There’s something about May mornings that feels like a fresh start. The days are longer, the air is softer, and it’s easier to imagine becoming a more organized, motivated version of yourself. But many morning routines fail but not because they’re unrealistic.  

If you want a routine that actually sticks, the key isn’t doing more. It’s doing less, consistently. Senior Jack Stanton says that he just “wakes up.”  

A lot of people try to overhaul their entire life overnight, waking up super early, exercising, journaling, eating a perfect breakfast, and staying off their phone. That might work for a few days, but it usually doesn’t last. Instead, start with just two or three simple habits. Calvin Casavant wants to “actually wake up at the alarm” but you can do something more like something like drinking a glass of water, stretching for a minute, or opening your window. These might seem too easy, but that’s exactly the point. When something feels manageable, you’re far more likely to repeat it and repetition is what builds habits. Senior Mason Banks explains that he would do a small habit like “getting up just fifteen minutes earlier.”  

One of the biggest advantages of May is natural light. It can help you wake up faster and feel more energized without needing to rely on your phone or caffeine right away. Try opening your curtains as soon as you wake up or sitting near a window while you get ready. Even a few minutes of sunlight can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.  

Checking your phone first thing in the morning can instantly shift your mood. Notifications, messages, and social media pull your attention outward before you’ve even had a moment to think. You don’t have to cut it out completely, just delay it. Give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to wake up, move around, or get ready before diving into your screen. It helps you start the day feeling more in control.  

The easiest routines are the ones you don’t have to remember. Instead of adding completely new habits, attach them into things you already do every morning. You might stretch right after getting dressed. When habits are connected like this, they become automatic over time. 

Not every morning will go perfectly and that’s okay. Have a simple backup version of your routine for busy mornings. Senior Alexander Olczak says that he wants to “eat breakfast,” during the morning because usually he doesn’t. Even doing one small habit like grabbing a quick bite to eat keeps the routine alive and makes it easier to return to the full-version later.  

If your routine feels like a chore, you’ll start avoiding it. The best routines include something you actually like. Senior Tianna Winkleman says that “I just grab random clothes, but I will try to start picking out an outfit,” which is something that she really loves to go when she has the time but it just be listening to music, stepping outside for fresh air, or having a breakfast you look forward to. Enjoyment isn’t a distraction, it’s what makes the habit sustainable. 

You don’t need to get it right every day. Missing a morning doesn’t mean you failed, it means you pick it back up the next day. A simple way to be consistent is to track your routine lightly. Even a quick checkmark on your phone or calendar can help you see your progress over time. 

May is a great time to reset, but you don’t need a complete life transformation to feel better. A few small habits, done regularly, can completely change how your mornings feel. Keep it simple, keep it flexible, and make it something you can actually stick with. 

Natalie Burdick, Staff Writer

Senior Natalie Burdick is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonel News site. She likes playing sports including soccer, lacrosse, skiing, and sailing. She also enjoys being at the beach or in the woods!