How to Get Motivated in the Morning (25 Easy Ways!)

Be honest: how many times have you hit the snooze button this week? If you’re like most people, probably more than you’d like to admit. And I get it—mornings can be tough, can’t they?

We all have our fair share of days where we just want to hide under the covers and pretend the world doesn’t exist. But what if mornings could actually be awesome? Believe it or not, a few small changes can make a huge difference.

If you’re like me and want to make your mornings better, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll share some simple but powerful tips and tricks for getting motivated in the morning.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your style), and let’s dive in. Your morning motivation is just a few minutes away!

Table of Contents

Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule

You know what’s better than hitting that snooze button ten times? Not needing to! When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, your internal clock starts to help you out, making waking up less of a chore.

First things first, figure out how much sleep you need to feel rested and energized. For most adults, that’s somewhere between 7 and 9 hours a night. Once you’ve got that number, stick to it like glue.

Aim to hit the hay around 10 to 11 PM and get up between 6 to 7 AM—that’s the sweet spot for many. It aligns with natural light cycles, which helps set your internal clock—your circadian rhythm.

So, give it a try. Even on weekends, stray from your times by no more than an hour if possible. And sure, sometimes there’s that late-night show or a chat with an old friend that keeps you up past your bedtime but try to jump right back into your schedule as soon as you can.

Plan Your Day the Night Before

Mornings can be pretty hectic, and the next thing you should do is to make it… less hectic. Plus, knowing your plan means you’re not spending precious morning minutes debating with yourself about what to do first.

Before you call it a night, take a few minutes to write down your to-do list for the next day. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated—a simple list on a piece of paper will work just fine.

Start with what’s most important or the stuff you’ve been putting off. Getting those big rocks out of the way means you are primed to handle the pebbles later. Before you doze off, make sure your list is nearby so it’s the first thing you see in the morning. Maybe it’s on a sticky note on your mirror or a whiteboard on the fridge.

Declutter Your Space the Night Before

I know, after a long tiring day, the last thing you would want to do is to clean your space. But hear me out! There’s a certain sense of relief in waking up to a tidy living space.

If you pick up as you go in the evening, you’ll thank yourself in the morning. You don’t have to go full-on Marie Kondo session every single night, but a little bit of tidying can really go a long way.

Put away any clothes or shoes that are lying around.
Clear off your desk or workspace.
Wash those dishes in the sink.

Simple tasks, aren’t they? And when you wake up in the morning to a clean and organized space, you’ll feel so much more motivated and ready to tackle whatever the day has in store.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to wake up feeling energized, focused, and ready to take on the day. But when you’re running on fumes, it can be a real struggle to find the motivation to get out of bed.

A good night’s sleep doesn’t just happen—you make it happen.

So, tonight, try to start a relaxing bedtime routine that you’d look forward to at the end of the day. This might include things like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or doing some gentle stretches. Do whatever helps you shift from “go, go, go” to “slow, slow, slow.”

Lastly, let’s make sure your room is cool, dark, and quiet—three things that can make a big difference in how well you sleep. Consider a sleep mask or earplugs if you need to block out light and noise. That way, nothing will disturb your slumber.

Shut Off Electronics Before Bedtime

I get it—it’s tempting to scroll through social media or watch just “one more” episode of your favorite show before bed. But trust me, your sleep (and your morning motivation) will thank you for resisting the urge.

You see, the blue light emitted by our phones, tablets, and computers can actually interfere with our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. When we’re exposed to this light late at night, it can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

So, what’s the solution? About an hour before bed, start to dim the lights and turn off your gadgets. If it helps, set a little alarm as a reminder that “Hey, time to unwind.” Use this time to wind down with some of those relaxing activities we talked about earlier.

But, if you absolutely must use your phone or computer late at night, consider investing in some blue light-blocking glasses or using the “night mode” setting on your devices.

Avoid Caffeine Before Bedtime

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love a good cup of coffee or tea as much as the next person. But you see, caffeine sticks around in your system for several hours after you consume it.

So, if you’re in a habit of drinking coffee, tea, or even some types of soda too close to bedtime, it can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

So, what’s a caffeine lover to do? Try setting a cutoff time for caffeine at least 6 hours before bed. That means if you typically go to sleep around 10 pm, you’ll want to avoid caffeine after 4 pm.

