Ever scroll through social media and see those seemingly perfect videos? You know the ones: a serene soul, waking up at dawn, sipping a matcha latte, and gliding through a flawless morning before the rest of the world has even hit snooze. That’s the “That Girl” aesthetic, and it’s everywhere.
It’s easy to watch those clips and feel a pang of envy, as if we’re witnessing some unattainable standard of perfection. But here’s the little secret no one tells you: being “That Girl” has nothing to do with perfection. It’s not about a specific brand of yoga pants or a perfectly curated smoothie bowl, but about something much deeper and more personal.
It’s about consciously creating a morning routine that aligns with your deepest values, one that nourishes your body and soul, and sets a tone of calm and purpose for the entire day ahead. (Remember when I said that your morning decides how your day will unfold?) It’s about choosing to be the main character in your own life, starting from the moment you open your eyes.
If you’re feeling inspired to build your own version of That Girl morning routine, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s walk through this together, step by gentle step.
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That Girl morning routine
Let’s see which daily habits you should start for a That Girl morning routine.
Related: 21 habits to become That Girl
1) Wake up early and avoid using your phone
Imagine gifting yourself a pocket of quiet time before the world gets noisy and demanding. This is the heart of the “That Girl” morning. It’s not about jolting awake with a frantic alarm, but about easing into the day. Aim to wake up a little earlier, perhaps between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., not as a punishment, but as a gift of uninterrupted time.
When you rise, open your curtains wide and let the natural light flood in. This simple act helps reset your circadian rhythm and signals to your body that a new day has begun. Then, take a moment to make your bed. This tiny, 30-second task is a powerful ritual—it’s a small commitment to order and accomplishment that sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
Here’s a crucial piece of the puzzle: try to resist the urge to reach for your phone. Give yourself at least the first 30 minutes of your day without emails, news, or social media. Instead, just take a few deep, conscious breaths. Stretch your arms overhead, feel your body awaken, and simply exist in the quiet peace of the morning.
2) Hydrate and refresh your body and space
Before you even think about caffeine, offer your body what it truly needs after a long night’s rest: pure, simple hydration. Keep a large glass of water by your bed, maybe with a slice of lemon for an extra zing, and drink it all down. This wakes up your digestive system, rehydrates your cells, and is a loving first act of self-care.
Then, move into a skincare ritual that feels less like a chore and more like a gentle, loving ceremony. (I used to go all day without having taken care of my skin, but now I can’t skip it)
Take your time to cleanse, moisturize, and most importantly, protect your skin with SPF. As you do, you might smooth your hair into a soft, sleek bun or a comfortable braid. Consider lighting that bedside candle or diffusing a calming essential oil like lavender or bergamot. This is about looking good and taking a few moments to refresh and reset your entire being.
A little aesthetic tip I can give you is to create a serene space that invites this calm feeling. Keep your bedside table minimal and lovely; perhaps you can keep a fresh glass of water, a beautiful journal, and a single candle. A clutter-free space helps foster a clutter-free mind and avoid the headache first thing in the morning.
3) Move your body with joyful intention
Next, it’s time to move that body girl!
Think of this next step not as a grueling workout you have to do, but as a joyful movement session you get to do. Celebrate what your body can do! It will lift your mood and boost your energy for the day ahead. It’s a profound act of self-respect.
Spend 20 to 30 minutes moving in a way that genuinely feels good to you. That might be a gentle yoga flow that connects your breath to your movement, an energizing Pilates class on YouTube, a brisk walk around your neighborhood while listening to the birds, or some strength training that makes you feel powerful. The key is to stay present; focus on your breath, feel your muscles working, and notice your mind sharpening as you move.
I love dancing to K-pop music and walking around my neighborhood, so these are my favorite activities.
You could create a dedicated “Morning Motivation” playlist filled with songs that uplift you, or listen to an inspiring podcast or audiobook as you move. It makes the time fly and fills your mind with positivity.
