Morning routine

Everyone has their own way of starting the day, and for me, having a consistent morning routine helps me feel more organized and focused. It’s not always perfect—some days I oversleep or skip a step—but generally, I try to follow the same flow every morning to set a good tone for the rest of the day.

I usually wake up at around 7:00 AM. I don’t jump out of bed right away. Instead, I lie there for a few minutes, just letting my mind adjust. I sometimes scroll through my phone—checking messages, the weather, or just seeing what’s going on in the world. It might not be the most productive habit, but it helps me wake up slowly. After that, I stretch my arms and legs, take a deep breath, and finally get up.

The next stop is the bathroom. I wash my face with cold water to help wake me up completely, and then I brush my teeth. I like the freshness it brings—it makes me feel like I’m really starting a new day. After washing up, I usually spend a couple of minutes doing light stretching or simple exercises, like a few push-ups or yoga poses. This is especially helpful if I didn’t sleep well or if I feel a bit stiff in the morning.

After freshening up and stretching, I head to the kitchen to make something warm to drink. Most of the time, I choose tea—green tea or chamomile—but sometimes I go for coffee, especially if I had a late night. I sip it slowly while sitting near the window. It’s a quiet moment I enjoy a lot. I try not to look at screens during this time. Instead, I might write a short to-do list, read a page or two of a book, or just watch the outside world wake up.

Breakfast comes next. I don’t eat anything too heavy in the morning. Usually, I have toast with butter or jam, or maybe some scrambled eggs. If I’m in a hurry, I just grab a banana or a protein bar. But I try not to skip breakfast because it gives me the energy I need to stay focused during the day. While eating, I sometimes listen to music, a podcast, or even practice a bit of Japanese listening if I feel motivated.

Once breakfast is done, I start getting ready. I choose my clothes, pack my bag, and check to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything important—like my wallet, keys, or homework. If I have time, I double-check my schedule to mentally prepare for the tasks ahead. I don’t like rushing, but let’s be honest—sometimes I do! On those days, I end up skipping the quiet tea moment or just grabbing food to eat on the way.

Even though it’s simple, this routine makes a big difference in how I feel for the rest of the day. When I follow it well, I feel calmer, more focused, and ready to take on whatever comes my way. It’s like giving myself a small gift every morning: a moment of peace before the busy day begins. That’s why, even when life gets hectic, I try to stick to my routine as much as possible.

On weekends, I allow myself to sleep in a little longer and be more relaxed about the schedule, but I still try to keep the main parts—like drinking tea quietly or stretching—because they help me feel grounded. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday, I believe starting the morning with intention can change how the entire day goes.

Even though it’s simple, this routine makes a big difference in how I feel for the rest of the day. When I follow it well, I feel calmer, more focused, and ready to take on whatever comes my way. It’s like giving myself a small gift every morning: a moment of peace before the busy day begins. That’s why, even when life gets hectic, I try to stick to my routine as much as possible.