If you’re really craving something warm and comforting before bed, try a calming herbal tea or warm milk. These can be part of your wind-down routine and signal to your body that it’s time to relax.

Plan Something to Look Forward To

Waking up is a whole lot sweeter when there’s something fun on the horizon, don’t you think? It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy—just a little something that brings a smile to your face and gives you a reason to throw off the covers.

Here’s what you could include:

New breakfast recipes for each day of the week
A morning playlist that gets you pumped
Time allotted for a hobby you rarely get to indulge in

Having these delights in your morning routine is a promise to yourself that every day has something great in store.

Find a Morning Routine That Works for You

Morning routines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your neighbor might be doing sun salutations at 5 AM, but hey, maybe you’re more of a ‘sip coffee and plan my day’ kind of person at 7 AM. And that’s perfect!

The trick is to keep it simple and consistent. Here’s a little list to get you started:

Pick a wake-up time that works for you (and yes, that you can stick to).
Slot in your non-negotiables, like brushing your teeth and getting dressed.
Add one or two things that bring you joy or peace. It could be meditating, journaling, or stretching.

Keep it short and sweet. The goal here is not to fill every minute with tasks but to create a smooth flow into your day. Then, try out this routine for a few weeks. But don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments until you find what works best.

Don’t Hit Snooze!

Let’s make a deal: no more flirting with the snooze button. It might seem like a sweet five more minutes under the covers, but here’s the thing: those extra minutes aren’t really doing you any favors!

When you hit snooze and drift back off, you’re actually entering a new sleep cycle. And when your alarm goes off again a few minutes later, it jolts you awake in the middle of that cycle, leaving you feeling groggy and disoriented.

Plus, let’s be real—how many times have you said, “Just five more minutes,” only to find yourself still in bed half an hour later? Yeah, yeah. We’ve all been there.

So, as tough as it might be, try to break the snooze button habit. One way to do this is to set your alarm for the time you actually need to get up rather than setting it early with the intention of snoozing. It might take a little getting used to, but you got this!

Set Your Alarm to a Motivational Tune

If you’re waking up to a blaring, annoying sound every morning, it’s no wonder you’re not feeling motivated to start your day!

What about waking up to a tune that lifts your spirit? Maybe it’s your favorite uplifting song or a tune that holds good memories.

Yep, you get the goal: Wake up to a sound that makes you happy. Something that makes you think, “Hey, today’s gonna be a good day.”

The first sound you hear in the morning can set the tone for your whole day, so make it something that makes you feel unstoppable. Now, when your alarm goes off, instead of the urge to groan and hide under the covers, you might just find yourself tapping your foot and ready to conquer the day.

Keep Your Phone Out of Reach for the First Few Hours

Reaching for your phone as soon as your eyes flicker open is almost second nature for many of us. Before you know it, you’re scrolling through social media, checking emails, and getting lost in a sea of notifications.

Sound familiar? Definitely.

It’s a trap that’s all too easy to fall into—but it’s one that can seriously derail your morning motivation. Give yourself a chance to wake up, start your morning routine, and get settled into your day before checking your phone.

And if you’re worried about missing important calls or messages, try setting up a specific ringtone or notification for your VIPs. That way, you can still be reachable in case of an emergency—but you’re not at the mercy of every ping and buzz.

Trust me, it might feel a little strange at first—but the sense of calm and control you’ll gain from starting your day on your own terms? It’s worth its weight in gold.

Drink a Glass of Water Upon Waking

Before you do anything else, down a glass of water.

You see, when you sleep, your body becomes mildly dehydrated. And when you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel tired, sluggish, and just generally “blah.” By drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, you’re giving your body the hydration it needs to function at its best.

Having a glass of water ready on your bedside table means you can reach for it even before you’re fully awake. Just sit up, take a sip, and feel your body thank you. It kick-starts your hydration, gets your metabolism moving, and can even help shake off any leftover sleepiness.

Stretch Your Body with a 5-Minute Routine

After you’ve hydrated, why not get the blood flowing with a little stretch?