4) Practice mindfulness and pour out your thoughts
After you’ve gotten your blood flowing, it’s the perfect time to sit in stillness and check in with yourself. Find a comfortable spot and settle in for 5-10 minutes of meditation. You don’t need to silence your mind completely, just focus on your breath and allow your thoughts to come and go without judgment.
Then, open your journal. This is your space for unfiltered reflection. You might ask yourself gentle questions like: What three things am I genuinely grateful for this morning? How do I want to feel today: calm, energized, focused? What is the one top priority that would make today feel successful?
You can also write down a few affirmations that align with your goals, such as “I am capable and calm,” or “I approach this day with focus and grace.” This beautiful ritual strengthens your self-awareness and helps you move into your day with incredible clarity and intention.
Another tip here is to get a physical journal and decorate it as you like. Use colored pastel pens, sticky notes, draw cute designs, and make your journal YOUR journal!
5) Nourish yourself with a wholesome breakfast
Your amazing body, which has already moved and meditated with you, deserves real, delicious fuel. Prepare a breakfast that is both nourishing and a feast for the eyes. This could be a jar of creamy overnight oats topped with vibrant berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds, a slice of hearty avocado toast with a perfectly poached egg, or a thick, colorful smoothie bowl you can eat with a spoon.
As you eat, enjoy your coffee, matcha latte, or just your favorite drink slowly. Sip it mindfully, tasting the rich flavors, instead of scrolling on your phone. This moment of eating is about sustenance and a quiet, daily act of self-love and gratitude for the food that fuels you.
What I usually do is prepare my toast with my cup of green tea, sit in the living room, and eat it slowly and mindfully, while I watch slow morning videos or listen to personal growth podcasts.
6) Get ready and dress with quiet confidence
Now, it’s time to transition into the world.
Begin with a refreshing shower. Let this be more than just getting clean. Feel the water on your skin, and choose a scent for your body wash or shampoo that uplifts you, washing away any lingering sluggishness and preparing a clean canvas, both for your skin and your mind.
Now, step into your closet with intention. When you’re choosing your outfit for the day, think about what makes you feel both comfortable and confident. The “That Girl” aesthetic often leans towards clean, neutral tones and soft, high-quality fabrics that feel good on the skin; think effortless chic.
If you enjoy it, apply some light makeup, not to cover up, but to highlight your favorite features.
Maybe it’s just a touch of tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara to open up your eyes, and a dab of cream blush for a healthy glow.
A spritz of your favorite perfume can be the final touch, a sensory reminder of your worth throughout the day. Look in the mirror and take a moment to appreciate the person looking back. You’re not trying to be someone else; you are embracing and presenting the very best version of yourself.
7) Plan your day with purpose and clarity
Before you dive into the emails, the meetings, and the endless to-dos, there is one final, crucial ritual for a That Girl morning routine. Give yourself the gift of organization. Find your planner, your favorite notebook, or your digital app.
Take a deep, calming breath. This is not about creating an overwhelming, impossible list, but about gaining clarity and focus. Identify one to three key priorities for the day: what are the absolute must-dos? Knowing this ahead of time eliminates decision fatigue and mental clutter.
Finally, do a quick tidy of your space. Straighten your desk, wash your breakfast dishes, and fluff the cushions on your sofa. Walking into a clean, organized space after a long day is a wonderful gift to your future self, and it ensures you’ll return to a calm environment that supports your well-being.
When you finally step into your day, you are not being pulled in a dozen directions by a chaotic to-do list. You’ll be moving with a sense of structure, serenity, and purpose. This is how you build a life of intention, one calm, clear morning at a time.
Wrap up
And there you have it, a gentle, step-by-step guide to “That Girl morning routine” that feels like a loving ritual.
Some mornings, you’ll do it all and feel like you’re floating on a cloud of productivity. Other days, life will happen, and your routine might simply be a five-minute meditation and a mindful cup of tea. And that is more than okay.
So, take a deep breath and begin. Start with just one small change tomorrow. Let that small change build into a habit, and let that habit build a life you love waking up to
