10 things i do every morning before touching my phone that have changed my life

After years of dragging myself through each work week—constantly failing at life no matter how hard I tried—I was weighed down by the frustration that comes from a total lack of discipline. Eventually, I faced an uncomfortable truth: if I wanted real change, I desperately needed a consistent morning routine. Recognizing that need felt like ripping off a Band‑Aid I’d worn for decades, but the realization was impossible to ignore—and, honestly, long overdue.

I’d never had a strict schedule or routine in my entire 30 years of living. I hated the thought of being on a rigid schedule. I thought a morning routine would take away my much needed leisure time and creative self-expression. It made me feel constrained and trapped, and I was determined to be a “free spirit,” doing things on my own terms.

One day I thought, “Free spirit, huh? How’s that working out for you?”

After going back and forth with myself time and time again in my late twenties, I realized that no one was coming to save me. My success would be determined by how I greeted every single day.

I compared the days I skipped my morning routine to scroll on TikTok and check the latest drama in the Shade Room, versus mornings where I actually poured into myself—and I noticed something. I wasn’t just more productive. I was happier.

So those annoying wellness influencer gurus were right...
Your days really are better when you start them with mindfulness, exercise, and self-care.

I began waking up earlier, taking walks, going to the gym, journaling, doing EFT Tapping, and actually getting dressed for the day—even without plans to leave the house.

Every day wasn’t perfect. I skipped many days, and ignored that inner voice that told me to get out of bed. However, the small transformations I noticed were enough to keep me motivated to stay consistent.

And in the spirit of being a girl’s girl, I couldn’t gatekeep these life-changing practices that elevated my mental and physical health, boosted my productivity, improved my personal relationships, and helped rebuild my self-esteem.

Here are 10 habits you should commit to in the morning before touching your phone.

1. Sit with Yourself in Silence for 5–10 Minutes

Before anything else, be still. Breathe—no scrolling, no stimulation. If you like music, try low‑volume instrumentals. I love classical and jazz; they’re the perfect mellow soundtrack to calm your mind while you ease into the day.

2. Move Your Body—Walk, Work Out, or Stretch

I live for exercise and morning walks because they wake up every cell in your body. It is also a great way to increase confidence in yourself and become more focused. If you’re not ready for the gym or you simply don’t have time to walk in the morning, never underestimate the power of a focused five‑minute stretch.

3. EFT Tapping

One of my favorite practices that has absolutely transformed my life. EFT(Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping is the practice of tapping acupuncture points while repeating affirmations, and it can reduce anxiety and help rewire negative thoughts. If you’re stuck in a cycle of trauma that’s affecting your mental health, tapping helps reprogram your mind for success after years of doubting yourself or being convinced that you weren’t good enough.

4. Journal

Write your thoughts—anything that’s on your mind. Something I like to do is writing down five ideas daily. Most of your best ideas will come from early morning writing sessions. Don’t ever sleep on the power of that pen!

5. Affirmations

Affirmations align your mindset. Mirror work: tell yourself you’re the woman of your dreams and you’re showing up as her today. Affirm while you do skincare, glam, or curl your hair. There’s power in the words you speak over your life—use the morning to tell yourself who you are, before you give the world a chance to tell you who you are.

6. Take a Refreshing Shower

A hot (or cool) shower leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the day throws at you. Make sure you set aside time to apply oils, lotion, or body butter—moisturize your full body, from your scalp to the soles of your feet. Trust me, you’ll feel amazing.

7. Skincare Is Self‑Care

As you age, you realize how crucial skin care is. How you treat your skin today determines how young and vibrant you’ll look tomorrow. You don’t want to appear tired, worn out, or dull. Put in that extra effort—it’s the only skin you have. Love it, treat it with kindness and care, and it will thank you.

8. Dress Like Every Day Is the Best Day Ever

Don’t you love the days when you actually put effort into your appearance? When you feel cute in that outfit you took time to pick out the night before. Am I crazy, or aren’t those days 10x better? So why not feel that way every day? Working from home can lure you into the dangerous trap letting yourself go—don’t do that. You will probably look back and regret it. Show up every day as the woman that you want to be. Her life is better because she put in the extra effort no matter what.

9. Get some Fresh Air

There’s nothing on this earth like fresh air—and it’s free. Throw on some cute and comfortable athleisure, strut around the neighborhood, and soak in nature. Walking around my neighborhood daily boosted my confidence in ways I couldn’t imagine, helped me care less about what people think, and detached me from daily stress. Bonus: commit to daily walks and watch your waist get snatched.

10. Create Before You Consume

Your mind is most creative in the morning. Stimulate it—write, sketch, plan a recipe, create a mood board—before you open that social media app. People become robots by over‑consuming instead of doing what we were placed here to do: create. Whether you’re a chef, MUA, designer, writer, or painter, honor those gifts and use them first thing.

The way you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. These habits aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being intentional. You owe it to yourself to protect your peace, nourish your mind and body, and pour into you before the world gets a chance to pull at your energy. Remember: small shifts lead to big transformations. So take your time, stay consistent, and show up for yourself like you’re the main character—because you are.