✨That Girl✨ Morning Routine Checklist To Glow Up Your Mornings
There was a point not long ago when I felt like I was constantly waking up behind. My alarm would go off, and I’d scroll through my phone, feeling kind of meh before I even got out of bed. I knew I wanted more out of my mornings, but the idea of a “perfect” routine felt overwhelming — like it only worked for people with a lot more time, energy, or willpower than me.
Then I came across the That Girl trend — those aesthetic, productive, wellness-focused morning routines that seemed to scream “I have my life together.” At first, I rolled my eyes a little. But something about it stuck with me. Not the picture-perfect part, but the intention behind it: creating mornings that felt aligned, energized, and full of self-respect.
This post isn’t about becoming an influencer or turning your life into a Pinterest board. It’s about building a real morning routine that helps you glow from the inside out — on your own terms. Below is my go-to That Girl morning routine checklist, with ideas you can use for weekdays or weekends. Use what works, skip what doesn’t, and make it your own.
What Even Is a That Girl Morning Routine?
Let’s clear something up: being “That Girl” isn’t about being perfect or having matching workout sets (though, no judgment if that’s your thing). It’s about becoming your own version of the girl who shows up for herself.
To me, a That Girl morning routine means:
- Prioritizing your wellbeing — mind, body, and spirit
- Starting the day with intention instead of chaos
- Doing small things that help you feel proud, calm, and energized
It’s not a competition. It’s a practice — and honestly, a pretty fun one.
1. Wake Up Without Immediately Reaching for Your Phone
This is harder than it sounds — but it makes a huge difference. When I used to check social media before even sitting up, I’d feel drained before the day even started. Now I try to give myself at least 20–30 phone-free minutes in the morning.
Try This:
- Use a real alarm clock instead of your phone
- Put your phone across the room
- Turn on calm music or light a candle instead of scrolling
You’ll be surprised how much more peaceful your morning feels when you’re not immediately sucked into notifications and noise.
2. Make Your Bed + Do a 2-Minute Reset
I know, I know — making your bed sounds like the most basic advice ever. But it works. It signals to your brain: the day has started, and we’re showing up.
I also do a quick “2-minute reset” where I tidy just one small area — like my nightstand, bathroom counter, or desk. It makes my space feel calmer and puts me in a productive mindset without overwhelming me.
I started doing this before my weekend journaling time, and now it feels like a mini ritual — clean space, clean mind.
3. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Before you reach for coffee, drink a full glass of water. I know everyone says this, but honestly — the days I don’t do it, I feel it. Sometimes I add lemon, sometimes a pinch of sea salt, sometimes just plain. But it’s a non-negotiable part of my glow up morning routine now.
Keep a cute water bottle by your bed and make it part of your nighttime routine too.
4. Move Your Body
You don’t need to run 5 miles or hit the gym at 6 a.m. to feel like That Girl. A few minutes of movement can completely shift your energy.
Some of my go-to options:
- A 10-minute yoga flow (YouTube is full of great free ones)
- A dance session to a favorite playlist
- Light stretching while I wait for my coffee to brew
On weekends, I love putting on a face mask and doing a slow Pilates routine in my living room. It makes me feel like I’m in a wellness retreat, even if I haven’t left the house.
5. Journal, Meditate, or Set Intentions
This is where things get quiet — and honestly, it’s my favorite part. You don’t need to do all three. Even a 2-minute check-in with yourself can change your whole day.
Some ideas:
- Write 3 things you’re grateful for
- Brain-dump your thoughts to clear mental clutter
- Set one word or intention for the day (“calm,” “focused,” “open”)
- Try a 5-minute guided meditation
On one of my worst mornings last month, I sat in bed with my journal and wrote down everything I was avoiding. I didn’t solve anything in that moment — but I felt lighter. And more in control. It reminded me that even messy routines still count.
6. Eat or Drink Something That Nourishes You
I used to skip breakfast because I was “too busy” or “not hungry yet,” but I always ended up feeling scatterbrained. Now, I try to eat something small and nutrient-dense — even if it’s just a smoothie or some toast with almond butter.
Some easy That Girl breakfast ideas:
- Greek yogurt with berries and honey
- Overnight oats
- A matcha latte or herbal tea
- Eggs and avocado toast (a classic for a reason)
The key is to pick something that feels good in your body. It doesn’t have to be trendy — just real.
Optional Add-Ons for Weekend Glow-Ups
On weekends, I love taking things slower and adding in a few extra rituals. This is where the That Girl morning routine weekend vibe really comes in.
Ideas for your weekend checklist:
- Dry brushing or a long shower with eucalyptus
- Reading 10 pages of a book (non-digital!)
- Doing a deep clean of one area in your home
- Lighting incense or diffusing essential oils
- Wearing a cute lounge set or robe — just because
These little things make a big difference in how I show up for the rest of the weekend. Even if I have nothing planned, it feels like I chose the day — not just coasted through it.
Morning Routine Checklist ✅
If you’re a list-lover (same), here’s a quick recap of the That Girl morning routine checklist:
- ☐ Wake up without phone
- ☐ Make your bed + 2-minute tidy
- ☐ Drink a full glass of water
- ☐ Move your body (5–15 min)
- ☐ Journal / meditate / set intention
- ☐ Eat or drink something nourishing
Bonus Weekend Add-Ons:
☐ Self-care rituals (mask, dry brush, etc.)
☐ Read something inspiring
☐ Tidy or declutter one space
☐ Wear something comfy and cute
Print it out, save it to your notes app, or just use it as inspiration to build your own version. The point isn’t perfection — it’s consistency and care.
Final Thoughts: What Actually Stuck for Me
I’ll be honest: I don’t do everything on this checklist every single day. Some mornings I only check off two things — and that’s okay. What matters is how I feel after. The days I slow down, drink water, and write even one sentence in my journal are the days I feel more grounded, more myself.
Being That Girl isn’t about being perfect — it’s about choosing yourself, a little more, every morning.
So if you’re in a rut, or just want your mornings to feel less chaotic and more intentional, I hope this list gives you a place to start. Pick one thing. Try it tomorrow. See how it feels.
You can always add more later.
