This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWindsor chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
To become the best version of myself in 2026, I have decided to adjust my morning routine. Previously, I would wake up an hour before my first class of the day and sit in bed for a while, struggling to get ready on time. This year, I am committed to reinventing my routine to get the most out of my mornings and successfully take on the day. So far, I have stayed consistent with this routine. Here are the four main steps of my current morning routine, along with how they compare to my previous habits.
Wake Up at 6 AM
For as long as I can remember, I have not been a morning person. I prefer to lie in bed for as long as possible and stay up later in the night when I feel more awake. However, for the past week, I have dedicated myself to waking up at 6 am. For me, waking up earlier has been the key to maintaining my morning routine. With little time in the morning, I find it difficult to complete anything. Waking up earlier has already helped me feel more productive and in control of my day.
Breakfast
I’ve heard the phrase, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” all my life. Despite this, breakfast is the one meal I tend to skip, either because I forget or don’t have enough time. With my earlier wake-up time, I have been able to eat breakfast more consistently, which gives me more energy throughout the day. This change has made me realize just how much of a difference a proper breakfast can make.
Gym Time
Last year, I upheld my goal of going to the gym three times a week. However, I often went around 5 pm when the gym was busiest, which made it hard for me to get anything done. This year, I have upped my morning workout goal to four times a week. This shift has been beneficial to me as there are fewer people, and I don’t have to worry about fitting in an afternoon workout. Shifting my workout time has made exercising more enjoyable for me and has helped me stick to my fitness goals.
Schoolwork
One major goal I have for myself this year is to improve my grades. As part of my morning routine, I have added the habit of reviewing one to two of my classes, which includes looking over content or previewing class material. This small change has already made me feel more prepared and focused for each class.
Overall, my morning routine has significantly improved my productivity. Simply waking up earlier has been the most beneficial part, as it sets me up for a more focused and organized day. As a result, I now look forward to waking up each morning.