How to Develop a Good Morning Routine Before School (for Girls)

Get your outfit ready the night before.

Check the weather forecast so you can choose appropriate clothes. Stay warm in a long-sleeve tee and a sleek pair of skinny jeans, or go for a breezy, dramatic look with your favorite tee and a maxi skirt. A sweater, shorts, and ankle boots could be a great outfit if it’s not especially hot or cold outside. You might dress for chilly weather with a solid top and pair of patterned pants, or prepare for a warm forecast with a cute layered top and some shorts.

Pack your lunch ahead of time.

Fill your lunch box with nutritious, tasty foods. Proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies are all great additions to your lunch. You might enjoy a cup of yogurt, or a sandwich with rye bread. Low-fat granola, string cheese, grapes, apple slices, and baby carrots are all fantastic options, too. Celery sticks, tortilla chips, avocado slices, and trail mix are other great choices.

Move your alarm away from your bed.

It’s a lot harder to snooze your alarm when it’s across the room. As you get ready for bed, move your alarm to the opposite of your bedroom, or some spot where you’ll have to actually get up and shut off the alarm. Getting out of bed is the real challenge; once you’re already up and at it, it’s way easier to get ready for school. Do your best to wake up at the same time each day. A steady routine will help you sleep better and more consistently.

Make your bed as soon as you get up.

Believe it or not, making your bed may boost your mood. In fact, some experts also believe that making your bed helps improve your self-esteem. Right after you climb out of bed, smooth your sheets and bedding out before doing anything else. See? You’ve already accomplished something in the first 5 minutes of your day! Some research suggests that people who make their beds actually sleep better, too.

Hop in the shower.

A cool shower is a great way to wake yourself up. In fact, experts agree that a cool shower can help you feel more alert in the morning. If you prefer showering at night, that’s totally fine, too.

Doll up your hair.

Take a few minutes to brush your hair and choose the perfect hairstyle. Don’t overthink this—there are tons of super cute, easy looks you can do without spending an hour in front of the mirror. A simple side-swept ponytail is a great option, or you might try braiding your bangs or slipping on a stylish headband. You could twist your hair up into cute buns, or tie your hair into different kinds of braids. For a simple look, wear your hair down with a few hairpins.

Do your makeup.

There are tons of easy makeup looks you can do before school. Flick on some eyeliner for a cute cat-eye look, or add a touch of blush to give your cheeks some extra color. For a bolder look, play around with metallic eyeshadows and glittery eyeliner. Use nude makeup for a more natural look. Add a pop of color to your look with bold lipstick shades.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

A great breakfast gives you lots of energy for the school day. Snack on nourishing foods, like whole grains, protein, and low-fat dairy. Fruits and veggies are other nutritious and delicious options for your meal. Whip up a classic breakfast, like French toast, scrambled eggs, or a bowl of cereal, or go with something more unconventional, like a fruit and cream cheese sandwich. A whole-grain bagel or English muffin is another great option. You might also enjoy a fruit smoothie, or a cup of yogurt mixed with chopped-up fruit or nuts. A bowl of oatmeal, a turkey sandwich with low-fat cheese, or a whole-wheat pita with a hard-boiled egg and spinach are other excellent choices.

Brush and floss your teeth.

Brush with a fluoride-rich toothpaste for 2 minutes. Regular tooth brushing keeps your teeth clean and healthy, and is easy to fit into your regular morning routine. Then, floss between your teeth to get your teeth extra clean.

Double-check that you have everything.

Create a short checklist to make sure you’re packed and ready to go. Do you have your lunchbox or lunch money? Got your books and homework packed? Make sure everything is ready to go, so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises during the school day.

Practice gratitude.

Take a few minutes to focus on what you’re thankful for. Try to come up with at least 3 things that you’re really happy and grateful for, even if they aren’t that big. You could also write down these positive thoughts in a gratitude journal, if you’d like. Practicing gratitude is a great way to start your day on a happy, encouraging note. You might say, “I’m thankful for my friends,” “I’m glad I have a roof over my head,” or “I’m grateful that it’s almost Friday.”

Write daily affirmations.

Jot down how you’d like your day to go. Do you have any tests or projects coming up, or maybe a big sports game? Write down how you’d like all these things to go. This a great way to stay positive and focused on everything that your day has to offer. You might write, “I will do my very best on my math test” or “Today’s history presentation will go smoothly.”

Meditate if you have extra time.

Meditating for just 15 minutes is a great way to relieve stress. Got a big test or project coming up? Meditation is the way to go. Try following along with a guided meditation, or repeating a soothing mantra to yourself. Any kind of meditation will help you feel centered, peaceful, and more self-aware. Check YouTube to find some great guided meditation videos. There are some great meditation apps out there designed for a younger audience. Check out apps like Headspace, Smiling Mind, and Mindful Powers to help you meditate.