What if your morning didn’t feel like a race, but like a slow inhale?
What if, instead of scrolling and stressing, you had a gentle rhythm that grounded you for the day ahead?
The first hour of the morning is a time to dedicate to yourself, to spend slowly and relaxing.
I am of the opinion that a morning started with the right mood and the right note is a must to spend the day in a productive way but also with a more positive mentality, compared to a day started with a note of urgency and confusion.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a lot of time, whether it be for school, work, or other personal commitments.
This is why today I would like to share with you a realistic and practical 1-hour morning routine that you can take inspiration from if you have little time in the morning and which still allows you to prepare for the day.
If you’re craving a calm, grounding way to begin your day without overwhelm, this simple 1-hour morning routine is for you.
It’s designed to gently wake you up, care for your mind and body, and set the tone for a day that feels intentional, not rushed. No 5 AM alarms, no long to-do lists. Just an hour of presence, coziness, and clarity.
Let’s start!
Pin it for later!
Do’s and don’ts for a productive 1-hour morning routine
Before going to see what to include in your 1-hour morning routine, it is essential to know what to do the night before if you really want to be prepared and benefit more from this fast routine.
1) Go to bed early
One of the few things we often forget is that to have an energizing awakening and kick-start your mornings like a pro, it is vitally important to give your body the right rest.
Because let’s face it, how can we expect to wake up well without having slept enough?
Especially if you know that you will have a 1-hour morning routine before going to your workplace, you must be ready to wake up in time without staying in bed for a long time.
You need to sleep for at least 7-9 hours, so go to bed early to ensure your body gets sufficient rest.
2) Have a soothing self-care routine before bed
We must be prepared for the next day, not only physically, but also mentally.
What’s better than a soothing self-care routine before bed?
It doesn’t have to be something expensive and it doesn’t even mean taking a bubble bath.
A soothing self-care routine should only include things that make you feel good both physically and mentally.
For example, I love reading topics on self-improvement, listening to relaxing music, or even drinking a cup of hot tea.
Immerse yourself in activities that free you from the tiredness of the day and you will see how you will also be able to sleep better!
3) Take a relaxing shower
I don’t know what you are like, but I’m a person who as soon as I get in the shower, it’s hard for me to get out of there in a couple of minutes.
If I know that I only have 1 hour in the morning to get ready, I prefer to freshen up and shower the night before so that in the morning I can focus solely on my skincare routine.
So if you know you’ll have a quick morning routine, and you’re like me, take a shower the night before so you don’t risk getting trapped under the jet of hot water and maybe even fall asleep there. 😉
4) Prepare for the next morning
Of course, this is a good point that should not be overlooked if you intend to immerse yourself in your 1-hour morning routine without distractions.
Preparing for the next day means getting organized and not wasting time that you can easily dedicate to yourself.
If you have something planned for the next day, prepare your materials the day before, iron your clothes, and prepare your lunch or your backpack, all that same evening.
It’s normal to be tempted to do all this in the morning, but trust me if you prepare the night before for the next day, everything becomes easier and you can spend your morning routine without rushing through your day or worrying about whether you forgot something.
5) Avoid the snooze button
Guess what is one of the worst things you can do to yourself when you have little time in the morning?
Exactly that! Hit the snooze button.
When you think you’ll only get 5 more minutes of sleep, it ends up being 10 and then 20.
Hitting the snooze button only messes up your sleep cycle and makes you feel more tired once you get out of bed.
And guess what if you only have an hour of time in the morning, this is what you absolutely must avoid. You need your mornings to feel calm and cozy!
6) Don’t touch your phone first thing in the morning
If you want to start the day on the right foot, whether it’s a normal morning or a 1-hour morning routine, your cell phone should be left on the bedside table, at least until breakfast.
Grabbing your phone first thing in the morning can be detrimental to your mental health and peace of mind.
First thing in the morning, you want to focus on yourself, and scrolling through a person’s feed to observe their life or read about sad news first thing can trigger a sense of sadness and disappointment in ourselves.
The right time would be during breakfast or even better after consuming your meal.
1-hour morning routine for a simple start
This is a quick but efficient 1-hour morning routine to start your day off right,
But if there are things you enjoy doing, feel free to change some things.
1) Wake up slowly (3 minutes)
The day can only start well by waking up slowly and taking the time to realize that a new day is beginning.
Take a few deep breaths and be grateful to God for a new day and for waking up healthy.
You can then get up from bed.
2) Tidy yourself up (10 minutes)
Once up, open the windows to air out the bedroom, and head to the bathroom to tidy yourself up.
Take care of your personal hygiene and do your daily skincare routine (make sure you don’t forget to apply sunscreen too!)
3) Make your bed (2 minutes)
Once finished in the bathroom, return to the room (already aired in the meantime) and make your bed.
A bed that doesn’t get unmade, gives you greater productivity, lowers stress, and keeps the environment clean and tidy.
4) Stretch your body (10 minutes)
Now that the room is tidy, why not take the opportunity to move your body?
By this, I don’t mean doing sports, but simply doing some relaxing stretching.
Stretching induces a feeling of calm, decreases muscle tension, and also has calming powers for the mind.
Nothing better to start the day!
5) Journal (5 minutes)
Journaling is a good way to keep track of your thoughts, emotions, and progress, and increases your self-awareness towards the things that matter.
I believe it is a step that should not be missed, not even in a 1-hour morning routine.
6) Pray or meditate (10 minutes)
Early morning is the ideal time to address your first prayers to God and give thanks for the day he has given us.
If you prefer to spend time with your thoughts and practice mindfulness, then meditation could be for you.
Spend at least 10 minutes and dedicate this special moment only to yourself. You’ll see how free you’ll feel immediately afterward!
7) Eat a healthy breakfast (15 minutes)
I know you only have an hour to spare and maybe you plan to skip breakfast, but introducing energy after a long rest only brings benefits.
Include a healthy breakfast in your 1-hour morning routine, chew every bite, and enjoy the tastes. You will see how you will be full of energy and ready to face a busy day.
8) Plan your day (5 minutes)
Last, but not least, dedicate at least 5 minutes to plan your day and get organized.
Planning helps you stay on top of your goals and tasks.
Fill out your to-do list, check your calendar, and don’t skip the day’s commitments.
Wrap up
Here’s your 1-hour morning routine for a simple start. As you can see it is very simple but efficient to prepare you for the day.
You might add or remove something that suits your lifestyle, but remember that even if it’s a quick morning routine, it’s important to include activities that lead to a calming and smooth day.
So tomorrow, when you open your eyes, take a breath. Let the light in. And let your day begin with grace.
