How to Keep a Good Morning Routine (Teen Girls)

Co-authored by Lucy Yeh and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: March 10, 2023 References Approved

If you often feel stressed, rushed, or flustered in the mornings, you might need to set a morning routine. Sticking to a routine can help you manage your time wisely so you can start having a good day from the moment you wake up. Once you find a routine that works for you, don’t be afraid to change it up if you need to!

Here are 13 tips to help you create the perfect morning routine.

1

Set everything out that you need the night before.

Rushing around in the morning is never a fun time. Instead, try to pack your backpack, set out your clothes, and get lunch together before you go to sleep. You’ll be less tired in the morning, and you might even have a little more time to sleep in, too.^{[1]
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- Take a look at your calendar or planner to figure out if you need to bring anything extra. For example, if there’s a test the next day, grab your study guide. Or, if you have soccer practice, put your cleats in your gym bag.

2

Go to sleep at a reasonable time.

Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. When you’re a teenager, you might be tempted to stay up later, but going to bed early will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed in the morning. Turn off your electronic devices about 30 minutes before you go to sleep to fall asleep faster.^{[2]
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- Sleeping is an essential part of brain development in teenagers. Unfortunately, research shows that many teens aren’t getting the sleep they need, which can negatively impact physical and emotional health.^{[3]
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- Try to avoid drinking caffeine in the evening times, since it can keep you awake.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for an easier time falling asleep.

3

Wake up around the same time every day.

It will be much easier to wake up if your body is used to it. Set your alarm for the same time every day and try to get out of bed as soon as possible. If you’re not used to waking up early, give yourself about 2 weeks to gradually set your alarm earlier and earlier each day.^{[4]
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- While it might sound tough, try to wake up around the same time on the weekends, too. You’ll set yourself up for a better time during the week if you don’t mess up your sleep schedule.
- Eventually, you’ll start to naturally wake up on time. Don’t worry—it gets easier!

4

Try not to press snooze.

This will only get you out of bed late. If you do need a few minutes to wake up in the morning, set your alarm 15 to 30 minutes before you actually need to wake up. Try to give yourself enough time in the morning so you aren’t rushing to get ready.^{[5]
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- Avoiding the snooze button is much easier when you’ve gotten enough sleep. Really try to get at least 8 hours every night so you can get out of bed on time.
- Pressing the snooze button also pulls you out of your deep sleep and can lower the quality of the sleep that you get over time.

5

Drink a glass of water first thing.

Your body is probably dehydrated after a full night’s sleep. Keep a water bottle near your bed and take a good long drink when you wake up. Add a slice of lemon for a more refreshing way to get out of bed.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Lucy Yeh
Career & Life Coach
Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.}
- Drinking water is a better way to wake yourself up than guzzling coffee or caffeinated tea. It will keep you hydrated and leave you feeling refreshed.

6

Wash your face with cool water.

Give your skin a quick refresh while waking yourself up. Head to the bathroom first thing for a splash of icy cold water. You can also use this time to wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove oil and grease.^{[7]
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- Pick out a mild cleanser that’s made specifically for your face. That way, you won’t dry out or irritate your skin.

7

Apply moisturizer to hydrate and refresh your skin.

Cleansers can dry out your skin and make it itchy. After you wash your face, rub a thin layer of facial moisturizer all over. Pay special attention to areas on your skin that might feel dry or itchy, like around your eyes.^{[8]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizer is super important! Keeping your skin hydrated can actually help your skin produce less oil, leading to fewer breakouts.

8

Take a shower.

If you didn’t shower the night before, now’s your chance! Spend a few minutes making sure you smell great before you head out for the day. If you do shower in the morning, make sure you have enough time to dry your hair, too.^{[9]
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- If you often find yourself rushing in the morning, showering at night might be a better option for you.

9

Brush your teeth.

Don’t forget about your mouth hygiene! It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. If you didn’t floss the night before, you can do that now too.^{[10]
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- A clean mouth can help you feel more awake and alert, too!

10

Put on makeup if you’d like to.

Not everyone wears makeup, but if you like it, you totally can! Stick to simple, natural-looking makeup, like a bit of blush, mascara, or eyeliner. If you have the time, you can throw on foundation and concealer, too.^{[11]
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- Makeup can take a little getting used to, so don’t be afraid to practice it on the weekends when you have more time.
- If you’re having trouble with your makeup, ask your parents or a friend for help.

11

Eat a healthy breakfast.

It’s the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it. If you aren’t feeling super hungry, try grabbing something light, like a banana or a piece of toast. Try eating oatmeal, yogurt, or fresh fruit to give yourself the boost you need for the day.^{[12]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Try a piece of fruit or some veggies and a tall glass of water.^{[13]
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  Lucy Yeh
  Career & Life Coach
  Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.}
- Even a granola bar will help wake you up and give you energy in the morning.

12

Get outdoors.

Seeing natural sunlight can help wake you up. If the sun is out, try eating breakfast near a window or taking a short walk outside. It might not sound like much, but it can really boost your mood and help you start your day.^{[14]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you have time, a short jog in the mornings can be a great way to add exercise into your morning routine. However, most people don’t have time to work out before school or work, so don’t feel discouraged if you can’t, either.

13

Make adjustments to your routine if you need to.

Not every routine works for every person, and that’s okay! If something isn’t working, adjust it until you’re happy. Modify your morning routine so it’s perfect for you, not anyone else.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Maybe you need extra time after your shower to do your hair or put on your makeup. Or maybe you need to make lunches for your little siblings in the morning, too. Whatever it is, feel free to readjust your timeline as you try out your routine.
Expert Answer

Q

What can I do with extra time in the morning?

Lucy Yeh
Career & Life Coach
Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Lucy Yeh:

Make a to-do list or plan your day out. Sit down with your planner or calendar and map out how you're going to spend your day.

Example Morning Routine

Sample Example Morning Routine

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I start my morning routine?

Lucy Yeh
Career & Life Coach
Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.

Lucy Yeh

Career & Life Coach

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You wake up! Seriously though, I'd recommend scraping your tongue and brushing your teeth first. You could have a tall glass of water before some coffee first if you want to wait on the dental hygiene.
Question

What should I eat for breakfast?

Lucy Yeh
Career & Life Coach
Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.

Lucy Yeh

Career & Life Coach

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Go with healthy foods. Get some veggies, herbs, and greens in there along with whatever else you're eating. I think a piece of fruit is a great option if you're on the go!