No, You Don't Need a 14-step Morning Routine

It's a bit strange if you ask us xx

The wellness scene has officially become the Olympics of having a morning routine. Everywhere we look, someone gorgeous is apparently awake at 4:52am, dry brushing their lymph nodes, lighting a candle that smells like “inner peace”, adding chlorophyll to their water like they’re about to photosynthesise, and doing an ‘everything shower’ before a 6:30am Pilates class.

And somehow,  this always happens right after a breakup. Suddenly, there’s a six-week “glow-up era”, three new journals held together by boob tape, and a fridge stocked with cucumbers. As a fitness instructor, I need everyone to know a very un-sexy truth: a huge percentage of us are simply rolling out of bed. There is no sunrise meditation. No mystical green powder. No jazz playlist while moisturising in a silk robe. It’s usually: wake up, grab something substantial to eat, coffee, and go.

The problem with these hyper-perfected routines is that they’ve convinced people that wellness has to look aesthetic to count. But if your routine takes two hours, requires twelve products, and stresses you out before sunrise – that’s not wellness, that’s admin.

A real routine is something you can actually stick to. Sometimes that’s a peaceful (and simple) skincare routine and lemon water. Sometimes it’s inhaling toast while tying your hair up in an Uber. Your nervous system does not care whether you tongue-scraped at dawn under a Himalayan salt lamp. It cares whether your routine makes you feel calm, fuelled, and sane. Whether you’re looking to head out of the house earlier during the week or stay true to your routine on the go, we’ve listed some realistic tips that will help keep you in check.  Morning meditation on the go: Creating a playlist filled with your favourite podcasts, instrumentals, prayers, or calming songs can be such an easy way to stay grounded – especially when you feel like you have a hundred places to be. Even a 10-minute commute can become a small reset moment.

Under-eye masks: There’s something undeniably chic about wearing under-eye patches with sunglasses on top. But beyond the aesthetic, skincare can genuinely help you feel refreshed and put together. Most patches only need 15–30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings when you’re bouncing between places.

Find a reliable coffee shop: On days that feel hectic and overstimulating, treating yourself to a coffee can make a huge difference. Even if it becomes your everyday ritual for a week, having one small thing to look forward to can make mornings feel softer and more manageable.

Keep an “on-the-go” essentials pouch: Lip balm, deodorant, hand cream, mints, hair ties, headphones – having a small pouch ready to throw into any bag saves so much stress. Have a backup breakfast: Even if your routine falls apart, keeping something easy at home (protein bars, frozen muffins, instant oats) helps avoid the all-or-nothing spiral.

Create a “minimum version” of your routine: Instead of skipping everything on busy days, make a 10-minute version: wash your face, drink water, eat something. Consistency usually feels better than perfection.