10+ Things to Do First Thing in the Morning (Morning Habits)

Welcome to 10 Things to Do First Thing in the Morning!

They say how you start your morning shapes your entire day—and it’s true. The first hour after you wake up is like a blank canvas, ready to set the tone for your energy, mindset, and productivity.

By adding a few intentional habits into your morning routine—whether it’s sipping water before coffee, stretching your body, or taking a quiet moment to plan your day—you can boost your mood, focus your mind, and feel more in control.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 energizing things to do first thing in the morning that can help you feel centered, motivated, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

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Good Morning Routine: How you start each day matters.

I have news for you: How you start each day matters—it’s vitally important.

Our early morning self-care habits set us up for the day ahead and can make or break our energy, mood, and more.

This isn’t just a list of healthy habits to add to your morning routine; it includes ideas that can increase your wellness and well-being from the moment you wake up.

If you want to start each day on the right foot, here is a play-by-play list of morning self-care ideas to incorporate first thing in the morning.

10 Things to Do First Thing in the Morning

1. Drink Water First Thing

One of the healthiest changes you can make to your morning routine is by drinking water first thing.

Of course, you don’t have to completely give up your caffeine if you don’t want to, but drinking a full glass of water before you drink anything else is essential for your body and health. 

The main reason is that you will wake up dehydrated. After sleeping for 6-8 hours or longer, you have no water, so you will probably be thirsty.

Many people make the mistake of having coffee or other beverages in the morning because they are thirsty and get a jolt of caffeine.

The problem is that these can often make dehydration even worse. 

The best thing you can do for your body in the morning is drink water first, then head for the coffee pot!

Related Article: How to Know Your Drinking Enough Water

In the meantime, take a few minutes to watch this inspiring speech delivered by Admiral William H. McRaven, author of Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World.

In his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas, he stressed the importance of bed-making, among other world-changing strategies.

It’s so inspirational!

3. Reward Yourself.

Since you are reading this right now, I’m assuming that you want to develop healthy morning habits.

As you strive to make every morning count, don’t forget to reward yourself. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about the four steps of a habit:

1. Cue 2. Craving 3. Response 4. Reward

The fourth step to a habit is the reward. Reward plays a crucial role in developing new habits. The reward tells us which habits are worth keeping.

If I reward myself for drinking water, meditating, and making my bed in the morning, then it’s more likely that I will continue performing those morning habits.

In the morning, coffee is my reward. But for you, it could be anything.

If you haven’t read the book yet, I urge you to do so ASAP. If you want to develop life-changing habits in your life, then this book is for you. It’s a game-changer.

4. Get Morning Sunlight

Morning light is essential in regulating our natural body clock or circadian rhythms.

Our circadian rhythm tells our body when to sleep, wake, eat, and release different mood-altering hormones.

According to WebMD, we should go outside and get at least 15 minutes of direct natural light as soon as possible after waking up.

The Benefits of Morning Sunlight

• It helps to regulate circadian rhythms
• Increases Vitamin D
• Better sleep
• Improves depression and anxiety

Related: The Best Supplement for Women 50+

5. Ground Yourself

According to Psychology Today, Grounding is used with the energy fields around us.

Being grounded means that we’re content with who we are. We are at peace. Sounds good to me!

Becoming grounded is about getting rid of excessive energy in the body, allowing clean energy to come through.

When we ground ourselves, we’re calming or slowing down our emotions and getting more in touch with our internal and external worlds.

Grounding our energy can be helpful when we feel either unbalanced or nervous.

Learn more about being grounded and grounding:

• How to ground yourself: 14 Techniques to try
• 10 Ways to ground yourself and what it means
• Grounding techniques to help with distressing thoughts

Related: 100 Grounding Affirmations for Calm

6. Meditate + Morning Affirmations

Starting your day with meditation is like pressing the reset button for your mind. Even just a few quiet minutes can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

Meditation is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment—letting go of distractions, quieting mental chatter, and approaching your thoughts without judgment.

Pairing it with positive affirmations can amplify the benefits, helping you set a confident, optimistic tone for the day ahead.

Some of the proven benefits of morning meditation include:

• Reducing stress and easing anxiety
• Boosting mood and emotional resilience
• Improving sleep quality over time
• Enhancing focus and productivity
• Supporting overall mental and emotional well-being

To get started, find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. After a few minutes of stillness, repeat a short, uplifting affirmation—something like, “I am calm, focused, and ready for the day” or “Today I choose peace and purpose.”

