How I Created a Morning Routine That Actually Works for Me

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I have always been a morning person through and through. Even as a kid, I was always up early and ready to start the day. I think I’ve always loved the quiet of the morning and the feeling of having the whole day ahead of me. I feel the most motivated, focused, and productive early in the day, so naturally, that is when I like to get the most done.

I’m also an extremely routine-oriented person. I like having a schedule, knowing what my day looks like, and having a few things I can count on every day. One of the first things I do every morning is make my bed. I’ve always liked starting the day by getting that little task out of the way, and reading Make Your Bed (affiliate link) made me realize why it has always felt so important to me. I really connected with the idea that accomplishing one small thing first thing in the morning can create momentum for the rest of your day.

It may seem insignificant, but for me, it’s a simple way to start the day feeling organized and accomplished. Over time, all of those small things have come together to create a morning routine that feels natural to me.

Especially right now, with Zack deployed, having that structure has been really helpful. This season has definitely had its harder days, and having a routine gives me a sense of normalcy when everything else feels a little less predictable.

I Wake Up Between 4:45 and 5:00 AM

I usually wake up around 4:45 and get out of bed around 5:00. I know that sounds really early to some people, but honestly, I’ve always been an early riser. My dad would always tell me, “The early bird gets the worm,” and I guess that stuck with me.

I would be lying if I said some mornings aren’t a struggle, but consistency is key. I’ve always enjoyed being up early, and I love having a few quiet hours to myself before the day really gets going.

Of course, waking up that early means I have to be intentional about going to bed early, too. I make sure I’m getting around 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. LOL, I swear I’m a grandma sometimes. This is actually a routine Zack and I have even when he’s home, so we really are like two little old people.

Especially with how much I work out, I know my body needs that rest. I’ve found that I simply feel better when I prioritize sleep and give my body the time it needs to recover.

Those early hours are probably my favorite part of the day. Everything is quiet, I’m not rushing, and I have time to ease into my morning before everything else starts demanding my attention. There’s something about having that peaceful time to myself that makes the rest of my day feel a little more intentional.

Kevin, Breakfast, and Quiet Time

Once I wake up, I usually head downstairs to feed Kevin before going back upstairs to make my bed, brush my teeth, and do my morning skincare routine. After I get changed, I’ll take him for a walk, depending on how he’s feeling.

It’s a simple way to start my morning, get a little movement in, and spend some time with him before having breakfast and heading to the gym.

Having Kevin as part of my morning has been especially meaningful while Zack is gone. He keeps me company and gives me another little reason to get up and start the day, even on the mornings that feel a little harder.

He was recently diagnosed with doggy dementia and arthritis in his lower back and legs, so our walks have become more limited, but I still really cherish the time we get to spend together.

After that, I’ll have breakfast and spend some quiet time reading. I’ve been working through my daily devotional and Bible study for the week, and I really enjoy having this peaceful part of my morning before getting into everything else.

This time gives me a chance to slow down, pray, reflect, and spend time in God’s Word. Starting my day this way has helped me feel much more grounded, especially during this season. When I’m missing Zack or have a lot on my mind, it gives me space to process everything and reminds me that I don’t have to carry it all on my own.

Gym Time

Around 6:15, I head to the gym and usually stay until around 8:30, depending on the day.

I genuinely love working out in the morning. I’m naturally more productive earlier in the day, so I would much rather get my workout done when I am already awake, motivated, and energized.

There is also something really satisfying about getting to the gym first thing and knowing I have already done something for myself before the rest of my day has even started.

Once my workout is done, I can move on with my day without having to think about when I’m going to fit it in. It’s already checked off, and I usually feel more focused and productive afterward.

Working out has also been an important part of taking care of myself while Zack is away. It gives me somewhere to put my energy, keeps me moving, and gives me something positive to focus on when I’m having a harder day.

Why This Routine Works for Me

I think the biggest reason this routine has been so easy for me to stick with is because it fits who I already am.

I don’t have to force myself to be a morning person or convince myself to enjoy a structured schedule. That’s just how I naturally function. I like knowing what my mornings look like. I like getting up early. I like having quiet time with God. I like taking care of Kevin. And I genuinely enjoy getting my workout done first thing.

None of it really feels like a chore. It’s simply how I like to start my day.

And I think that is what makes a routine actually sustainable. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn’t have to look perfect. It just needs to fit your life and the way you naturally function.

One of the biggest things I took away from Atomic Habits (affiliate link) is that small habits, when repeated consistently, can make a huge difference over time. You don’t have to completely change your life overnight. Sometimes it’s the small things you do every single day that end up having the biggest impact.

That has become especially clear to me during Zack’s deployment.

Like I said earlier, I have always been an early riser and someone who prefers to work out in the morning, but sticking to this routine while he has been away has truly been a blessing. When he’s gone, there are so many unknowns, and I know myself well enough to know that too much uncertainty can sometimes cause me to spiral.

Having this routine gives me something familiar to come back to each day. It keeps me moving, gives my days some structure, and helps me focus on the things I can control instead of getting caught up in the things I cannot.

I also think it’s important to remember that waking up early does not automatically make you more productive. If you’re waking up at 5 AM but only getting four or five hours of sleep, you’re probably doing yourself more harm than good.

For me, the early mornings work because I prioritize sleep, too. I go to bed early, get my 7 to 9 hours, and wake up feeling rested enough to actually enjoy my morning.

You Don’t Have to Wake Up at 5 AM

At the end of the day, I don’t think there is one perfect morning routine that everyone should follow. You don’t have to wake up at 5 AM, go to the gym, or have a perfectly planned-out morning.

Find what works for you. Find what fits your life, your personality, your schedule, and what makes you feel like your best self.

I think sometimes we get so caught up in seeing other people’s routines that we start thinking we need to recreate them in order to be productive. But the truth is, what works for one person might not work for you, and that is completely okay.

For me, that means early mornings, a little time with Kevin, breakfast and quiet time with God, a good workout, and getting a head start on my day.

And honestly, I’ve found that having those simple things to look forward to each morning can make a bigger difference than I ever expected. Especially during a season of life that can feel unpredictable, there is something really comforting about having a few things I can count on.

My routine may not look perfect, and it definitely won’t look the same for everyone. But it works for me. And I think that’s really the point.

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