How to Build a Morning Routine That Doesn’t Exhaust You
I’ve tried every morning routine hack imaginable—some were life-changing, others were just a waste of time.
A good morning routine can set the tone for the entire day, but most advice out there is either unrealistic, unnecessary, or downright exhausting.
You don’t need a two-hour wellness marathon before 7 AM to be productive.
But if waking up at 5 AM gives you the quiet time you need before the chaos of the day begins, then it’s worth prioritizing.
The key is finding what actually fits your life.
What Actually Works
1. Getting Up at the Right Time (Not Just Early)
Waking up early is often praised as the holy grail of success, but what matters most is getting enough sleep, not just waking up early.
A well-rested person who wakes up at 7:30 AM will outperform a sleep-deprived 5 AM riser every time.
Prioritize consistency over extreme wake-up times.
I used to think I could function on five hours of sleep, but the brain fog and endless coffee refills proved otherwise.
For single moms, uninterrupted sleep is a fantasy, but rest still matters.
If you can’t control wake-ups from little ones, try going to bed earlier or sneaking in a power nap during the day. If you’re struggling with sleep, focus on improving your nighttime routine.
No screens an hour before bed, a consistent sleep schedule, and a cool, dark room can work wonders.
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it directly impacts your productivity.
2. Moving Your Body (In a Way That Feels Good)
You don’t need an intense workout session first thing in the morning unless that genuinely energizes you.
A short walk, stretching, or even dancing while you make coffee can get your blood flowing without feeling like a chore.
The goal is to wake up your body and mind, not to hit a calorie target.
If you prefer a structured workout, keep it short and efficient.
A 15-minute bodyweight circuit or a quick yoga flow can give you an energy boost without draining your morning time.
3. Eating or Drinking Something That Fuels You
I used to skip breakfast, thinking I could just push through, but by 10 AM, I was a cranky mess.
Skipping breakfast works for some, but for others, it leads to a mid-morning crash.
If you’re a coffee-first person like I am, make sure you pair it with water.
For single moms racing against the clock every morning, breakfast needs to be quick, filling, and one-handed—because let’s be real, you’re probably eating it in the car.
Think overnight oats you prepped last night, a protein-packed smoothie you can sip on the go, or a banana with almond butter for a no-fuss, grab-and-eat option.
If you’re eating, go for protein and fiber instead of a sugar bomb that will leave you drained by 10 AM.
Good options: Greek yogurt with fruit, eggs with whole-grain toast, or a smoothie with protein powder, greens, and healthy fats.
Keep it simple, but make sure it’s something that sustains you.
4. A Short but Intentional Plan for the Day
Five minutes to review priorities can save you hours of wasted time.
Instead of an overwhelming to-do list, identify 1-3 key tasks that will actually move the needle.
Writing down your top priorities can help you avoid spending the day putting out fires instead of making real progress.
If you like structure, try time-blocking your morning so you don’t waste time deciding what to do next.
What Doesn’t Work
1. Overloading Your Routine with Too Many Steps
If your morning checklist looks like a self-improvement boot camp, it’s too much.
Meditation, journaling, affirmations, a 5K run, and an elaborate smoothie might sound great, but piling on too many habits is the fastest way to abandon the routine altogether.
Morning routines should streamline your day, not exhaust you before you even start work.
Choose a few high-impact habits and skip the rest.
2. Rigid Structures That Ignore Your Reality
If you have kids, unpredictable work hours, or just hate waking up early, forcing a strict routine is setting yourself up for failure.
Flexibility is key. A good routine adapts to your needs, not the other way around.
For single moms, mornings are often unpredictable—kids wake up too early, tantrums happen, and someone always forgets their homework.
Instead of a rigid schedule, create a morning framework. For example: Wake up → Hydrate → Move → Plan the day.
This lets you adjust each habit as needed without feeling like you’ve failed if something doesn’t go perfectly.
3. Relying on Willpower Alone
If your routine depends on waking up feeling motivated, it won’t last.
Instead, make it easy. Lay out your clothes, automate breakfast, and remove decision fatigue wherever possible.
The less effort it takes, the more likely you are to stick with it.
4. Scrolling Your Phone First Thing
I’ve fallen into the trap of checking my phone first thing, only to look up 30 minutes later with nothing to show for it.
Grabbing your phone as soon as you wake up is a productivity killer.
The second you check emails, texts, or social media, you’re reacting instead of setting the tone for your day.
For single moms, mornings can bring a flood of urgent messages—school updates, work emails, and last-minute schedule changes.
Try delaying phone use until after your core morning habits so you can set your own pace before diving into everyone else’s needs.
Even 15-30 minutes of being offline can help you start the day with clarity and focus instead of distractions.
The Bottom Line
The best morning routine is the one you can actually maintain.
Instead of trying to copy someone else’s 10-step formula, focus on a few core habits that help you feel good and get things done.
Simplicity wins every time.
As a single mom, I’ve had to tweak my morning routine more times than I can count, and that’s okay.
If your current routine isn’t working, experiment. Swap out habits, adjust your wake-up time, and find a rhythm that suits your life.
A morning routine should simplify your day, not add to your stress.