Now, I know not everyone has time for a full yoga session or workout first thing in the morning. But even just a quick 5-minute stretch routine can help get your blood flowing, loosen up tight muscles, and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Here’s a quick routine to get you started:

Reach your arms overhead and lean side to side to stretch your torso
Touch your toes (or as close as you can get!) to stretch your hamstrings
Do a few gentle neck rolls to release tension in your neck and shoulders
Sit cross-legged and twist to each side to stretch your spine
Take a few deep breaths and set an intention for your day

The point is to wake up every part of you gently. By the time you’ve done your head-to-toe hello, you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes next.

Make Your Bed to Start with a Win

Alright, I know this one might seem a little silly at first. I mean, who cares if your bed is made or not? But hear me out!

Smoothing out those sheets is your first achievement of the day. It’s a small task, yet it sets the tone for a day of getting things done. It’s like saying, “I’m ready for you, world!”

You pull up the sheets, fluff the pillows, and in just a couple of minutes. Plus, coming home and crawling to a made bed after a long day? It feels good—a little space of calm in a busy life.

Do a Short Meditation Session

Once your bed’s made, why not take a minute for a little peace and quiet? Sitting still for even just a few minutes can chill out your mind like a soft, cool breeze on a hot day.

Find a comfy spot, sit down, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath. In and out. That’s it. Thoughts will pop up — about your day, your breakfast, that song stuck in your head — but hey, no worries. Notice them and then let them float away.

It doesn’t have to be long. Start with just two or three minutes. Use an app if you like, or just set a timer. The goal is to center yourself and find a bit of calm before the day’s hustle begins.

Write Down Three Things You’re Grateful For

Now that you’ve found your zen, it’s a perfect time to sprinkle a bit of sunshine on your day with gratitude.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of daily life, focusing on all the things that aren’t going our way. But taking a few moments each morning to acknowledge the good in your life can be a powerful way to shift your mindset and boost your motivation.

Here’s how you can do it:

Grab a notebook or journal (oops, no phones!).
Write down three things, big or small, that you’re grateful for. A comfy bed, your morning coffee, the way your dog wags his tail at you—anything!
Feel free to mix it up daily. Today it might be your fuzzy slippers; tomorrow, it might be the chat with a friend.

Plus, on days when you’re feeling low or uninspired, you can flip back through your gratitude journal and remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have to be thankful for.

Enjoy the Quiet

There’s something special about the stillness before the world wakes up. Sit with it, drink it in, and let the tranquility be a comforting blanket that gently wraps around your morning thoughts.

Now, I know not everyone is a natural early bird. But believe me, there’s something truly special about those early morning hours when everything is still and peaceful. It’s like a little slice of time just for you before the demands of the day come rushing in.

So, if you can, try gradually adjusting your waking schedule. Use that extra time to sit with a cup of coffee or tea, to journal or meditate, or simply to stare out the window and let your mind wander. Embrace the quiet, and let it fill you up with a sense of peace and groundedness.

Allow Natural Light into Your Space

Open those blinds or curtains and let the sunshine in! There’s something about natural light that makes your morning feel like it’s got a touch of magic.

That sunlight hitting your skin is not only good for your mood but helps your body clock set itself to the tune of the day.

It can help wake you up more gently than any alarm can.
It boosts your mood and energy levels.
It tells your body, “Hey, it’s time to be awake,” which helps keep your sleep schedule on track.

It’s a simple change that can have a big impact on how ready you feel to face whatever’s on your schedule. Plus, a bit of sunshine is a nice excuse to pause and appreciate the new day. So, let’s light it up!

Set a Morning Coffee or Tea Ritual

What’s morning without the rich aroma of coffee or the calming warmth of tea, right? Whether it’s a strong shot of espresso to kickstart your engines or a soothing herbal blend to wake up your senses.

Creating your coffee or tea ritual:

Pick your favorite mug—something that feels good in your hands.
Take the time to really enjoy the process of brewing your drink.
Sip slowly and savor each taste; let this be a moment of peace before the rush.

And if you’re not a coffee or tea drinker, no worries! You can still create a morning beverage ritual with your drink of choice. Maybe it’s a refreshing glass of lemon water, a nutrient-packed green smoothie, or even just a simple cup of hot water with honey.

Prepare Yourself a Nice Breakfast

Breakfast isn’t called the most important meal of the day for nothing.

Taking the time to whip up something tasty sets a nourishing tone for the day. Plus, the act of cooking can be pretty therapeutic, like a morning ritual that wakes up all your senses.

