How to Have That Girl Morning Routine: 5 Steps to Glow Up Your Day

Mornings have the power to shape your entire day. That’s why the internet can’t stop talking about That Girl morning routine—a lifestyle trend all about starting your day with intention, self-care, and a touch of aesthetic magic. It’s not about being perfect or doing everything at once; it’s about creating a routine that feels aligned with your best self. Whether your vision of That Girl is waking up early with lemon water, flowing through yoga in a matching set, or journaling with a candle burning next to you, this is your guide to making it happen.

In this blog, we’ll cover five major steps to building your own That Girl morning routine—and how to make it realistic, sustainable, and fun. By the end, you’ll have a plan that makes you feel refreshed, productive, and just a little bit glamorous (because yes, you deserve it).

1. Rise Early and Set the Vibe

The heart of a That Girl morning routine starts with waking up early—not because it’s trendy, but because it creates space for you before the day’s chaos begins. Rising with the sun (or at least before emails and texts start flying) lets you set the tone instead of reacting to it.

Why it matters

When you wake up early, you’re claiming time that belongs to you. That means no rushing, no snoozing six times, and no starting your day stressed. Even 30 minutes earlier can make a huge difference in how calm, organized, and intentional your day feels.

How to set the vibe

• Prep your space the night before. A clean nightstand, a filled water bottle, and a cozy robe hanging nearby make mornings inviting.

• Use light to wake up. Natural sunlight is ideal, but a sunrise alarm clock can gently brighten your room without the harsh buzz.

• Create a vibe you look forward to. Light a candle, start your diffuser with lavender or citrus oils, and play a soft playlist that eases you into the day.

Bonus upgrades

Want to go deeper? Invest in a chic glass water bottle for your bedside (hydration feels fancier when it’s aesthetic). Or, pick out your workout clothes the night before so they’re ready and waiting—no excuses. Even better, add a soft throw blanket or slippers that make getting out of bed feel luxurious.

The goal isn’t just to rise early, but to make that early moment something you crave. Once you do, waking up becomes less of a battle and more of a gift to yourself.

2. Hydration and Nourishment to Glow

The internet loves showing That Girl morning routine content with iced matcha lattes, glowing glasses of lemon water, and perfectly plated avocado toast. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be Instagram-perfect—it just has to fuel you.

Hydration first

Your body gets dehydrated while you sleep. Starting with water (bonus points for lemon or cucumber slices) helps wake up your system, boosts digestion, and even makes your skin glow. If you’re a coffee lover, keep it, but try to sip water first so your body rehydrates before the caffeine rush.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should give you steady energy.

• Overnight oats topped with berries

• Greek yogurt with granola and honey

• Eggs with avocado and whole-grain toast

• A green smoothie (banana, spinach, almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds)

Making it aesthetic

Yes, food can feel like self-care when it’s beautiful. Use your favorite mug for coffee or tea, plate your breakfast instead of eating over the sink, and add a garnish (cinnamon sprinkle, mint leaf, or a drizzle of honey). These tiny touches make breakfast feel intentional rather than rushed.

Bonus ritual

If you want an extra layer of glow-up, try a morning “elixir” ritual. This could be warm water with lemon and ginger, a collagen-infused latte, or a simple green juice shot. It’s not about trends—it’s about finding a nourishing start you actually enjoy.

3. Move Your Body Like You Love It

No That Girl morning routine is complete without movement. This isn’t about punishing workouts or burning calories—it’s about energizing your body and clearing your mind so you walk into your day strong and focused.

What movement looks like

• Yoga or Pilates: Great for stretching out stiffness and connecting breath with movement.

• Strength training: A quick 20-minute dumbbell circuit can leave you feeling unstoppable.

• Walking: Never underestimate a brisk morning walk, especially if you soak in fresh air and sunshine.

• Dance: Turn on a playlist and move—yes, it counts!

Making it consistent

The secret isn’t intensity, it’s enjoyment. If you love it, you’ll stick to it. You don’t need an hour at the gym—15 to 30 minutes is plenty to energize your body. Try stacking movement with another habit, like listening to a podcast or practicing gratitude while you walk.

Aesthetic motivation

Set out your workout outfit the night before (bonus if it’s a matching set—it really does help). Keep your yoga mat in a visible spot. Create a playlist that makes you excited to move. When movement feels joyful and inviting, it stops feeling like a chore.

Extra glow-up tip

End your workout with a quick 2–3 minutes of stretching in natural light or sit quietly with your hand on your heart. This pause shifts your workout from “task” to “ritual.” That’s the difference between just moving and truly embodying That Girl energy.

4. Mindful Moments: Journal, Meditate, Reflect

The That Girl morning routine isn’t only about what you do physically—it’s also about your mindset. Taking even five minutes to center your thoughts can completely shift your energy.

Journaling

Try prompts like:

• “Three things I’m grateful for today are…”

• “How do I want to feel today?”

• “One small thing I can do for myself today is…”

This creates clarity and trains your mind to focus on the positive instead of immediately diving into stress or to-do lists.

Meditation or breathwork

Even two minutes of deep breathing counts. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you, but you can also just sit, breathe, and focus on being present. Think of it as a mental reset button.

Visualization

This is where the That Girl energy shines. Close your eyes and imagine your best self walking through the day. How does she move? How does she talk to herself? Visualization trains your brain to embody that version of you.

Ritualizing it

Light a candle, wrap up in a cozy blanket, or sip tea while you write. Make it feel indulgent, not like homework. This is your time to connect inward before giving your energy to the world.

The truth? These mindful moments are the glue that makes the rest of the routine stick. Without them, even the prettiest smoothie bowl won’t make you feel grounded.

5. Glow Up with Beauty and Productivity

Now that you’ve hydrated, nourished, moved, and grounded yourself, it’s time to step into the day looking and feeling polished. This doesn’t mean a full glam session—unless you want it to—it’s about finding a quick routine that boosts your confidence.

Beauty

• Skincare: Cleanse, moisturize, SPF—non-negotiables. Add a serum or eye cream if you’re feeling fancy.

• Makeup: For many, That Girl means a no-makeup makeup look—dewy skin, brushed brows, tinted balm. The idea is to feel fresh and glowy, not overdone.

• Hair: Even a slick bun, braided ponytail, or soft waves can make you feel pulled together.

Productivity

Once you’re ready, set yourself up for a productive day:

• Make a priority list. Highlight 1–3 must-do items instead of overwhelming yourself.

• Tidy your space. A made bed or a clear desk sets the stage for focus.

• Tech boundaries. Try not to check emails until after your routine. Your energy is too precious to give away immediately.

Personal flair

This is where you infuse you. Maybe it’s spritzing your favorite perfume, wearing gold hoops, or sipping that matcha while reading a motivational quote. These tiny details might seem small, but they’re what transform a simple morning into That Girl morning routine.

Final Thoughts

At its core, a That Girl morning routine isn’t about copying a TikTok trend—it’s about building mornings that feel aligned, intentional, and joyful. From rising early with cozy vibes to fueling your body, moving with love, journaling for clarity, and polishing up for the day, each step is a chance to pour into yourself.

The magic is in the ritual: stringing together small choices that add up to a confident, glowing you.

So tomorrow morning, try one or two of these steps. Before long, you’ll find yourself not just having a morning routine, but living a lifestyle that makes you feel like That Girl.