How I Created My That Girl Morning Routine That Actually Stuck!

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Mornings can be rough. I used to be that person who’d hit snooze three times, grab my phone, and scroll through TikTok until I had to get out of bed.

But then I kept seeing those That Girl morning routines everywhere—you know the ones where she wakes up with the sun, sips her lemon water, and whatnot.

And I thought, “Could that ever be me?”

Spoiler alert: Yup, that’s possible.

What’s more important is that you don’t even have to be a “morning person” to make it happen (I get it, some of you might be on night shifts).

Instead, it’s more about making the mornings less like a mad dash and more like a calm, collected start, irrespective of whether your day begins at 5, 7, or 11 AM.

So, if you’re reading to trade the chaos for something a bit more zen (but still totally you), keep reading.

Because this that girl morning routine is everything and more!

1. Try to wake up at the same time every day

How I Created My That Girl Morning Routine That Actually Stuck!

While most That Girl morning routines start with waking up early, I want you to aim for something easier and more practical—waking up at the same time every day.

The goal is to give your body a rhythm—a dependable cue that sets the tone for the rest of your day.

So, whether you’re a night owl, a shift worker, or someone who loves their weekend sleep-ins, find your optimal wake-up time and stick to it.

“But Harman, how do I resist the urge to hit snooze and be consistent?”

Here are 4 things that have helped me achieve this:

Start small: Some of us are used to waking up at wildly different times. So, instead of directly aiming to wake up at 5 AM, choose a realistic wake-up time like 11 AM. You can gradually adjust if needed.

Set a nighttime routine: The key to waking up at the same time is going to bed at a consistent time. You can create a calming pre-sleep ritual to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. For example, reading a book works wonders for me!

Use a gradual alarm: Try an alarm that mimics the sunrise or one that wakes you up gently with calming sounds. This can make the transition from sleep to wakefulness less jarring.

Accountability helps: Tell a friend or family member about your new wake-up goal, or even better, find someone to join you in this habit. Sharing progress can keep you motivated.

2. Skip the phone, prioritize you

I know, the temptation to reach for your phone the second you wake up is real. It’s become almost instinctive to scroll through emails, Instagram, or check what we missed overnight.

But listen, the first few minutes after waking up are precious. They set the tone for your entire day.

By reaching for your phone, you’re letting external inputs dictate your morning vibe. So, instead, start with a mindful task that can help you ease into your day with intention and clarity.

For example, you can:

Make your bed: It’s a small win that gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment. Plus, it makes your room feel more organized.

Comb your hair or freshen up: Spend a few moments on simple grooming—it’s like a gentle nudge to start the day on the right note.

Check on your pets: If you’ve got furry friends, give them a little attention. Their happiness is contagious and a great mood booster.

Tidy your desk: A quick tidy-up helps create a clutter-free space, which can lead to a clearer mind.

Breathe and reflect: Take a few deep breaths or think about one thing you’re looking forward to that day. It’s a great way to start with a positive mindset.

And if you still find it difficult to resist the urge to check your phone, try these tricks:

Place your phone away from the bed: Charge it across the room or in another room entirely.

Set a non-digital alarm: An old-school alarm clock can help you break the habit of reaching for your phone first thing.

Replace the habit: Create a mini morning ritual that excites you—whether it’s brewing coffee or stepping outside for fresh air.

3. Stretch your muscles

After a night of lying still, your muscles can feel tight or stiff.

Stretching helps improve blood flow, reduce tension, and gently wake up your body. It’s also a great way to increase your flexibility over time and prevent those mid-day aches and pains.

A simple stretch routine you can try:

Neck and shoulder rolls: Start by slowly rolling your neck in circles to release tension. Follow with gentle shoulder rolls to loosen up.

Cat-cow stretch: On all fours, alternate between arching your back (cat) and dipping it down (cow). It’s a great way to stretch out your spine.

Standing forward bend: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slowly fold forward, reaching for your toes. This stretches the hamstrings and lower back.

Don’t overthink it. Even a few stretches can make a difference, so start small and build from there.

4. Hydrate first thing

If there’s one non-negotiable in my morning routine, it’s drinking water right after waking up. Seriously, after a good night’s sleep, your body is basically a desert (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the point.)

