10 Things I Do Every Morning To Win My Day
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How I Win My Day with a Simple Morning Routine
Hey there! Julie here, and I’m so excited to share with you about something that’s really transformed my life: my morning routine. If you’re anything like I used to be—hitting the snooze button a few too many times and then rushing out the door in a blur—stay with me. I promise these simple steps can change how you experience each day.
Why a Solid Morning Routine Matters
For years, I didn't believe a morning routine could be so important. I thought I could just catch up on sleep wherever and whenever I could, eat whatever food I was craving, and just let each day unfold as it would. But once I started dedicating intentional time each morning to myself—time spent thinking about how I was feeling, what my priorities were, and how I was growing as a person—I started to realize just how much clarity, creativity, and focus I was able to bring to every other area of my life. From the first cup of coffee to those quite few minutes spent journaling, my mornings became the key to my daily success.
Common Misconceptions
“I don’t have time for a morning routine.”
I get it. With work, family, a million other things, making time for yourself can feel downright impossible. But what I've learned is that waking up even just 20 or 30 minutes earlier and making sleep a priority the night before can absolutely make all the difference.
“Hitting snooze once won’t hurt.”
The second you hit snooze, you’ve already broken a tiny promise to yourself—and that mood can follow you all day. Trust me, no extra five minutes of broken, half-asleep rest is worth it.
“I need my phone as my alarm clock.”
Honestly, keeping your phone out of the bedroom really just protects your mental space. You get to own those early hours of the day to yourself—those very first moments belong to you, not your notifications'.
My Actionable Steps You Can Start Today
Get Enough Sleep
Aim for seven to eight hours to fuel energy, mental clarity, and even muscle recovery. When you’re well-rested, everything else feels easier.
Rise with Intention
Whether you say it out loud or use Mel Robbins’ “5 Second Rule,” commit to getting up within 20 seconds of your alarm. No snoozing, no excuses.
Embrace Gratitude
First thing I do? List three to five things I’m genuinely thankful for—anything from comfy socks to an upcoming vacation. It flips your mindset to look for positives all day.
Fuel Up Right Away
Eating something balanced within 30 minutes of waking gives me mental clarity and stable energy. Maybe it’s a quick protein bar or a more hearty breakfast sandwich—pick what feels right to you.
Journal & Affirm
I spend a few minutes writing down my goals, reflecting on how I’m feeling, and writing out my affirmations. It’s amazing how saying “I am strong, I am worthy” out loud changes my day.
Visualize Your Day
Close your eyes and see yourself walking through your tasks. Picture yourself crushing your workout, nailing your meeting, and staying calm if unexpected stress pops up.
Personal Stories
I was the queen of “fly by the seat of my pants,” especially in high school and college. Snooze was my BFF. But once I committed to a 30-day challenge of a consistent morning routine, I never went back. I found that I showed up more present, more motivated, and more excited for my daily responsibilities. Even when I travel, I adapt these same habits into my routine—and I can’t imagine my life without them.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s that your morning routine is your secret weapon. Whether you follow mine to a T or create your own version, just give yourself the gift of focused “you time” before the rest of the world wakes up. Trust me, you’ll see a ripple effect on your mental clarity, creativity, and overall happiness throughout the day.
Want to dig even deeper?
Keep reading for an even more detailed breakdown of why these routines work and how you can personalize them for your own life.
Detailed Insights and Research
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Research shows that consistently getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night improves decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory retention significantly. This has a direct effect on the way you approach challenges throughout the day.
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Studies have found that exposing yourself to natural sunlight or bright indoor light within the first hour of waking helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep that evening and wake up refreshed the next morning.
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Neuroscientists say that writing things down by hand allows for more effective processing of emotions than typing. Journaling helps bridge the gap between how you feel and the actions you take.
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Olympic athletes often credit visualization as a technique to mentally rehearse perfect execution. You can apply that same principle to everyday goals: mentally seeing yourself succeeding can increase confidence and motivation.
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Repeated affirmations like “I am strong,” “I am capable,” or “I can overcome challenges” have the ability to totally transform negative thought patterns. With time, this practice helps you see obstacles as opportunities rather than roadblocks.
Real-Life Applications
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Try a “power morning” by focusing on just three habits: wake up on time, express gratitude, and sip some water before anything else. You’ll still notice benefits.
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Include your children in a simple version of journaling or expressing gratitude. It can become a fun family moment instead of a chore.
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Whether you’re in a hotel or visiting family, you can still do your affirmations and stay away from your phone in the morning. Keeping even just a part of your routine helps you feel grounded on the road.
Adding even one or two of these habits into your morning routine will be a game-changer. You’ll have a better mood, clearer thinking, and a stronger sense of self. Personalize them, play around, and see what works for your life.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
[ 1 ] EPISODE TRANSCRIPT (PDF)
Want to read every word from this episode? Click here to download the full transcript as a PDF.
[ 2 ] FREE LIVE BETTER JOURNAL
Ready to jump start your own morning routine? Download my Live Better Journal to access my exact journaling prompts, daily gratitude templates, and affirmations.
Thank you so much for tuning in! If this resonated with you, I’d love for you to hit that subscribe button and share it with a friend you think could use a morning boost. Once you’ve tried out these habits, let me know how they work for you—tag me on social or leave a review.
Don’t forget to grab the Live Better Journal and the full transcript so you can get started on changing your mornings today. I can’t wait to see you embrace your real every single day.