How to start your day in a better way? (10 Simple Steps)

Another early morning. I drag myself out of bed. I stumble through the shower and into some clothes. I sit down for breakfast, maybe some toast and coffee. I glance at the news.

Waking up isn’t always easy. I feel tired and not great. Hitting the snooze button feels like a good idea. What can I do?

Well, I know a few ways to improve mornings. You probably already do one or two of these things. If so, try the others. See if they help you start your day in a better way.

1. Wake up a little earlier than you need to

I used to hit snooze over and over again until I was almost late. That small choice made my whole morning feel rushed and chaotic. So, I started waking up just 20–30 minutes earlier. That quiet time in the morning feels like a gift now. I don’t have to rush through breakfast or feel irritated while getting ready. I can sit for a moment, stretch, and plan my day calmly. It’s amazing how such a small change helps me feel more in control and less anxious.

2. Don’t reach for your phone right away

For a long time, my habit was to grab my phone as soon as I opened my eyes. I’d scroll through social media, read upsetting news, and suddenly feel behind before even leaving my bed. One morning, I decided to leave my phone on the table and just breathe for a few minutes. That simple pause gave me space to start my morning on my terms. Now, I wait at least 15–20 minutes before checking messages or notifications. It helps me feel more present and peaceful instead of distracted or overwhelmed.

3. Drink water before anything else

I didn’t think much about this at first, but I read that your body gets dehydrated overnight, so it needs water in the morning. I tried it, and I noticed that drinking a glass of water before coffee actually wakes me up faster. My head feels clearer, and my body feels less sluggish. It’s such a small habit, but I really notice when I forget. Now, the first thing I do when I walk into the kitchen is drink water. It’s a small way to care for yourself right from the start.

4. Move your body, even a little

I used to tell myself I didn’t have time to exercise in the morning. But one day, I tried just five minutes of stretching, and it completely changed my mood. I didn’t need a full workout; even just moving a little helped me feel more awake and less stiff. Sometimes I’ll take a short walk outside or do a few yoga poses. On busy mornings, I just stretch my arms and legs before I shower. Those small movements make me feel more alive and ready to face the day.

5. Eat something that makes you feel good

I’m not a big breakfast person, but skipping it made me tired and cranky halfway through the morning. I experimented with light breakfasts like fruit, toast, or eggs, and it made such a difference. Having something in my stomach helps me focus better and keeps my energy up. I try not to overthink it; even a banana and some peanut butter can be enough. The key is to pick something you enjoy that also gives you energy, instead of grabbing junk food or skipping it altogether.

6. Take a moment to plan your day

There were mornings when I would jump right into work without any plan, and by noon, I’d already feel lost. So, I started taking five minutes to look at my calendar and write down what I wanted to get done that day. It doesn’t have to be a long to-do list—just two or three priorities are enough. Knowing what’s most important helps me feel less scattered and more focused. I don’t feel like the day is just happening to me; I feel like I’m choosing how to spend it.

7. Give yourself a quiet moment before the noise begins

Some mornings are noisy and busy, especially if you have a family or a hectic job. That’s why I started creating a quiet moment for myself, even if it’s just sitting with my coffee and looking out the window for a few minutes. No phone, no TV, no talking—just quiet. Those few moments feel like mine alone before the demands of the day take over. It helps me feel more grounded and less reactive when things inevitably get busy later on.

8. Choose one thing to look forward to

There were times when I dreaded getting out of bed because my day felt like an endless list of chores. One thing that helped was picking something small to look forward to each morning. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing I’ll listen to my favorite podcast on the way to work or that I’ll treat myself to a good cup of tea later. It doesn’t have to be big, just something that makes you smile. Having even a small joy in mind makes it easier to start the day.

9. Step outside, even for a minute

I didn’t realize how much fresh air and sunlight could change my mood until I started stepping outside in the morning. Even if it’s just standing on the porch or balcony for a minute, feeling the air and seeing the sky wakes me up in a way no cup of coffee ever could. It reminds me that the world is bigger than my little worries. On nice days, I’ll take a short walk, but even cloudy mornings feel better when I step outside for a moment.

10. Be kind to yourself if it’s not a perfect morning

There are still mornings when nothing goes according to plan—when I sleep late, spill coffee, or forget to plan my day. I used to let those mornings ruin everything, but I’ve learned to just start over. Being kind to myself instead of beating myself up has made mornings feel less stressful. Some days are smoother than others, and that’s okay. What matters is trying again tomorrow.

One last thought…

Each of these steps has helped me figure out how to start your day in a better way. I don’t do all of them perfectly every single morning, but even small changes have made a big difference. I hope you’ll try a few of these and see what works for you.

Starting your day with care and intention doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. It’s about making small choices that help you feel calm, present, and ready for whatever comes next. And if one morning doesn’t go the way you hoped, just take a deep breath and remember—you get another chance tomorrow.