Ever notice how some people just seem to have it all together before 9 AM, while the rest of us are still negotiating with our alarm clocks? The secret isn’t magic—it’s a well-crafted morning routine. An empowering morning routine or solid start to the day sets the tone for productivity, confidence, and a calm mindset. And no, it doesn’t require waking up at 4:30 AM or running a marathon before breakfast (unless you’re into that sort of thing).

How a Morning Routine Sets the Tone for a Successful Day

For women in business, entrepreneurs, and working moms, mornings can either be your best friend or your biggest hurdle. Starting the day with intention helps you feel grounded and ready to take on whatever’s coming your way—whether it’s a big meeting, a new project, or the school drop-off line that always moves at a snail’s pace.

Crafting a routine that works for you means incorporating activities that fuel both your mind and body. It’s not just about checking off a to-do list, but nurturing your energy for the day ahead. Personally, my routine? Well, it always involves two things: journaling three pages and taking a cold shower.

Yes, you read that right. A cold shower.

Journaling: Brain Dumping to Clarity

Every morning, I sit down with a cup of blueberry matcha green tea (I’m boujee) and write out three pages in my journal. It’s like hitting the reset button on my brain. No matter what’s swirling around up there—business ideas, grocery lists, world domination plans—everything spills onto those pages. It’s not about crafting Pulitzer-worthy prose, just getting things out of your head and onto the paper. By the end of it, I feel like I’ve decluttered my mind and have a clearer focus for the day ahead. Plus, it’s like free therapy without the awkward silences.

The Infamous Cold Shower

Now, I’m not going to lie—cold showers are not for the faint of heart. They’re cold—like, “What am I doing to myself?” cold. But there’s something undeniably empowering about braving the freezing water every morning. It’s like an instant wake-up call that says, “You’ve got this!” And no, it doesn’t get any easier. But that’s the point. By the time I step out, I’ve already conquered something uncomfortable, and the rest of the day feels more manageable.

Even my sister thought I was diabolical for suggesting this at first. She tried it once and immediately declared it a form of self-inflicted torture. Fast forward a few weeks, and guess what? She’s now a die-hard cold shower convert. Funny how things change, right? Now she’s telling me how amazing she feels every morning!

If I can face the cold shower—and win my sister over—you can handle the craziness of emails, meetings, and family life. Trust me.

Quick Exercises, Affirmations, and Mindfulness Practices to Energize and Motivate

If journaling and cold showers aren’t quite your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to create a morning routine that feels right for you. Try incorporating a few simple practices to boost your mood, energy, and focus:

• Stretch it out: A 5-minute stretch can do wonders for loosening up stiff muscles and getting the blood flowing. Plus, it’s a great way to wake up gently, especially if you’ve been cozy under the covers.
• Affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations sets your mindset for the day. Say things like, “I am capable of handling anything that comes my way,” or “I am confident, focused, and ready to succeed.” You might feel silly at first, but hey, fake it until you make it!
• Mindful breathing: Even taking just two minutes to focus on deep breathing can reduce stress and bring you into the present moment. It’s like hitting the reset button for your brain before the chaos starts.

Routines from Successful Women in Business

If you need more inspiration, let’s take a peek at some morning routines of successful women in business:

• Oprah Winfrey begins her day with meditation and some dog-loving cuddles (which, let’s be honest, is the realkey to happiness).
• Arianna Huffington makes sure her mornings are tech-free to avoid distractions and focus on herself before diving into the workday.
• Shonda Rhimes starts her day with exercise because nothing says “I’m going to conquer the day” like sweating it out before the sun rises.
• Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, kicks off her day with an hour of tennis at 5:45 AM. Nothing like some early morning cardio to set the tone for a high-powered day in fashion.
• Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, uses her morning commute for a different kind of productivity—no music, no podcasts, just thinking. She brainstorms, sets goals, and lets her mind get creative as she drives, turning a routine part of her day into a moment of innovation.
• Gwyneth Paltrow swears by starting her morning with lemon water and a nutrient-packed smoothie or juice. It’s her go-to for rehydration and fueling her body and mind with something clean and healthy.

These women prove that the key to success isn’t about copying someone else’s routine but finding what fuels you best.

Craft Your Own Empowering Routine

Your morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or super structured. The goal is to start your day with intention, doing things that energize, focus, and motivate you. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, working out, or—even braving a cold shower—you’ll feel more empowered and ready to tackle anything the day throws at you.

So tomorrow morning, instead of hitting snooze (again), try adding just one new empowering habit to your routine. You might just surprise yourself.

Don’t forget to check out Ingenious Women’s Instagram and the rest of the blog for more tips and inspiration to elevate your mornings and empower your journey!