You don’t need to be a chef to rustle up a good breakfast. Keep it simple, keep it nutritious, and most importantly, keep it to what you enjoy. A scrambled egg with toast, a yogurt parfait, or even a hearty oatmeal topped with some fruit—choose what gets you excited to sit down at the table.

while you’re eating, try to just eat. I know, multitasking is our jam, but there’s something nice about being present with your breakfast. Taste your food, enjoy the textures, and take this time to mentally prep for your day. Bon appétit!

Jumpstart Your Morning with Exercise

Exercise gets your blood flowing, your endorphins going, and suddenly, you’re not just awake—you’re ready to rock.

You don’t have to run a marathon or bench-press your fridge—nope. Find something that fits your vibe and doesn’t make you groan at the thought. Keep it enjoyable:

A brisk walk around the block
A few sets of bodyweight squats, push-ups, and lunges
Some gentle yoga stretches
Dancing to your favorite upbeat song
Jumping jacks or high knees for a quick cardio burst

The goal? To feel alive, awake, and to have fun.

Read a Page from an Inspiring Book

Now, I know what you might be thinking—who has time to read a whole book in the morning? But here’s the thing—you don’t have to! Even just reading a single page from an inspiring or motivating book can help set the tone for a positive and productive day.

So, try keeping a few inspiring books on your nightstand or in your bag, and make it a habit to read just a page or two each morning. It could be a book of affirmations, a collection of poetry, a spiritual text, or even just a novel with characters or themes that inspire you.

Listen to an Uplifting Podcast

But if reading’s not quite your thing, how about feeding your ears with something uplifting? There are countless amazing podcasts out there that can help you start your day with a dose of inspiration, motivation, or just plain fun.

Here’s how to make the most of your podcast time:

Find a podcast that speaks to your interests—be it self-improvement, comedy, history, you name it.
Subscribe so new episodes are ready and waiting for you.
Keep your headphones handy, so you can listen as you move about your morning.

And the great thing about podcasts is that you can listen while you’re doing other things—like getting dressed, making breakfast, or commuting to work. So, if you’re short on time in the mornings, a podcast can be a great way to squeeze in some extra motivation and inspiration without having to carve out a big chunk of your day.

Enjoy a Morning Shower

There’s nothing quite like a nice, refreshing shower to help you wake up and start your day on the right foot. Plus, it’s the perfect time for some of your best thinking—ever notice that? Shower thoughts are a real thing!

Treat yourself to a luxurious body wash or shampoo with a scent that makes you feel happy and energized.
Give yourself a gentle scalp massage as you lather up your hair.
Use a loofah or body brush to exfoliate and invigorate your skin.
And if you really want to take your shower to the next level, try incorporating some aromatherapy or music.

The point is, your morning shower doesn’t have to be just another item on your to-do list. With a little bit of intention and creativity, it can become a truly enjoyable and energizing part of your day.

Dress to Impress Yourself

Wait up! I know what you might be thinking. Why does it matter what I wear if I’m just working from home or running errands?

Well, here’s the thing—when we put on an outfit that makes us feel confident, stylish, and put-together, it can actually boost our mood and self-esteem. We stand a little taller, we smile a little brighter, and we approach the day with a little more swagger.

Here are a few tips to help you dress to impress—yourself:

Choose clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable and confident
Accessorize with pieces that add a little bit of flair and personality to your look
Take a few extra minutes to style your hair or apply a little bit of makeup—only if that’s your thing
Most importantly, wear what makes YOU feel good—not what you think you “should” wear

It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal; it just has to feel like you are at your best. So button up, zip up, and step out, because when you dress to impress yourself, the whole world takes notice—even if it’s just your pet or the mirror!

Final Thoughts

Alright, we’ve hit the home on our morning pep talk. Feeling inspired to try out these tips? I hope so!

Take what fits for you and give it a try. And hey, some days might still be tough—go on easy, that’s just life. But stick with the tips that click for you and bit by bit, you might just find those mornings getting a tad easier, a bit brighter.

You’ve got this! A sprinkle of persistence and a dash of trial and error—that’s all it takes. Finding the morning vibe that suits you might take some time, but once you do, you’ll wake up on mornings that no longer feel like a chore but a fresh new start.