The scent of freshly brewed coffee, the comforting warmth of morning sunlight, and the peaceful silence before the world stirs—these are simple pleasures you’ll likely miss if you regularly rush out of bed and start your day in a flurry. Waking up early and starting your day at a relaxed pace not only gives you the chance to indulge in these small joys but can even have a profound impact on your well-being. A calm morning paves the way for a calm day, and part of creating this tranquility involves establishing a mindful morning routine.

Morning rituals are valuable for the way they help set the tone for the day, but their benefits don’t stop there. A good morning routine will make you happier, more productive, and healthier both physically and mentally. Furthermore, a morning ritual can be as simple or as elaborate as you prefer; any practice that helps you start off your day from a peaceful, stable place is fair game. To that end, here are five rituals you can try to start your days off on the right note.

Dress Up for the Day

spending the day indoors, your clothing can significantly influence your mental and emotional state. Changing out of your sleepwear and putting on a fresh outfit for the day does more than simply alter your physical appearance. In effect, you’re setting the mental stage for a productive day ahead.

There’s no need for you to dress to the nines every day, either. Simply change into clothing that makes you feel good and signifies the start of your work or activities for the day. If you’re wanting garments that are appropriate for the office, you should shop tights and well-tailored dresses that make you look and feel confident in your skin. Meanwhile, having a dedicated set of “work” loungewear for days that you just spend at home can do wonders for your mood and productivity around the house. The key is to choose an outfit that helps transition your mindset from rest to readiness, putting you in the best place to tackle the day’s activities.

Make Time for Some Movement

The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week. What better way to get these minutes in than by starting your day off with a light workout? In the short term, regular morning exercise can boost your mood and metabolism, giving you plenty of energy and motivation for the day ahead. In the long run, it will help fortify your bone and muscle health and even protect you from chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

Choose forms of exercise you enjoy for your morning routine, so you’re more likely to stick with them long-term. These could include a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a yoga session, a quick home workout, or a few minutes of dancing. Even simple stretches or a quick dance party around your bedroom, as you get ready for work, can make a significant difference in how you feel. Don’t pressure yourself to pump iron at the gym or run a half-marathon if that’s not your style—instead, seek to incorporate regular, enjoyable movement into your day.

Do Meditation or Mindfulness Exercises

If you’re regularly stressed, tired, or anxious—as so many people nowadays are—then practicing meditation or mindfulness exercises every morning may be especially beneficial for you. These practices are designed to alleviate stress and cultivate feelings of tranquility in their place. Beyond that, you’ll find that they enhance your focus and attention throughout the day.

Newcomers to meditation may find it intimidating because they assume it involves complicated routines or rigid rituals, but they don’t have to. Simple techniques such as mindful breathing or using a guided meditation app only take a few minutes and thus can fit seamlessly into your morning routine.

Try Journaling

Writing in a journal is a powerful way to support your mental health and work on your personal growth. Your journal is a safe space where you can freely express your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and fears without judgment—and subsequently understand yourself better. Sitting down with it each morning provides you with a clear headspace to plan your day, set your intentions, or simply articulate your feelings.

There’s no need to force yourself to write lengthy essays in your journal. Your entries can be as simple as lists of things you’re grateful for, a rundown of your goals for the day, or free reflections on a dream or thought that’s been on your mind. However you choose to approach your journaling practice, the act of translating thoughts into words on a page is valuable in itself. It can provide you with the clarity and perspective you need to face the day ahead with a positive mindset.

Spend Some Time Outside

The health benefits of spending time outdoors each morning are well known. Exposing yourself to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep-wake cycles and hormone release. A healthy circadian rhythm will support better-quality sleep and boost your mood. You may also find that connecting with nature for at least a few minutes each day makes you feel less stressed and anxious.

Your outdoor time could involve a walk in your local park or a quick jog around the block as part of your morning exercise routine. Alternatively, you could kick back and enjoy a cup of coffee on your balcony or backyard. If you’re in an urban environment without much green space, even looking at the sky or looking after some houseplants can offer some benefits. Simply connect with the natural world in whatever capacity you can and soak up its calming and rejuvenating effects.

As you explore and establish these morning rituals, remember that no two people will benefit from the exact same routine. The best rituals are those that resonate with you and fit into your lifestyle, bringing a sense of calm and intentionality to your day.