Discover a stress-reducing morning routine that blends beauty and wellness rituals. Simple steps that make your day feel lighter.
by Kristina Mikulić GazdovićDecember 21, 2025
A body at rest wants to remain at rest. I think that is how one of Newton’s laws goes. That groggy morning heaviness feels like a law of nature in itself, one that is hard to fight. And yet, I know everything becomes easier the moment I get up. Whether I rely on the five-second rule popularised by Mel Robbins, or some external force does the work for me, read: I overslept my alarm, there are morning rituals I simply cannot do without.
Morning is my sacred space. The energy I begin the day with often echoes through everything that follows. Certain carefully thought-out rituals create a sense of harmony that sets the rhythm until evening. It matters deeply to me that every drop of serum, the scent of tea, and the sounds that accompany my mornings contribute to both mental and physical balance, helping me keep stress at bay. These small self-care moments prepare me for the day ahead and make me feel grounded and well.
Photo: Pixabay
Morning stretching has become a non-negotiable ritual for me. Slowly, almost meditatively, I move through my entire body, allowing each muscle to wake up and feeling energy start to flow. The flexibility this practice gives me isn’t just physical. It creates a sense of ease that carries through the rest of the day. Three minutes is all it takes to gently bring me into the morning.
This step isn’t just about practical sun protection. For me, it’s the most important part of my skincare routine. My skin is sensitive to the sun, and applying SPF has an added meaning beyond protection. On top of everything else, SPF filters remain the most effective anti-age ingredient.
As I move through my morning routine, from stretching to brushing my teeth and doing my skincare, I like to have music in the background. Sometimes it’s calming frequencies or soft jazz, and on other days, the sounds of nature are what quiet my mind the most. I believe clarity and focus grow out of calm. When the morning begins gently, the day feels lighter and challenges seem more manageable. These small, gentle moments before stepping into the world help me stay in a good mood throughout the day.
Photo: Anastasiya YaratsThe first drink of the morning is incredibly important. For me, it’s mint tea. Its scent wakes up my senses while calming my mind at the same time. This small ritual keeps me present, focused, and aware. I like to take a few minutes in complete silence, without any other stimulation, and slowly sip my mint tea almost meditatively.
I choose my outfit the night before because I know how chaotic mornings can be. This simple habit frees up precious time and removes unnecessary stress around deciding what to wear. No more standing in front of the wardrobe at half past six, just a sense of control that carries through the day.
Almost four centuries ago, Hippocrates claimed that all disease begins in the gut. It’s remarkable how close he was to the truth. The health of our gut microbiome really does affect the wellbeing of the entire body. That’s why I’ve introduced routines that support digestion. The first supplement I take each day, after breakfast, is a probiotic. Poor digestion can influence emotional balance, and a large part of our overall vitality comes from this area of the body. Taking a few seconds for a probiotic is a simple but truly valuable ritual.
Photo: Cottonbro Studio
A wellness perfume is the final step, but no less important. Fragrances created to boost confidence, like Initio Power Self, or Kerastase Gloss Le Parfum, designed to encourage optimism, are a simple way to give this small scented ritual an extra layer of impact. In that sense, perfume becomes an ally to a good morning and an even better day.
Morning rituals should be shaped around each person’s needs. For me, every step, detail, and habit in the morning is a chance to turn inward, create a sense of calm, awaken my energy, and make the day feel easier before it even begins.
