I’m a creature of habit, which is just a nice way of saying I love routines and predictability. Spontaneity? Not really my thing before 10 a.m. My mornings follow a set pattern, not because I force them to, but because these little rituals genuinely make me happy and set a positive tone for the day.
Some people hit snooze five times before rolling out of bed, while others jump straight into work emails. Me? I stick to my feel-good morning activities – the ones that wake me up, put me in a good mood, and make me feel like I have my life together (even if it’s just for a few hours).
On that note, here are my favorite ways to start the day on the right foot.
#1. Having a workout
Exercising in the morning completely changes the way I feel throughout the day. It boosts my energy, sharpens my focus, and puts me in a better mood. Plus, it helps me make healthier choices and stay active all day long.
I also find that mornings are the best time to work out because there are fewer distractions. No emails, no calls, no urgent work tasks – just me and my workout. It’s my time to reset before the day gets hectic.
More importantly, exercise is my natural stress reliever. It helps my brain release endorphins, which improve my mood and ease my anxiety. Fun fact: Did you know that our bodies produce more cortisol (the stress hormone) in the morning? A good workout helps balance those levels and keeps stress in check.
I work out six days a week, usually for 30-40 minutes, and I mix up my routine with cardio and strength training. I use two apps: Centr, which I started in January 2021, and Sweat, which I began using a year later. The two apps have quite different vibes – Sweat feels like having a personal trainer guiding you through structured fitness programs designed specifically for women, while Centr takes a more holistic approach, mixing workouts for both men and women with meditation, meal plans, and recovery sessions. I love Sweat for its well-organized programs and strong female community, but I also enjoy Centr because it gives me variety – some days I want to lift heavy, other days I just need a good Pilates session or a quick meditation to reset.
My favorite workout style is HIIT with strength training (offered in both apps), but on days when my knee feels off, I switch to Pilates, which is surprisingly challenging despite being low-impact. It strengthens my muscles, improves my posture, and keeps me flexible. Depending on my mood and goals, I switch between the two apps, keeping my workouts fresh and exciting.
Sundays, however, are my lazy days. No workouts, just me indulging in delicious food and relaxing on the couch. Balance is key, right?
#2. Eating a chocolate croissant
Nothing makes me happier than biting into a flaky, chocolate-filled croissant in the morning. When I lived in Sweden, I loved getting them from ICA – light, buttery, and packed with chocolate. Absolute perfection.
Some might say, “But what’s the point of working out if you’re eating croissants after?” My answer? Because they make me happy! Sure, croissants aren’t the healthiest option, but life isn’t just about eating perfectly all the time. I balance it out with nutritious meals the rest of the day. And let’s be honest, one (or two) croissants once in a while won’t ruin my progress.
Besides, food is more than just fuel – it’s joy, comfort, and even nostalgia. Every time I eat a chocolate croissant, it takes me back to those slow Swedish mornings, wrapped in a cozy sweater, sipping coffee, and watching the world wake up outside my window. And if a simple pastry can bring that kind of happiness, why would I ever give it up?
#3. Drinking a cup of coffee
I know many people can’t start their day without coffee, but here’s the thing – I’m not a big coffee fan. I don’t find it particularly tasty, and caffeine has zero effect on me. Also, I could drink a cup at midnight and still fall asleep like a baby.
So why do I drink it?
Because coffee is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are good for my body. It has several health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease and improving glucose metabolism. Plus, it has become part of my routine – something warm and comforting to sip on while I ease into the day.
That said, I have a confession to make: I can barely drink espresso. I know, living in Italy, that’s practically a crime – especially in Trieste, where people are serious about their coffee. No Starbucks has dared to open here yet because the locals would probably riot at the thought of anything other than their perfectly measured espresso or cappuccino.
But me? I’m in love with Starbucks-style coffee. Give me a caramel latte, a pumpkin spice latte, or anything with cookies and whipped cream on top, and I’m in heaven. Since there are no Starbucks shops here, my boyfriend came to the rescue and got me a Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee machine for Christmas. It can make Starbucks coffee using capsules, which means I can enjoy my favorite drinks without leaving home.
For the past few months, I’ve been starting my mornings with a homemade Starbucks-style treat. So far, I’ve tried the toffee nut and caramel latte, and both were absolutely delicious. It’s my little daily indulgence that makes mornings feel extra cozy.
That said, coffee isn’t just about the drink itself. Some of my favorite memories with my boyfriend involve coffee, like when we lived in Uppsala, Sweden. On sunny and warm days – rare but cherished – we’d grab a coffee to go from Espresso House and walk for hours, soaking up every bit of warmth and light we could. It was our special time, just the two of us, talking about everything and nothing. No plans, no rush – just us, the sun, and a warm cup in hand.
I recently came across a Johns Hopkins article on the benefits of coffee, and it even included a Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe that I can’t wait to try!
#4. Meditating
Mindfulness meditation has made a huge difference in my daily life. It trains my mind to stay present, helps me stay calm, and improves my ability to focus.
As much as I’d love to say I’m now a super chill and relaxed person, I’m still far from it. Maybe it’s just my personality, or maybe – if you believe in astrology – it’s because I’m a Virgo.
Overthinking? Check.
Perfectionism? Double-check.
A mind that never stops analyzing every little thing? Triple-check.
Meditation helps me manage all that, but let’s just say I still have a long way to go before I reach full Zen mode.
The first time I tried meditating, I thought, “How hard can it be to focus on my breath for five minutes?” As it turns out, it was much harder than I expected. My mind wandered almost immediately. But after a few years of practice, I can now stay present for most of the session (unless my noisy neighbors start their daily racket at 8 a.m.!).
I’ve been using an app called Balance for a year now, which offers a variety of single meditation sessions and structured meditation programs. My boyfriend, on the other hand, swears by an app called Waking Up and says it’s the best. He’s really into meditation and finds it deeply beneficial.
Meditation helps me feel centered, reduces stress, and makes me more aware of my thoughts. It’s a small practice that has a big impact on my day – even if it hasn’t completely turned me into a Zen master just yet.
#5. Bird watching
Back when I lived in Sweden, I loved watching the birds land on the flower bushes outside my apartment, looking for food. Their tiny movements, the way they tilted their heads, and their playful energy always made me smile. It was a simple yet beautiful moment that reminded me to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Unfortunately, now that I live in Trieste, I don’t get to see birds as often. My apartment is on a busy street with constant traffic, and let’s just say birds aren’t big fans of honking cars and scooters zipping by. I do miss those peaceful mornings spent watching them. But whenever I travel somewhere quieter, I still take a moment to appreciate them.
Bird-watching was always incredibly calming for me – it connected me to nature and set a peaceful tone for the day. While I don’t have that experience anymore, I try to find other little moments of calm in my morning routine.
These morning activities may seem simple, but they bring me happiness and help me start the day on a positive note. Whether it’s moving my body, enjoying a treat, or spending a quiet moment with nature, each one plays a role in shaping my mood and mindset.
What morning habits bring you joy? Let me know at [email protected].