When it comes to feeling good in the morning, I’ve learned that how I end my day has everything to do with how I begin it. Over the years, I’ve refined simple nighttime rituals that make my mornings calmer, more productive, and a whole lot happier. Here are three steps I swear by to set myself up for success:
1. Set Yourself Up the Night Before
A better morning starts with preparation. Before I go to bed, I set out exactly what I’ll need for my morning ritual. For me, it’s simple: I set up my morning tea and place a candle where I can light it easily (with matches).
When I wake up, there’s no searching, no fumbling—just a quiet, intentional start to the day. I sit with my tea and the soft light of my candle to watch the sunrise. I close my eyes, meditate, and allow myself to just be.
This requires waking up early, which comes naturally to me, but no matter what time you rise, setting up the night before removes any stress or decision-making. Your morning becomes about you, not gathering things or reacting to the day.
2. Let Your Body (and Mind) Rest
Digestion, stress, and screens can all disrupt a good night’s sleep and a smooth morning. Here’s what I do:
- I give my body time to truly rest. That means no late-night snacks, no sugar, and no alcohol—my non-negotiables.
- I keep my pace slow in the morning. I don’t check my phone for at least 30 minutes (and on the best days, it’s an hour). It can wait, I promise you.
- I take a moment to write down a simple list of things I need to get done that day—no overwhelming, anxiety-inducing to-do lists. Just a few clear, actionable priorities to keep me focused.
The truth is, the day begins the night before. If I know tomorrow will be hectic, I find a few small tasks I can handle the night before to lighten the load.
3. Fuel Yourself Right
The first meal of the day matters, and for me, it’s always clean and protein-packed. I stick to my mantra: no sugar, no alcohol, and plenty of nutrients.
Most mornings, I make an XO Jacqui smoothie to fuel my body and keep my energy steady. It’s easy, delicious, and bloat-free—everything I need to feel strong and balanced. If you’re looking for recipe ideas to kickstart your day, check out here.
The Bottom Line
A calm, intentional morning doesn’t just happen—it’s created by what you do the night before. Whether it’s setting out your tea, keeping screens away, or prepping a stress-free first meal, these small rituals add up to big results.
What can you do tonight to make tomorrow better? Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the peace you create.
XO, Jacqui