When you teach online, your day likely begins in front of a screen in your pajamas, possibly only minutes after rolling out of bed. But the way you start your morning can make or break the rest of your teaching day. A thoughtful, intentional morning routine doesn’t just wake you up, it sets the tone for your day’s energy, mindset, and productivity.

Whether you’re teaching English lessons to students halfway across the world or tutoring high school maths or sciences from your home office, here’s how to design a morning routine that sets you up for success!

1) Wake up with purpose, not panic.

Instead of snoozing your alarm until the last possible second, give yourself at least 30 minutes before your first class to ease into the day. A rushed morning often leads to a rushed mind. Set a consistent wake-up time to allow yourself to be alert, focused, and calm before entering your first class.

Tip: Use an alarm that detects your movements to wake you up during lighter sleep phases. There are many apps, like Sleepwave or Sleep Cycle that do this.

2) Drink water and eat something.

Online educators rely heavily on their voice and energy. Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body and wake you up. You can add some lemon for a gentle detox. Then, eat a light, nourishing breakfast, like oatmeal, eggs, fruit, or a smoothie, something to give you sustained energy until lunch. Try not to eat anything too heavy for breakfast as that’ll make you feel sluggish.

Tip: Avoid drinking caffeine on an empty stomach. It might make you jittery instead of alert.

3) Stretch, move, or meditate.

You may be sitting for hours during your lessons, so do your body and mind a favor by incorporating some gentle movement to get your blood flowing. A 5-minute yoga workout, a stretching routine, or even a 10-minute meditation can help you center yourself and boost your focus.

Tip: Consider getting a standing desk or stack some boxes/books to elevate your laptop so you avoid sitting for long periods on end.

4) Go outside and get sunlight.

In some ways, humans are like plants. We need water and sunshine to thrive. Sunlight is one of the most powerful, and natural, ways to wake up your body and regulate your circadian rhythm. Even just 5-10 minutes of natural light in the morning can boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and help you feel more alert during your lessons.

Tip: Go for a brisk walk around the block before your first class or sip your morning drink beside a sunny window.

5) Review your schedule ahead of time.

Before your first lesson, take a moment to go over your teaching schedule and make note of who you’re teaching, what you’re teaching, and what materials you’ll need. This quick mental (or even written) check-in helps reduce anxiety and keeps you organized. If you’re using a digital planner or teaching platform, check for messages or last-minute updates from students.

Tip: You can do this the night before as well, to prevent a morning rush.

6) Get your teaching environment ready.

Tidy up your teaching space before class. A clutter-free desk and a clean background not only help you feel more professional and in control, but they also reduce distractions for your students. Don’t forget to set up good lighting with natural light or a ring light, use a comfortable chair and headset, and prepare any props, books, or tools you’ll need.

Tip: Perhaps light a scented candle or play calming background music before your first class to get you in a calm and ready mindset!

7) Smile to get yourself in a good mood.

It might sound simple, or even silly, but smiling can actually shift your mood and help you feel more positive before teaching. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, doing it intentionally can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. This small gesture can lift your spirits and help you show up with warmth and enthusiasm, something your students will definitely feel on the other side of the screen.

Tip: Try looking in the mirror and giving yourself a genuine smile before your first class.

We hope you find these tips helpful to get your teaching day started on the right foot! Do you have any other suggestions to add to this morning routine? Share them in the comments below!