Rehydrating first thing is like giving your body a fresh start. It wakes up your metabolism, aids digestion, and clears your head.

Now, how to achieve this every day? Simple: place a glass or water bottle by your bed before you sleep. That way, it’s the first thing you see in the morning.

And if you’re like me—all about aesthetics—use a cute, chic water bottle. It can weirdly make you more excited to drink up!

5. Plan your day & set a mantra for it

Planning helps you prioritize what actually needs to get done, so you’re not overwhelmed by your to-do list. And the mantra? That’s your little mental anchor—something positive to keep you focused and motivated.

Grab a planner or notebook: Write down the top 3-5 things you must get done. Keep it realistic. There’s absolutely no need to overwhelm yourself first thing in the morning. Leave some room for spontaneity so that you can adjust your schedule if needed.

Set a mantra: This can be as simple as “I’ve got this” or “Today, I choose joy.” It’s a short, positive phrase that sets the tone for your day. Repeat it to yourself whenever you need a boost.

Review and reflect: Spend a few moments reflecting on what went well yesterday and what you’d like to improve today. It’s a gentle nudge to keep growing.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a planner, try digital tools like a simple notes app. The goal is to make it easy and stress-free.

6. Fuel up with a healthy breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Whether you’ve got a slow, lazy morning or you’re rushing out the door, fueling your body with a nutritious breakfast is key to keeping your energy up and mood steady.

That said, I’m dropping some of my favorite healthy breakfast ideas below for slow as well as quick mornings.

Healthy breakfast ideas for slow mornings:

Avocado toast with a twist: Mash up an avocado with whole-grain toast, sprinkle some chili flakes, and add a soft-boiled egg or a handful of microgreens for an extra boost.

Smoothie bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits with a splash of almond milk, and top with granola, chia seeds, and fresh berries. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—but healthy.

Healthy breakfast ideas for quick mornings:

Banana and nut butter: A banana with a spoonful of almond or peanut butter is a classic combo that’s quick, filling, and full of energy-boosting goodness.

Protein smoothie: Blend up a quick smoothie with your favorite protein powder, a banana, some spinach, and almond milk. Pour it into a travel cup, and you’re good to go!

Greek yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit in a mason jar. It’s portable, protein-packed, and delicious.

7. Give your skin some love

Your skin does a lot while you sleep. It repairs, regenerates, and sometimes gets a bit oily or dry depending on your skin type.

A morning routine helps cleanse away the remnants of the night and preps your skin to face the day.

Here’s my step-by-step morning skincare routine that I like to stick by, at least most of the days:

Cleanse: I start with a gentle cleanser to remove any overnight oil or impurities. If I’m short on time, micellar water on a cotton pad works wonders!

Tone: Next, I use a toner to balance my skin’s pH and prep it for the next steps. A little tip for you: go with hydrating tones if your skin feels dry, or clarifying ones if you’re dealing with oiliness.

Serum: A Vitamin C serum is an unskippable step. It brightens, helps with uneven skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection.

Moisturize: I personally prefer a lightweight moisturizer due to my oil skin type. But you can go for a richer cream if you’re on the dry side.

SPF: Finally, I protect my skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even if I’m walking under the sun for only a couple of minutes.

If you’re someone who’s considering skincare for the first time, do read my in-depth skincare routine guide for beginners!

8. Get dressed, feel your best

Clothes might not make the person, but they sure can set the tone for your day. That’s because when you dress up—even just a little—you signal to your brain that it’s time to get serious (or at least semi-serious) about the day ahead.

So, even if you’re working from home, RESIST the urge to stay in PJs all day. Even swapping them for athleisure can make you feel more productive and awake.

And if you need help with sorting out your morning outfit, here are three mantras I stick by:

Lay it out the night before: Save yourself from the morning chaos by planning your outfit the night before. Seriously, it’s one less decision to make in the morning!

Dress for your day: Think about what’s on YOUR agenda. Have a meeting? Opt for something polished. A chill day at home? Go for comfy but presentable.

Accessorize lightly: Even a simple necklace or a pair of earrings can elevate a basic outfit. Don’t underestimate the power of a good accessory.

How I Created My That Girl Morning Routine That Actually Stuck!

Because this that girl morning routine is everything and more!