In just 5–10 minutes, you can shift your mindset, boost your energy flow, and give yourself a peaceful head start before the demands of the day begin.

Related Article: The Best Self-Care Apps

Positive Morning Affirmations

Positive affirmations are short, powerful statements that help reframe your thinking, challenge negative self-talk, and encourage a more optimistic mindset.

By repeating affirmations daily—especially first thing in the morning—you can start your day with intention, confidence, and self-belief.

When you fill your heart, mind, and spirit with uplifting thoughts, there’s simply less space for negativity to take root. Over time, this daily practice can help shift your perspective, boost self-esteem, and even influence the direction of your life.

The key is to choose affirmations you genuinely connect with and repeat them with belief and consistency. This isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about training your brain to focus on possibilities rather than limitations.

Pretty amazing, right? A few positive words in the morning can help you carry a brighter, more confident mindset into the rest of your day.

If you’d like some inspiration, you can check out my list of self-love affirmations or my guide on how to stop negative self-talk to pair with your morning routine. You might also enjoy my collection of motivational quotes for women for those days when you need an extra boost.

7. Quiet Time + Journaling and Planning

Before diving into journaling and planning, I highly recommend spending some quiet time with God each morning.

This peaceful moment of prayer, reflection, or scripture reading can center your heart and mind, grounding you in faith and calm before the day begins.

Journaling

Journaling has been one of the most powerful tools in my own morning routine. Taking just a few minutes to write down my thoughts, plan my day, and set intentions helps me start on a clear, positive note. It’s like giving my mind a morning stretch before the day truly begins.

ournaling has been one of the most powerful tools in my own morning routine. Taking just a few minutes to write down my thoughts, plan my day, and set intentions helps me start on a clear, positive note.

It’s like giving my mind a morning stretch before the day truly begins.

There are so many types of journaling you can explore to fit your mood and goals:

• Morning Pages Journaling – A brain dump of thoughts to clear mental clutter.
• Dream Life Journaling – Visualize and write about the life you’re creating.
• Gratitude Journaling – Focus on what you’re thankful for to boost your mood.
• Art Journaling – Express your thoughts and feelings through colors, sketches, and collages.
• Bible Journaling – Combine scripture study with creative expression.
• Bullet Journaling – A structured system for organizing your tasks and goals.

Pairing journaling with planning your day helps you stay intentional and focused.

Writing out your priorities, to-do list, and even your self-care activities ensures you’re steering your day instead of letting it steer you.

Taking just 10–15 minutes each morning to journal and plan can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more in control of your day.

Related Article: 100 Morning Journaling Prompts

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8. Play a Game to Wake Up Your Brain

Yes—you have full permission to start your day with a little fun! Playing a quick game in the morning isn’t just entertaining—it’s actually great for your brain.

Word puzzles like Wordle, crosswords, Sudoku, or cryptograms challenge your memory, sharpen your focus, and improve problem-solving skills.

They activate different areas of your brain, helping you feel more alert and mentally engaged before you dive into your to-do list.

And here’s the best part—it doesn’t have to take long. Just 5–10 minutes of playing a game can:

• Stimulate your mind and boost mental clarity
• Improve memory and language skills
• Increase creativity and flexible thinking
• Give you a small “win” that puts you in a positive mood

You can stick to classic puzzles, try a daily brain-training app, or even play a quick board game with your partner or kids if mornings are family time.

Starting your day with a playful challenge sets a happy, energized tone—and reminds you that productivity and joy can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

If you want more ways to add lighthearted joy to your mornings, you might enjoy my post on The Self-Care Alphabet or Creative Art Hobbies for Women

9. Shower + A Blast of Cold

There’s something magical about starting the day with a refreshing shower. For me, it’s more than just getting clean—it’s a time for thinking, praying, and even meditating. The warm water feels like a gentle hug, helping me wake up slowly while also giving me space to clear my mind and set intentions for the day ahead.

One of my favorite tricks? Contrast showers—starting with warm or hot water, then finishing with a short burst of cold water. Here’s why:

• Hot water relaxes muscles, eases stiffness, and melts away morning tension.
• Cold water boosts circulation, stimulates alertness, and can even improve mood by triggering a release of feel-good endorphins.

That final blast of cold might be a shock at first, but it’s an instant wake-up call—like hitting the refresh button for your body and mind.

Some people swear by cold showers for benefits like improved immunity, better skin, and increased mental resilience.

Even if you’re not ready for an all-cold shower, ending with 15–30 seconds of cool water can be surprisingly invigorating.

