This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep my website up and running and is very appreciated. Thank you for your support!

How Mel Robbins’ Viral Morning Routine Changed My Life

I used to think I just wasn’t a “morning person.”

You know the type: wakes up energized, drinks green smoothies, journals about gratitude while the sun rises, and has already worked out before most people hit snooze. That wasn’t me. Not even close.

My mornings were chaotic. I’d wake up already anxious, immediately check my phone, and feel like the day was running me instead of the other way around. I was constantly behind, overwhelmed, and convinced that productivity was for people who had it all together.

Then, one random night (the kind where you’re doom-scrolling past 11 p.m.), I stumbled on a video of Mel Robbins talking about her morning routine. It piqued my interest, so I checked out the whole podcast episode.

She wasn’t selling perfection. She wasn’t lecturing. She was just real, honest, and practical. She broke down a series of simple steps that, at first glance, didn’t seem like they’d do much. But something about her confidence and calm tone made me want to try.

So, I did. I committed to giving her routine a go- not perfectly, but consistently. And slowly, something started to shift. My energy. My mood. My mindset. Even my self-worth.

Mel Robbins’ viral morning routine didn’t just help me start my day better. It helped me start showing up for myself.

Let me walk you through what it looks like, how I made it my own, and why I think it works so well.

Mel Robbins’ Viral Morning Routine

Step 1: Don’t Hit Snooze & Use the 5-Second Rule

Mel’s famous for this one: the 5-second rule. When your alarm goes off, you count down—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and move. No snoozing, no second-guessing. Just action.

Now, I used to be a world-class snoozer. Like, I would hit snooze multiple times without even realizing I was doing it. But Mel explains that hitting snooze isn’t just a bad habit- it’s actually confusing for your brain. You’re telling your mind it’s time to get up… then canceling that command. That back-and-forth puts your brain in a fog and affects your alertness for the rest of the day.

When I started using the countdown trick, I found myself moving before my excuses kicked in. It was like giving myself a launch button. And even though it was hard at first (especially on cold mornings), the feeling of getting up on purpose started bleeding into the rest of my day. I was more decisive, more focused, and strangely, more confident.

Getting up with intention set the tone that I’m someone who follows through- even with the little things.

Step 2: Make Your Bed as Soon as You Get Up

This one used to make me roll my eyes. I mean, really? What difference could making my bed possibly make?

Turns out, a lot.

Mel encourages people to make their bed immediately, not because it’s about being tidy (although that’s a bonus), but because it creates your first win of the day. It tells your brain, “I complete things. I care about my space. I’m in control.”

It also creates a visual sense of order. Before, I’d come home to a messy bed and it just made everything feel more stressful. Now, walking into my room and seeing a neat bed is a quiet little reminder that I’m taking care of myself.

It’s a micro-habit, but it packs a punch. And over time, those small acts of self-respect start stacking up.

Step 3: No Phone for the First 30 Minutes

This was hands-down the most difficult shift for me, and also the one that brought the biggest reward.

Mel says this often: “You can’t let the world in before you check in with yourself.”

I used to wake up and immediately scroll TikTok, check emails, respond to texts. Before I even got out of bed, my brain was already processing other people’s priorities. No wonder I was feeling drained before the day even began.

Now, I leave my phone on airplane mode until I’ve gone through my morning routine. No texts. No social. No emails. Just me, in my own head, creating my own thoughts.

Sometimes I journal, sometimes I stretch, sometimes I just sip my coffee and stare out the window like a peaceful little grandma. But those 30 minutes have become sacred.

By the time I finally turn on my phone, I feel like I’m in control. Not my inbox, not the algorithm, not the noise.

Step 4: High-Five Yourself in the Mirror

Okay, I laughed when I first heard this one, too. Mel wants us to literally give ourselves a high-five in the mirror every morning.

But once I got over the weirdness, I realized it’s actually genius.

There’s science behind it. When you give someone a high-five, your brain connects it with encouragement, celebration, and positivity. When you do it to yourself, your brain doesn’t know the difference and it lights up the same way.

And here’s the thing: Most of us are so hard on ourselves. We look in the mirror and immediately focus on flaws, to-do lists, or worries. The high-five interrupts that negativity. It shifts the focus to something kind. Something playful. Something human.

Now, it’s part of my routine. No pep talk necessary, just a little high-five to say, “Hey. You’re doing great.”

And yeah, it might feel silly. But it works.

Step 5: Set One Meaningful Goal or Intention

Before this routine, I used to write long to-do lists that I’d never finish. And then I’d beat myself up for not doing “enough.” Sound familiar?

Mel flips that script. Instead of focusing on how much you can cram into your day, she challenges you to choose one meaningful thing.

That could be drinking more water, finishing a project, going on a walk, or being more present with your kids. It doesn’t have to be massive. It just has to matter.

This helped me shift from being busy to being intentional. And the truth is, when I focus on one key goal, I almost always get more done—because I’m not scattered or overwhelmed.

Plus, checking off that one thing feels amazing. Like, yes, I followed through. I showed up.

Why It All Works (and Why It’s Sustainable)

Here’s why Mel’s routine sticks:

• It’s simple. You don’t need special tools, a new app, or a 4 a.m. wakeup call. Just a decision.
• It builds momentum. One action leads to another. You start the day doing, not thinking.
• It rewires your brain. These habits build confidence, clarity, and resilience over time.
• It’s about you. Not hustle culture. Not aesthetics. Just small acts of self-leadership.

These steps help me live less on autopilot and more with intention. And let’s be real—we all need that reset sometimes.

Final Thoughts: Mornings Can Be Yours Again

Here’s what I’ve learned: Being a “morning person” isn’t about waking up early or being hyper-productive. It’s about how you treat yourself when the day begins.

Since starting Mel Robbins’ morning routine, I don’t dread mornings anymore. I actually look forward to them. Not because I’ve suddenly become some Pinterest-perfect person, but because I feel grounded, focused, and in charge of my own energy.

And listen, I’m not perfect. Some mornings I still feel tired, some days I skip steps. But now, I have a framework to come back to. A lifeline.

So if you’re in a season of burnout, self-doubt, or just feeling stuck… try this routine. Even if it’s just one step.

You deserve to start your day with intention, with kindness, and with the belief that you’re worth showing up for.

And hey, high five. You’ve already taken the first step just by being here.

Related posts you might enjoy:
10 Habits That Are Secretly Ruining Your Mornings (And How to Fix Them)
How to Become a Morning Person
111 Powerful Morning Affirmations

Pin to share!