What's Your Morning Look Like?
Let’s be honest — not everyone wakes up ready to seize the day. Some of us wake up and need a full minute to remember what day it is, where the coffee is, and why the alarm hates us. But the truth is, how you start your morning really does set the tone for everything that follows. And creating a calm morning routine doesn’t have to mean waking up at 5 a.m. and journaling by candlelight. It can be simple, flexible, and completely yours. Below are a few ways to make mornings feel less like chaos and more like quiet confidence — even if you’re not naturally a morning person.
Start the Night Before
The calmest mornings start long before the alarm goes off. Think of it as doing your future self a favor.
A few small things make a big difference: laying out clothes, tidying your space, prepping your coffee, or even just writing a quick note to remind yourself of tomorrow’s priorities. You don’t have to Marie Kondo your entire life — just reduce the number of tiny decisions you’ll face when you’re half asleep.
I make sure to fill my room with a scent like lavender or Just breathe in my Scentsy Warmer, so that it helps me clear my mind and give me a sense of calm.
Wake Up Slowly (and Kindly)
No more jolting awake to blaring alarms. Pick something soft — a gentle chime, a favorite playlist, or even birdsong if that’s your thing.
Give yourself a few minutes to come back to the world. Sit up, stretch, sip some water, and just breathe before the phone scroll or to-do list hits. This isn’t wasted time — it’s resetting your nervous system before the day even begins.
Let’s Talk about Scents to help you wake up in the morning – Fresh and Clean!
Sunkissed Citrus is my go to for a blast of Sunshine! But anything that makes you feel you can conquer the world is what you should use.
Creating a calm environment makes mornings feel less rushed, even when you’re on a schedule. Open the blinds to let in natural light, or switch on a soft lamp while you get ready.
Add gentle music or a favorite podcast — something that makes you feel centered, not stressed. And of course, scent ties it all together and don’t need a 12-step system or an hour of meditation to start your day with intention. A calm morning routine can be five or ten minutes if that’s all you have.
Think about what really helps you feel grounded. Maybe it’s washing your face and putting on moisturizer. Maybe it’s journaling one sentence or sitting quietly with your coffee. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Tip: Choose one small area in your home that’s reserved for calm energy — even if it’s just a corner of your kitchen counter or a chair by the window. That’s your morning space.
Keep it clutter-free and stocked with whatever helps you start your day — a candle, a notebook, or that diffuser you love. Over time, your brain will start to associate that spot with calm energy, making it easier to slip into your morning rhythm.
And just like I’m sure all of our mom’s told us as we were growing up – Eat Breakfast!
But a calm morning routine doesn’t mean you have to eat perfectly, but having an easy go-to breakfast helps eliminate one more decision. Overnight oats, smoothies, or a breakfast sandwich you can heat up in 30 seconds — keep it simple and consistent. If you share your mornings with family or roommates, try giving everyone their own small job — like starting the coffee or feeding the pets — to keep things moving without overwhelm.
Sometimes engaging your senses in ways that tell your body, “Hey, we’re doing okay.” help!
Sight: Keep the lighting soft and warm.
Sound: Play something calm instead of checking notifications right away.
Smell: Use fragrance to boost your mood or energy — citrus for alertness, vanilla for comfort, mint for focus.
Touch: Wrap up in a cozy robe or blanket while sipping your coffee.
Little things and building small habits add up. This is what turns a morning routine into a moment you actually look forward to.
All this to say – Give yourself Grace.
Real talk — some mornings will still be messy. You’ll oversleep, spill your just purchased Starbucks coffee, or have a kid meltdown before 8 a.m. That’s life. The point of a calm morning routine isn’t perfection; it’s creating enough structure that even on bad days, you still feel grounded.
Remember, this routine is for you — not Instagram. I think we all forget how imperfect we all are, and that’s okay. Start small, be flexible, and adjust it as your life changes. Building a calm morning routine isn’t about following strict steps — it’s about finding tiny habits that help you feel more like yourself before the day rushes in.
Start tonight. Prep your space, choose your scent, set out your mug, and decide you’re going to start your day with intention tomorrow.