Related Articles: The Benefits of Dry Brushing + The Art of Bathing for Self-care

10. Morning Skincare Routine

My morning skincare ritual takes less than five minutes—but it’s worth every single second.

A consistent skincare routine in the morning (and again at bedtime) is one of the best investments you can make for healthy, glowing skin—and it’s a must for aging gracefully.

Taking care of your skin first thing in the morning does more than make you look fresh—it protects against environmental stressors, locks in hydration, and gives you a moment of self-care before the day gets busy.

Here’s my simple, effective morning skincare routine:

1. Cleanse – Use a gentle face wash to remove oil, sweat, and impurities from overnight.
2. Clarify & Tone – Balance your skin’s pH and prep it for serums and moisturizer.
3. Apply Serums – Target your specific skin needs (like Vitamin C for brightness or hyaluronic acid for hydration).
4. Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even if you’re indoors most of the day.
5. Moisturize Face & Body – Lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and supple.

It’s a quick, morning ritual that not only improves your skin’s health but also gives you a little confidence boost to carry into your day.

If you’re looking for more skincare inspiration, you might enjoy skincare and beauty for women over 50 or my guide to Morning and Evening Skincare Routines.

11. Find Some Movement

We all know that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle—but moving your body first thing in the morning can offer even more benefits than you might realize.

Whether it’s a gentle stretch, a brisk walk, or a heart-pumping workout, morning movement wakes up your body, sharpens your mind, and boosts your mood before the day even begins.

Benefits of Morning Movement & Exercise

1. Better Mood – Crossing exercise off your list early not only gives you a sense of accomplishment, but also floods your brain with feel-good chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

2. Improved Focus – Studies show that moving in the morning can improve concentration, memory, and mental clarity throughout the day.

3. More Energy – Exercise increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your heart, lungs, and muscles—leaving you energized and ready to take on the day.

4. Stress Relief – Physical activity lowers cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer and more balanced.

5. Better Sleep – Consistent movement supports deeper, more restorative sleep at night.

Ideas for Morning Movement (At Home or Outdoors)

You don’t have to do a full cardio session to reap the benefits—just a few minutes of intentional movement can make a big difference. Try:

• A simple stretching routine (yes, there’s an app for that!)
• Yoga or Pilates for gentle strength and flexibility
• A brisk walk or jog around the block (Ever try Prayer Walking?)
• Cycling (indoor or outdoor—hello, Peloton! (wish list!)
• Bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks
• Dancing to your favorite playlist
• Housework or yard work—yes, mopping floors and gardening count!

Morning movement isn’t about perfection or intensity—it’s about creating a ritual that helps you feel energized, focused, and ready for whatever the day brings.

FAQs: The Best Things to Do First Thing in the Morning

What is the best thing to do first thing in the morning?

Start your morning with a glass of water to rehydrate your body, followed by a simple habit that energizes you — such as stretching, meditation, or setting intentions for the day.

How can I make my mornings more productive?

Plan your day the night before, wake up at a consistent time, and begin with activities that boost focus, like journaling, exercise, or a healthy breakfast.

Should I exercise in the morning or at night?

Morning exercise can improve mood, focus, and energy for the rest of the day, while evening workouts may suit people who have more energy later. Choose the time that fits your lifestyle best.

How long should a morning routine be?

A good morning routine can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Focus on quality, not length — even a short, intentional routine can set a positive tone for your day.

What should I avoid doing first thing in the morning?

Avoid reaching for your phone right away, checking emails before you’ve had time for yourself, and skipping breakfast or hydration.

What are some quick morning habits for busy people?

Drink water, practice a 2-minute breathing exercise, spend some quiet time with God, review your top priorities for the day, and do a few minutes of light stretching or movement.

Can a morning routine improve mental health?

Yes! Starting your day with calm, mindful activities — such as affirmations, meditation, or journaling — can lower stress, boost mood, and increase resilience.

Conclusion: The Best Things to Do First Thing in the Morning

Creating a consistent morning routine isn’t just about being productive—it’s about starting your day feeling good, grounded, and intentional.

By weaving in these 10 simple morning habits—like hydrating right after waking up, setting clear intentions, and moving your body—you’ll not only get more done, but you’ll also boost your mood and cultivate a lasting sense of accomplishment.

The secret is to start small. Try adding one or two of these habits into your mornings, stick with them, and build from there.

Over time, these little rituals can lead to big changes in your energy, focus, and overall happiness.

Your mornings are yours to shape. Make them count.

XO, Christine