Your definitive morning routine checklist

So, what do you do when you wake up every morning? Do you have a set schedule that you follow, or do you plan as you go? Having a morning routine checklist can make those a.m. hours less hectic, in addition to a dozen other benefits—and it is surprisingly not monotonous, as many people presume. 

Developing a morning routine is easy. All you need is a good night's sleep (which you can get using the best sleep aid products) and a clear idea of what you want to do the next morning. 

Here is a brief guide on how to go about setting your definitive morning routine checklist.

How to create a morning routine checklist:

Many people's morning routines are similar; for example, almost everyone's routine includes taking a shower and having breakfast. 

However, your routine should reflect your own personal needs and preferences. It doesn't have to look like anyone else's—it only needs to feel natural to you. Consequently, it is advisable to be objective when creating your routine. Here are some tips on how to go about it:

1. Visualize your mornings

What do you do when you wake up every morning? Do you have kids to prepare for school, or perhaps pets that need feeding and walking? What time do you have to check in for work? 

Your morning routine should be based on your daily tasks and activities. For example, if you have school-going kids, it might include packing their lunch for the day. These activities may be ones that you already regularly do, but now they'll be clearly spelled out and guided by an orderly timetable. 

Your morning routine should also include activities that you wish you could do more often. For instance, you may wish to jog every day but are discouraged by your other responsibilities. Designating time for these activities in your morning routine will make you more organized and allow you to get more done each day. 

2. Set realistic goals

Yes, a morning routine will mean that you can do more and still make your mornings less hectic. However, there is still a limit to what you can do every morning—it wouldn't be realistic to make a three-course breakfast, do an hourlong home workout, perform a 12-step Korean skincare routine and walk your dog before getting to the office 20 minutes early, say.  

As such, it's advisable to be realistic when deciding what to include in your morning routine checklist. You can also have a flexible routine, whereby there are different activities on different days, such as adding more time for lengthier exercises during the weekends. 

3. Make a list

Do you now have a concrete idea of what you would like to do (or have to do) every morning? Great, now write it down in order, starting with what you would like to do immediately after waking up and ending with what you should do before heading out for the day. 

Having a list of your morning schedule will help boost your resolve. However, it doesn't mean much if you don't put it into practice. Some people consider following a routine monotonous, while others think that it diminishes their free spirit. However, the benefits far outweigh any perceived shortcomings and sticking to your routine will become easy over time. 

Activities to include in your morning routine checklist: 

Many of the world's most successful personalities have morning routines. For example, here is Oprah Winfrey's daily routine, per Harper's Bazaar:

• Waking up and expresses gratitude for being alive 
• Brushing her teeth 
• Caring for her dogs  
• Sitting down for a cup of healthy chai tea 
• Stretching and working out 
• Meditating while walking or sitting for 20 minutes 
• Having breakfast 
• Going about business and administration 

However, as we mentioned, everyone's morning routine checklist should be customized to suit their own preferences. Here is an overview of some common activities that you can include: 

• Make a fresh pot of tea or coffee
• Do a quick clean-up of your space
• Update your journal
• Check your mail and check in with friends and colleagues
• Do some deep-breathing exercises
• Throw a load of laundry into the machine
• Swap out a shower for a bubble bath

 As always, it's important to get enough sleep, or else you may lack enough energy to stick to your routine. You will then start, spend, and end your day well. Anyone can do it, and everyone should! Want even more focus and organization in your day? Check out our picks for the best planners and productivity apps.