everything out that you need the night before.

Method 2
Method 2 of 13:
Go to sleep at a reasonable time.

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    Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. When you’re a teenager, you might be tempted to stay up later, but going to bed early will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed in the morning. Turn off your electronic devices about 30 minutes before you go to sleep to fall asleep faster.[2]
    • Sleeping is an essential part of brain development in teenagers. Unfortunately, research shows that many teens aren’t getting the sleep they need, which can negatively impact physical and emotional health.[3]
    • Try to avoid drinking caffeine in the evening times, since it can keep you awake.
    • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for an easier time falling asleep.

Method 3
Method 3 of 13:
Wake up around the same time every day.

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    It will be much easier to wake up if your body is used to it. Set your alarm for the same time every day and try to get out of bed as soon as possible. If you’re not used to waking up early, give yourself about 2 weeks to gradually set your alarm earlier and earlier each day.[4]
    • While it might sound tough, try to wake up around the same time on the weekends, too. You’ll set yourself up for a better time during the week if you don’t mess up your sleep schedule.
    • Eventually, you’ll start to naturally wake up on time. Don’t worry—it gets easier!
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Method 4
Method 4 of 13:
Try not to press snooze.

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    This will only get you out of bed late. If you do need a few minutes to wake up in the morning, set your alarm 15 to 30 minutes before you actually need to wake up. Try to give yourself enough time in the morning so you aren’t rushing to get ready.[5]
    • Avoiding the snooze button is much easier when you’ve gotten enough sleep. Really try to get at least 8 hours every night so you can get out of bed on time.
    • Pressing the snooze button also pulls you out of your deep sleep and can lower the quality of the sleep that you get over time.

Method 7
Method 7 of 13:
Apply moisturizer to hydrate and refresh your skin.

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    Cleansers can dry out your skin and make it itchy. After you wash your face, rub a thin layer of facial moisturizer all over. Pay special attention to areas on your skin that might feel dry or itchy, like around your eyes.[8]
    • Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizer is super important! Keeping your skin hydrated can actually help your skin produce less oil, leading to fewer breakouts.
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Method 11
Method 11 of 13:
Eat a healthy breakfast.

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    It’s the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it. If you aren’t feeling super hungry, try grabbing something light, like a banana or a piece of toast. Try eating oatmeal, yogurt, or fresh fruit to give yourself the boost you need for the day.[12]
    • Try a piece of fruit or some veggies and a tall glass of water.[13]
    • Even a granola bar will help wake you up and give you energy in the morning.
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Method 12
Method 12 of 13:
Get outdoors.

Method 13
Method 13 of 13:
Make adjustments to your routine if you need to.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How do I start my morning routine?
    Lucy Yeh
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You wake up! Seriously though, I'd recommend scraping your tongue and brushing your teeth first. You could have a tall glass of water before some coffee first if you want to wait on the dental hygiene.
  • Question
    What should I eat for breakfast?
    Lucy Yeh
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Go with healthy foods. Get some veggies, herbs, and greens in there along with whatever else you're eating. I think a piece of fruit is a great option if you're on the go!
  • Question
    What can I do with extra time in the morning?
    Lucy Yeh
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Make a to-do list or plan your day out. Sit down with your planner or calendar and map out how you're going to spend your day.

About This Article

Lucy Yeh
Co-authored by:
Career & Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Lucy Yeh and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance. This article has been viewed 396,712 times.
24 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 110
Updated: November 8, 2021
Views: 396,712
Categories: Morning Routines
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