Let’s be real for a second: I was never a “morning person.” My old routine consisted primarily of snooze-button gymnastics, a frantic rush for coffee, and feelings of regret. But with a bit of trial, a few errors, and a handful of genuinely helpful apps, my mornings now feel a lot more doable—and sometimes even enjoyable. If you want to transform your mornings (without having to become a different person), here’s a step-by-step routine that’s worked for me. Give it a try, tweak what you need, and hopefully, you’ll find yourself dreading mornings a little less.
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Wake up without wanting to throw your phone.
App I Use: Sleep Cycle
I used to wake up to those horrible blaring alarms, feeling like I’d just been yanked out of a nightmare. Sleep Cycle significantly transformed my experience. It tracks your sleep and wakes you up gently when you’re in the lightest sleep phase. Honestly, I feel less zombie-like getting up this way.
Pro tip:
Consider setting your alarm 10–15 minutes earlier than necessary. It gives you a little cushion so you’re not instantly in panic mode.
If you’re curious about how sleep cycles work, check out Sleep Foundation’s explanation of sleep stages.
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Spend a Minute (or Five) Just Breathing
App I Use: Headspace (although Calm is also a great option)
If you’ve never tried meditation, I get it—it sounds a little woo-woo. But starting my day with just 3–5 minutes of guided breathing actually helps me feel more awake and less anxious. Headspace has a “Start Your Day” session that’s super easy to follow.
What to expect:
A soothing voice (not a robot!) walks you through some simple breathing or mindfulness.
Pro tip:
Don’t put pressure on yourself to “clear your mind.” Just sit, breathe, and let thoughts come and go.
Need more reasons to try mindfulness? The Mayo Clinic explains how meditation can reduce stress and benefit your health.
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Move Your Body (Even Just a Little)
Apps I Use: Nike Training Club and sometimes Seven
I am not a gym-at-6am person. But I can do seven minutes of stretching or bodyweight exercises in my pajamas. Nike Training Club has plenty of quick routines, and Seven is literally just seven minutes. That’s it.
What I see:
Short, to-the-point videos or timers that provide guidance on the next step. You don’t need any fancy equipment for this.
Pro tip:
Pick your workout before you go to bed. It’s one less decision in the morning.
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Get Your Day Organized
App I Use: Todoist (but Trello and Google Keep are solid, too)
Before I become overwhelmed by emails and notifications, I open Todoist and prioritize the top three tasks I need to complete. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed, and (bonus) checking stuff off feels weirdly rewarding.
What to expect:
You will receive a simple checklist that you can add to throughout the day.
Pro tip:
Add one “just for you” task—even something tiny, like “read for 10 minutes” or “take a walk.” It helps keep balance in your day.
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Eat Something That’s Not Just Coffee
App I Use: Yummly
I used to skip breakfast or just grab whatever was fastest. Yummly gives me super quick recipe ideas (overnight oats, smoothie bowls, breakfast burritos) with step-by-step pics that even I can follow.
What to expect:
Lots of colorful food photos and clear instructions.
Pro tip:
If you often find yourself rushed, consider preparing breakfast ingredients the night before. Even just chopping fruit or measuring out oats makes mornings easier.
Make It Your Own
Your perfect morning might look entirely different from mine, and that’s cool. Mix and match apps, change the order, and skip what doesn’t fit. The real magic is in finding a rhythm that feels right for you.
Bonus hacks:
- Set up app reminders if you’re forgetful (I am!)
- Track your “streaks” if that motivates you—but don’t sweat it if you miss a day
- Change your routine seasonally or whenever life shifts
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt like mornings are a lost cause, trust me—I’ve been there. With a little help from these apps, you can turn things around. Start small, be kind to yourself, and tweak your routine as you go. Who knows? You might even start looking forward to those first moments of the day.
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