Welcome back, Happy Army!
We’ve talked about my morning and night routines, but what about yours? Sure, we all know routines are amazing for our mental, physical, and spiritual health—but where do we even start with all of this? What do we need in a morning routine? How is it different from an evening routine? How do I know when a morning or night routine contains too many habits or too little? It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
True story: three years ago, if you’d asked me about my morning or evening routines, I would’ve just laughed and said, “What routines?” And trust me, it showed. I was all over the place—emotionally, energetically, and even physically. My health was in the gutter, I had zero direction or drive, and I felt like a cog in the machine, just going through the motions of whatever life threw my way.
Then everything changed when my boyfriend came into the picture. Why? Because that man’s routines were rock solid. I didn’t know where to start, so I just copied what he did until I was ready to figure out what worked best for me. And wow—the difference! The stability, the self-care, the sense of direction—it was everything I didn’t know I needed to become the person I am today.
Now it’s your turn! Let’s get you started on building routines that work for you.
In this post, we are gonna talk about:
Why routines matter
Habits to add in your morning routine
Habits to add in your night routine
Making these habits yours
Resources to help stick to your habits
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I posted my morning ritual and night ritual as well if you're like me and prefer to have an example! Click on the links to learn more!
Enough chit-chat! Let's get started!
Why Routines Matter: The Benefits Nobody Tells You About
Let’s face it: life can be unpredictable. Routines give you that comforting sense of structure when everything else feels up in the air. When done right, they don’t just keep you organized—they help you build habits that stick, boost your energy, and make you feel like you’ve got this whole “adulting” thing down.
So, how do you create routines that actually work? Let’s break it down.
At the end of the day, all we are talking about in this post is creating habits- and we all know how hard habits are to create! The Fabulous app gave me that extra nudge I needed to finally get my morning and night routines down. It's like a best friend that holds you accountable while lifting you up at the same time! I love the daily audio guides, the science-backed approach using behavioral economics, and the way it builds up habits gradually rather than expecting perfection from the get-go! This app truly sets you up for success, and I want the same for you! So please, do yourself a favor—click the link and check it out!
Mornings Done Right: A Healthy Routine to Start Your Day
Morning routines don’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect spectacle. It’s about finding simple habits that make you feel energized and ready to tackle the day. Here’s a framework you can tweak to fit your lifestyle:
• Wake Up (Without the Snooze Button)
Set your alarm for a consistent time—even on weekends. Waking up early gives you a quiet head start on the day (and maybe even a rare moment of peace before the chaos kicks in).
What time should you wake up? That depends on your body type. Kapha body types thrive when they’re up by 4:30 a.m., while Vata body types should aim for 6:00 a.m.
Now, if you’d asked me three years ago, I would’ve said, “No thanks, I’ll stick with 10:00 a.m.” But once I started waking up earlier, I realized just how worth it those extra morning hours really are. I get so much more done, my mornings feel calm and relaxing instead of frantic, my sleep improved, and I genuinely feel healthier!
Is it hard at first? Absolutely. But trust me—you’ll thank me later.
I wake up at 6am because my body is predominately Vata, but if you want to know what time would be best for you to wake up, check out my post on Identifying Your Ayurvedic Dosha here!
• Hydrate Like a Pro
First things first: water. After hours of sleep, your body needs it. Feeling fancy? Add a slice of lemon, and sip on that to gently wake up your digestion. It’s one of those rare practices that everyone agrees on—whether it’s Eastern or Western medicine. Even The Fabulous app starts with this as the very first habit to cultivate: drinking water first thing in the morning!
• Take a Refreshing Shower
A quick morning shower can do wonders for waking up your senses and starting the day feeling fresh and invigorated. Bonus: if you love the smell of citrus or mint, try a shower gel that adds an extra energizing boost, or you can pick a scent that helps balance your specific dosha!
• Move Your Body
Stretch, dance, or take a brisk walk. Even five minutes of movement can work wonders to shake off grogginess. Yoga or some light exercise? Chef’s kiss.
I practice Hatha Yoga, and I absolutely love it! Don't know what Hatha Yoga is? Check out my posts Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Hatha Yoga and The Benefits of Hatha Yoga to get more information on the practice, and some resources to get some extra knowledge in!
Soon, I will post my very own yoga course: The Foundations of Flow, where I will walk you through 8 beginner classes to begin your yoga practice! So keep an eye out for that coming out in 2025!
• Get Mindful
Meditation, journaling, or even jotting down three things you’re grateful for can set a positive tone for the day. (And no, you don’t have to sit cross-legged and chant “om” unless you want to!).
Personally, I love reflecting on the Bhagavad Gita or listening to the Fabulous Daily Coaching audio—it’s what works best for me. But honestly, you can choose anything that resonates with you. The key is finding something that helps you feel grounded and focused.
• Fuel Up with a Wholesome Breakfast
Think of breakfast as fuel, not just food. A combo of protein, whole grains, and some fresh fruit or veggies will keep you powered up.
If you're having trouble finding recipes that are right for your body type, make sure you get The Hot Belly Diet by Dr. Suhas G. Kshirsagar. It’s packed with amazing recipes based off of your body type and even has a quiz to help you start a 30-day reset tailored to your dosha! Perfect for kicking off 2025 with renewed energy.
• Map Out Your Day
Take a minute to review your schedule, prioritize your tasks, and set a few goals. It’s like giving your brain a little GPS for the day.
Now that we have our Morning Ritual guidelines, let's move on to the Evening Ritual!
