A Morning Routine That Will Improve Your Mood
Mornings set the tone for the entire day - and for women in leadership juggling meetings, responsibilities, and personal obligations, a chaotic morning can send your mood (and your mindset) spiraling before 9 a.m.
But what if you could start your day grounded, focused, and in a better mood-no matter what’s waiting in your inbox?
That’s the power of a solid morning routine. And not just any routine - one created with intention, self-care, and emotional balance at its core. Here’s a simple, realistic morning flow designed to improve your mood and help you take on the day with calm confidence.
Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier Than Usual
This isn’t about grinding or hustling harder - it’s about giving yourself time before the world needs you. Waking up just 30 minutes earlier creates space for peace, reflection, and care. It’s your sacred window before the emails, the noise, the expectations.
2. Hydrate and Breathe
Start with a glass of warm water with lemon. Then take three deep breaths. Not rushed. Not mechanical. Real, mindful breaths. This grounds your nervous system and shifts your body out of stress mode.
3. Avoid Your Phone for the First 20 Minutes
Resist the urge to scroll. The notifications can wait. This is your time to check in with you, not with the world. Try keeping your phone in another room or using a real alarm clock if needed. (I know this one is hard! But try!)
4. Journal or Free Write (5 Minutes)
Ask yourself:
How do I feel this morning?
What am I grateful for?
What do I need today?
This tiny act of self-awareness can dramatically shift your mood. when your feelings are seen and named, they soften. Journaling helps you take emotional inventory and make space for joy, not just stress.
5. Move Your Body - Even if it’s Just for 10 Minutes
You don’t need a full workout (although it would be great to establish a workout routine. Just sayin!). A 10-minute stretch, a walk around the block, or a dance to your favorite song is enough to get your blood flowing and elevate your mood. Movement is medicine.
6. Fuel Yourself With Intention
A mood-boosting breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Think protein, fiber, and a little healthy fat. Try oatmeal with berries, a smoothie with greens, or avocado toast with a boiled egg. Nourishing your body = nourishing your mind.
7. Set a Daily Intention
Before diving into your to-do list, set one intention for the day. Something simple, like:
“I will lead with calm.”
“I will prioritize joy”
“I will not apologize for needing rest”
Let this be your North Star, especially when the day tries to pull you in a hundred directions.
Final Thought
The best morning routines isn’t the one that’s perfect - it’s the one that’s yours. Even adopting just one or two of these practices can shift your mood and help you reconnect with your power before the world demands it from you.
And remember: burnout begins when you give more to the world than you give to yourself. Let your mornings be your daily love letter to you.
Want a printable version of this routine? Or a checklist you can keep on your nightstand? Drop a comment below or message me - I’ll send it your way!
