How I Finally Started a Morning Routine
We’ve all seen those articles about morning routines that promise to make you healthier, more productive, and all-around zen. But let’s be real — starting a routine that actually sticks? Not easy. After some trial and error, though, I’ve found a mix of apps and strategies that finally work for me. Here’s what’s helped me build a consistent morning routine: the right alarm, some meditation, hydration reminders, and even a little reward to stay motivated.
1. Waking up early and on time
Getting up early sounds simple enough, but it’s surprisingly tough to stick to. After snoozing through my phone’s default alarm one too many times, I decided to try some apps that make it harder to ignore.
- Ultra Alarm: My current favorite because of its unique “Alarm Call” feature. If you don’t respond to the alarm, it’ll actually call you — so no excuses. It also has missions like math or typing quotes, but that call feature? Hard to ignore. Reference Link
- Alarmy: This app makes you solve math problems, take photos, or shake your phone to shut it off. It’s intense but super effective if you’re the type who needs a challenge to get out of bed. Reference Link
Having a dependable alarm setup has made a massive difference. For me, Ultra Alarm’s call feature is a real game-changer. Getting up at the right time now feels like less of a struggle. Why do they call it Ultra Alarm? Check this out.
2. Practice meditation for just 5 minutes a day
I used to skip meditation, thinking it wasn’t for me, but adding just five minutes of it to my morning has really helped. It’s like a quick reset before diving into the day’s chaos. Here are the apps that I can recommend:
- Headspace: Offers beginner-friendly, guided sessions with simple breathing techniques. Includes themed sessions (like stress relief and mindfulness) that fit specific needs. Easy to squeeze in short sessions with clear, engaging guidance. Reference Link
- Insight Timer: Provides a massive library of free meditations with customizable session lengths. The community feature shows how many people are meditating at the same time, adding a sense of connection. Perfect for creating a routine with the flexibility to grow as you get more comfortable with meditation. Reference Link
What’s worked for me is doing it right after I turn off my alarm. Since I’m already up, it’s easy to slide into a quick meditation session, and honestly, those few minutes set a better tone for the day. It’s way easier to stick with a routine when it feels doable, and starting with just five minutes has been the trick.
3. Staying hydrated with the help of a Hydration Tracker
Drinking enough water used to be one of those “I’ll get to it” habits that I kept ignoring. But starting the day with a hydration boost has been a total game-changer — less groggy, more awake, and no mid-morning crash. Water tracking apps like WaterMinder or Plant Nanny make it easier (and fun) to remember.
- WaterMinder: Sends timed reminders throughout the day to keep you on track with water intake. Simple, effective interface for logging water, making it easy to track progress. Reference Link
- Plant Nanny: Adds a fun twist by letting you grow a virtual plant every time you log your water intake. Gamifies hydration, which makes drinking water feel rewarding and motivates you to keep up with it. Reference Link
I also keep a large water bottle beside my bed, so drinking water is the first thing I do each morning. It’s simple but powerful, and having an app reminder has really helped me build the habit.
4. Reward yourself for sticking to your habits
One of the biggest motivators? Rewards. Seriously, giving myself little rewards has helped me stay consistent. Whether it’s treating myself to a nice coffee, a quick walk outside, or 15 minutes of chill time with a podcast, having something to look forward to keeps me on track.
Here’s what I do: I set a small milestone, like completing my morning routine every day for a week. If I stick with it, I give myself a reward. It doesn’t have to be anything big — sometimes it’s just an extra-long coffee break or a new playlist. This little reward system keeps things fun and makes sticking to my routine feel like an achievement, not a chore.
Wrapping It Up
Starting a morning routine that sticks is all about the right mix of tools and a little motivation. For me, it’s using a reliable alarm app, starting my day with a quick meditation, drinking water first thing, and throwing in small rewards to keep the habit going. It’s not perfect, but it works. If you’re looking to build a morning routine that doesn’t feel like a hassle, give this approach a shot.