I recently moved from my hometown to a new city, and one thing that made the transition easier was establishing an effective and enjoyable morning routine!

After starting a new job where I’m in the office most of the day, I wanted to make the most of my mornings. As a single gal who only has to worry about getting myself out the door, I take full advantage of the calm before the daily hustle (because this won’t last forever!).

Start the day off strong

I like to kick off the morning with a small but meaningful sense of accomplishment. Two easy ways to do this: avoid the snooze button (most days) and make my bed right away! These simple actions give me an instant productivity boost.

If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll wake up early for a quick workout, though I have to admit this has been happening more in the evenings lately.

Next, I always turn on some music or a podcast. Living alone can get quiet—especially after years of having roommates—so a little background noise helps set a positive tone for the day.

The essentials: coffee and self-care

After a quick skincare routine, I head straight to the coffee maker. I used to spend way too much money on coffee from shops around town, so I invested in a few tools to make lattes at home. Not only does this save me money, but the act of making my morning caffeine fix brings me joy.

Then comes what used to be my least favorite part of the morning—getting ready. I think I disliked it because it meant leaving my cozy apartment and braving the chilly city. Applying makeup and fixing my hair are simple tasks, but they felt mundane until I learned to romanticize them.

Since I rarely work from home, I turned my desk into a vanity. Now, I can sit, sip my coffee, and take my time while getting ready. Even though I can rush through this part, I prefer to slow down and enjoy the moment before the chaos of the day begins.

Prepping for success

Before heading out the door, I make sure to pack my bag and put together a lunch. I used to buy lunch every day, but I quickly realized how much money I was wasting. Waking up just a few minutes earlier to prep my own meal has made a noticeable difference in my budget!

Then it’s time to seize the day! The commute, which could be a dull task, is something I’ve learned to enjoy. I pop in my headphones and listen to an audiobook or music while walking to the train station. This little bit of outdoor movement has surprisingly become one of my favorite parts of the morning.

On the train, I make the most of the uninterrupted time. It’s a great opportunity to respond to emails and texts, jot down my grocery list, read a book, or check off other small tasks I don’t always get to during the day.

A good morning sets the tone for the day

Once I arrive at the office, it’s time to clock in! I’ve noticed that sticking to this routine has significantly improved my mood. Even small joys—like a homemade latte and a short walk—make a big difference in how I feel for the rest of the day.

It really is the little things that can transform your mornings!