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

Co-authored by Jennifer Butler, MSW and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 References

Once your alarm goes off, your morning routine can feel like a blur. Don’t worry! There are tons of quick, easy ways to get the most out of your morning before the school day officially starts. We’ve put together some handy tips, tricks, and other easy suggestions that will help you put your best foot forward throughout the week.

1

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.^{[1]
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- 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.

2

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.^{[2]
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- Celery sticks, tortilla chips, avocado slices, and trail mix are other great choices.

3

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.^{[3]
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- Do your best to wake up at the same time each day. A steady routine will help you sleep better and more consistently.^{[4]
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4

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!^{[5]
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- Some research suggests that people who make their beds actually sleep better, too.

5

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.^{[6]
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6

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.^{[7]
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- 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.

7

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.^{[8]
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- Use nude makeup for a more natural look.
- Add a pop of color to your look with bold lipstick shades.

8

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.^{[9]
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- 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.^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}

9

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.^{[11]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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10

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.^{[12]
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Understood
Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia
Go to source}

11

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.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Butler, MSW
Life Coach
Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.} You could also write down these positive thoughts in a gratitude journal, if you’d like.^{[14]
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Research source} Practicing gratitude is a great way to start your day on a happy, encouraging note.^{[15]
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- 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.”

12

Write daily affirmations.

Jot down how you’d like your day to go.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Jennifer Butler, MSW
Life Coach
Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.} 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.^{[17]
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- You might write, “I will do my very best on my math test” or “Today’s history presentation will go smoothly.”

13

Meditate if you have extra time.

Meditating for just 15 minutes is a great way to relieve stress.^{[18]
X
Research source} 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.^{[19]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Butler, MSW
Life Coach
Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.} Any kind of meditation will help you feel centered, peaceful, and more self-aware.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- 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.^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Understood
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia
  Go to source}

Example Morning Routine Before School

Sample Example Morning Routine Before School

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you set goals for yourself?

Jennifer Butler, MSW
Love & Empowerment Coach
Jennifer Butler is a Love & Transformation Coach and the Owner of JennJoyCoaching, a life coaching business based in Miami, Florida, although Jennifer works with clients all over the world. Jennifer’s work centers around empowering women who are navigating any stage of the divorce or breakup process. She has over four years of life coaching experience. She is also the co-host of the Deep Chats Podcast along with Leah Morris and the host of season 2 “Divorce and Other Things You Can Handle” by Worthy. Her work has been featured in ESME, DivorceForce, and Divorced Girl Smiling. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from New York University. She is also a Certified Health Coach, a Communications & Life Mastery Specialist, and a Certified Conscious Uncoupling and Calling in “the One” coach.

Jennifer Butler, MSW

Love & Empowerment Coach

Expert Answer

I recommend having an active and alive intention that you can use to help you stay focused on where you are going next. This intention can help you make choices and guide you to know what you need to learn and where you need to grow in your daily life.
Question

I have school in two months, and I'm nervous that I will forget things and not wake up on time. What can I do to prevent this?

Tamara

Top Answerer

Organize your bag and all your supplies, notebooks, textbooks, etc. the night before. Use an alarm clock with a battery backup (in case of a power outage), and you can even ask a family member to make sure you're awake as a precaution.
Question

What if my alarm doesn't go off?

Tamara

Top Answerer

Double check the night before that you have set your clock properly (make sure the time is set for a.m. and not p.m.) and use a clock with a battery backup in case of a power shortage (blackout). If you STILL wake up late, skip the least important parts of your morning routine and get to school as quickly as possible.