Evening Bliss: A Night Routine That Actually Helps You Sleep
If your mornings are about gearing up, your nights are about winding down. A good night routine can help you leave the stress of the day behind and prep for some solid ZZZs.
• Say Goodbye to Screens
Turn off your phone or laptop at least an hour before bed. Blue light messes with your sleep hormones, and scrolling Instagram at midnight is really bad for our mental health. I try to go screen-free by 9 p.m., but if I do use my phone (only for the Fabulous app), I make sure to turn on the blue light filter. Sure, it makes everything look red and weird, but I’ll take that over sacrificing a good night’s sleep any day.
• Dim the Lights
Lower the lighting in your space to cue your brain that it’s time to relax. Bonus points for candles or fairy lights for an extra cozy touch. I usually just turn on my side lamp instead of the main light in my room. It creates a softer, cozier vibe that helps me wind down for the night.
• Do Something Calming
Whether it’s reading, listening to relaxing music, or soaking in a warm bath, choose an activity that makes you feel calm and content. Personally, I’m a total bookworm, so you’ll find me nose-deep in a fantasy novel every evening!
• Pamper Your Skin
A quick skincare routine isn’t just about looking good—it’s a mini act of self-care that tells your brain, “Hey, we’re winding down now.”
Ayurveda recommends oil massages, and after I've done it myself, i can see why! My skin gets the nourishment it craves (the next day, it’s so soft and hydrated—it’s amazing), my muscles completely relax, and since I use sesame oil, it warms up my perpetually cold body. Bliss!
If you're curious to know what kind of oil would be best for you, we first need to figure out your dosha. Check out my post on Identifying Your Ayurvedic Dosha here!
• Prep for Tomorrow
Take a few minutes to set yourself up for success. Lay out your outfit, pack your bag, or do a quick meal prep for the next day’s lunch. It’s a small step that makes your morning infinitely smoother.
My prep for tomorrow includes selecting and steaming my clothes and soaking almonds. There’s something so satisfying about knowing everything is ready to make my morning smooth and stress-free. With my breakfast and outfit prepped, I can start the day without scrambling or wasting time. I got this clothes steamer—and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer. Not only does it smooth out wrinkles effortlessly, but it also gets rid of dust, germs, and pretty much anything else lurking in your clothes.
Seriously, I highly recommend it! This steamer is my everything.
• Reflect and Let Go
Take a moment to think about what went well during the day and let go of any worries. Gratitude journaling can work wonders here too. Being a very work-driven person, I tend to measure how good a day was by how much I accomplished. If it was a productive day, I like to reflect on what set me up for success and think about how I can replicate that. On the flip side, if the day didn’t go as planned, I look for lessons or patterns I can learn from.
If you ever feel stuck on what to write, the Fabulous app has some incredible prompts I’d highly recommend. The prompts are tailored to where you are in your Fabulous journey, so you can track your progress and watch yourself adapt and evolve into the best version of yourself. I genuinely use this app every single day, so I know you are going to love it! Click the link and give it a try!
• Stick to a Bedtime
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and stick to a consistent bedtime—consistency is key. When your body adjusts to a steady circadian rhythm, your sleep quality improves dramatically. Trust me, your future self will thank you! According to Ayurveda, the best time to sleep is between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., allowing your body to rest and recharge in harmony with its natural rhythms.
Make It Yours: Personalizing Your Routine
The best routines are the ones that truly fit you. Sure, it’s super helpful to use someone else’s routine as a guide—especially when you’re just starting out. But once you’re comfortable, start making adjustments to create a routine that works best for your life. Experiment with what feels right, ditch what doesn’t, and tweak things along the way. The goal isn’t to add another overwhelming “to-do” list—it’s to build a routine that makes you feel good and supports your well-being.
Sticking with a routine can be the toughest part! As The Fabulous app rightfully says, success is just a series of habits working together. This app really helps build consistency and makes it easy to create healthy habits—even the ones that take the most effort! Try it out, and I guarantee you’ll be on your way to living your best life in no time! If it worked for me, it can work for you!
Wrapping It Up: Small Steps, Big Impact
One of the main reasons I love routines is that they save me so much time and brain power. Constantly thinking about what to do every morning or night is exhausting—it eats up time, energy, and mental capacity. By the time I get to work, I’ve already drained a good chunk of my thinking power. But with routines? My mornings and nights are practically on autopilot. I don’t have to overthink it, and it keeps me healthy and feeling good.
The best part? I can save all that brain power for the things I actually want to focus on throughout the day.
Just take it slow. You don’t need to start with a dreamy, elaborate routine right away. Even something as simple as drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning counts. Start small, stay consistent, and let these little habits grow into something that feels natural and effortless over time.
Morning and night routines should feel good and work for you, but we can’t figure out what’s truly best without knowing your body type first, right? Start your health journey by checking out my post on Identifying Your Ayurvedic Dosha here!
Now that we understand a little more about Ayurveda and the Doshas, check out my posts on 10 Energizing Foods for Pitta, 10 Energizing Foods for Vata, and 10 Energizing Foods for Kapha to see what foods are right for you!
I also have several posts on cravings, and how that is related to your body type as well! Check out my post on decoding your cravings using Ayurveda here!
I also have a bunch of posts about yoga, which is heavily emphasized in Ayurveda as one of the best forms of exercise! Check out my posts 10 Things I Got to Start My Yoga Practice (Great place for gift ideas, too!), The Benefits of Hatha Yoga, How to Stick to Your Yoga Routine, and so much more!
That's it for now! Sending positive vibes your way, and happy exploring!
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