Do you wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? I know that feeling all too well. For years, I struggled with tired, stressful mornings, making it hard to start my work day at school with energy.

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As teachers, we know how unpredictable the day can be—from engaging students in lessons to handling last-minute schedule changes. That’s why having a calm and structured morning routine is key to starting the school day with energy and focus.

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Today, I wake up refreshed and ready for my students—and I want to help you do the same! Here’s my simple and realistic morning routine that keeps me calm, focused, and stress-free before heading into a busy school day:

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1. Wake up naturally (No more harsh alarms!)

Instead of waking up to a loud alarm, I let light wake me up gradually: I use a HUE lamp, which starts brightening my bedroom 10 minutes before my alarm. If that’s not enough, I have a gentle bird-chirping alarm that activates five minutes later. Only as a backup, my phone alarm rings—but I rarely need it anymore!

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This gentle wake-up method makes a huge difference in how I feel in the morning. I no longer wake up grumpy, and I actually look forward to getting up!

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2. Hydrate & get moving

The first thing I do? I get out of bed immediately. No snoozing! I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, and use a tongue scraper. While emptying the dishwasher, I drink two and a half glasses (3dl) of cold tap water to wake up my body and improve digestion.

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This simple habit reboots my system, gets me moving without needing caffeine right away and helps me ease into the day without feeling rushed.

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3. Getting ready for the day

After freshening up, I move on to getting dressed and feeling put together for the day: I either shower in the morning or get dressed if I showered the night before. I do my quick curly hair routine (check out my favorite products here - coming soon). Then I put on minimal makeup—just mascara and brushed eyebrows. In the mornings, I always air out the apartment for a few minutes, because fresh air makes me feel more awake and alert. Lastly, I make the bed—a simple habit that signals my brain that the day has started.

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These small actions help me feel refreshed and ready to take on the school day.

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4. My non-negotiable breakfast moment

For years, I used to skip breakfast or force myself to fast, thinking it would help with weight loss. But now? Breakfast is my favorite part of the morning. I have a warm bowl of porridge with almond butter and berries (read my full recipe here - coming soon). I sit down and actually enjoy my food instead of rushing.

 

After breakfast, I take 5 minutes to drink a cup of Matcha—a little moment of peace and joy before my day starts. Sometimes I even drink it outside on my balcony to get some more fresh air. This one small ritual actually helps me get out of bed excited each morning because I know I have something to look forward to.

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5. Ready for a focused & calm school day

By the time I leave for work (about 1.5 hours after waking up), I feel awake, calm, and prepared. My 30-minute drive is a smooth transition into teacher mode. I don’t feel rushed or stressed when I walk into the classroom. My students deserve a teacher who is present and engaged—this morning routine really helps me to show up as my best self.

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Now, find what works best for you! 

Having a consistent morning routine helps me feel more in control of my day. I’ve tested many morning routines—some worked, some didn’t. For example, I tried morning meditation, but it actually made me sleepier. That’s why I do my meditation and journaling in the evening instead (read more here - coming soon).

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I notice that thanks to my morning routine I’m more patient with students, more focused during lessons, and less stressed overall. Of course, what works for me might not work for everyone, but I encourage you to experiment and find what makes your mornings calmer. Your ideal morning routine should fit your life, not stress you out even more.

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What’s your morning routine like? Do you have any rituals that help you start the day calmly and energized?

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Share your recommendations with me! I would love to hear from you.