Five Ways to Make Every Morning Your Best Morning

woman waking up

We’ve got the tips, tricks, and products you need to help you save time and start off your day feeling great

We all know that a bad morning can make or break your day. Maybe you got a terrible night’s sleep, you’re running late, you can’t find your keys… these little things can add up to a lot of negative energy that can stick with you for hours. That’s why we want to help make every morning your best morning. We’ve got a few tips, tricks, and products that will hopefully help you take control of your mornings so you can always walk out the door with a smile.  

#1 Wake up with the sun (well… sort of)

For most of us, there are few things worse than the sound of an alarm clock going off — especially if you’re in a deep sleep. But what if your transition from sleep to wake didn’t have to be so, well, alarming? The Philips Smartsleep clock is a giant smart light that simulates the sunrise, so it’ll wake you up gently and gradually. Not only is it very cool looking, but it’s got a number of other high-tech features like a sunset simulator, guided breathing relaxations to help you wind down, and a multitude of calming audio options. You’ll never sleep through your alarm again. In fact, you might even start to look forward to it going off! 

#2 First things first… take five

Once you’re up and you’ve made your bed, an action that will start your day off with a feeling of accomplishment, take a couple of minutes to write about the things that you’re grateful for. There are products that make it super easy to make gratitude journaling a habit. Say hello to The Five Minute Journal, which gives you short, easy prompts to answer at the very beginning and very end of your day. Once you get in the habit of writing down the little things you’re grateful for or happy about that you might usually take for granted, you’ll notice a real change in your overall mood. 

#3 Skip shampoo to save a few

If you’ve hit the snooze button one too many times and are scrambling, stay calm. You can save yourself some precious prep time by swapping your morning shampoo and blow-dry for a dry shampoo. We personally love Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo. Simply spray it onto your roots and brush it through. You’ll look fresh as a daisy in no time. We suggest not using it multiple days in a row to avoid buildup, but in a pinch, it’ll keep your hair looking and smelling amazing.

Another time-saving morning hack? Pick out your clothes the night before. We know it sounds obvious, but the amount of brain space it takes to put together an outfit in the morning when you’re already stressed is enormous. It’s called ‘decision fatigue.’ Why do you think Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every day? We’re not suggesting you go full Jobs on your wardrobe, but picking out your clothes the night before will save you — and your brain — a lot of energy in the morning. 

#4 Perk up before you head out

Allowing yourself a little treat before you leave the house is sometimes just what you need to start your day out on the right foot. For some of us, this means starting off with a healthy breakfast. If you’re a coffee-lover, you may prefer enjoying a particularly delectable cup of coffee. Making your first cup from the pot at home doesn’t exactly feel like an indulgence, but unfortunately, most fancy espresso machines are enormous, bulky, and will cost you a pretty penny. After comparing reviews of a number of deluxe coffee makers, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker seems to be a clear winner. It will make you a cafe-grade morning brew for a fraction of the price of other comparable coffee and espresso makers. So, if coffee is what makes you happy in the morning, this might be the splurge item you’ve been looking for! 

#5 Stop being a loser (of your keys, that is!) 

The best way to prepare to get out the door and on with your day is to get organized. This Aimie Jai Organizer from Wayfair can help you keep track of your keys, your wallet, your phone… and anything else you’re scrambling to find on your way out the door. For those of you who are truly a lost keys lost cause, try Tile. After attaching a tiny little Bluetooth tracker with a 200-foot Bluetooth range to items you can’t seem to stop losing (like your keys, your wallet, or your glasses), you can use their app to find exactly which area of your house swallowed whatever it is you’re looking for. 

Products you buy through our links might earn us a commission.