My Morning Non-Negotiables
5 Things You Should Do Every Morning
Simple habits that help you show up as your best self—without adding stress.
Most people think “being your best” requires a perfect routine, a 5 AM club, and an aesthetic smoothie. Nope.
The real secret is consistency with the basics, small actions that tell your brain: I’m in charge today. This is part of pillar number 3, Gratitude, Mindset & Daily Energy Rituals.
These five morning habits are simple, doable, and powerful. You don’t need to do them perfectly. You just need to do them enough to build momentum.
1) Make Your Bed
No explanation needed… but I’ll give you one anyway. 😉
Making your bed is a tiny win that sets the tone for the day. It’s proof you can take action even when you’re tired, rushed, or not feeling it.
It reinforces something we forget: little things matter.
And coming home to a made bed? That’s a quiet form of self-respect.
Try this: Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for done.
2) Hydrate First
When you wake up, you’re dehydrated—hours of sleep plus whatever your day looked like yesterday. Before coffee, before scrolling, before you start “doing,” give your body what it needs.
Water helps wake up your system, support digestion, and boost energy.
My tip is to fill up a glass of water before bed so its ready for you in the morning.
Upgrade options (optional, not required):
Water + lemon
Water + lemon + pinch of sea salt
If you love a kick: lemon + cayenne + a splash of apple cider vinegar
Keep it simple. Hydration is a nonnegotiable because you can’t run your life on empty.
3) Move Your Body (Even a Little)
This is not meant to replace your workout. Think of it as a morning ignition.
Movement clears the fog, reduces stiffness, and helps you feel more present in your body.
You don’t need an hour. You need a signal to your nervous system that you’re awake and capable.
Easy options:
5 minutes of stretching
A short yoga flow
A 10-15 minute walk, bonus if you have a doggie
A quick 10-minute HIIT session
Consistency beats intensity. Always.
4) Gratitude + Intention
This one is a mindset reset and a leadership move.
Write three things you’re grateful for—not the perfect things, the real things. Then set an intention for how you want to show up today.
Gratitude grounds you. Intention directs you.
Prompt ideas:
Today I’m grateful for…
Today I want to feel…
Today I want to be…
Today I want to give…
Today I want to give…
My goal for today is…
When you start your day with purpose, you’re less likely to get pulled into chaos.
5) Review Your Day (So You Show Up Prepared)
This is the difference between a day that happens to you and a day you lead.
Take 2 minutes to look at your calendar, your top priorities, and anything that could throw you off-track. I’ll be honest my love, you should do that the day before to make sure you have the right outfit and the right snacks, but baby steps.
Quick structure:
My top 3 priorities today are…
One thing I need to prep for is…
One boundary I’m keeping today is…
Preparedness creates calm. Calm creates better decisions. And I give you permission to delete that nagging task that you know you are not doing.
A Simple Way to Start (If You’re Overwhelmed)
If five things feels like too much, start with two:
Water + one minute of gratitude.
That alone can change the tone of your day.
You don’t need a perfect morning routine. You need a repeatable one. (Read that again)
Want a quick, done-for-you reset?
I put together a free Gratitude Journal Prompt you can use anytime you feel scattered or stuck.