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5 Morning Habits That Will Make You That Girl (Because Waking Up on Time Is Not Enough)

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter.

Listen, waking up early is not just for try-hards and corporate America. If you want to be that girl-the one who radiates confidence, has her life together (or at least looks like it), and moves through the day like a main character-you need a morning routine that serves. We are not just rolling out of bed and hoping for the best in 2025. We are waking up with intention, setting the vibe, and making sure we step out looking and feeling rich in every way.

If you are ready to start feeling like her, here are five morning habits that will have you stepping into your best self.

Shock Your System with Cold Water (Because Snoozing Will Not Save You)

If you are the type to hit snooze five times and wake up feeling like you got jumped in your sleep, it is time to try the cold water method. Forget splashing warm water on your face like you are in a skincare commercial—that girl wakes up with an ice-cold refresh.

Here is how to do it without suffering:
• Splash your face with cold water right after getting out of bed. It wakes you up instantly.
• Drink a glass of ice-cold water to rehydrate and boost your energy.
• Take a cold shower (or at least finish with cold water). I will not lie, it is rough, but the benefits are elite. Your skin will glow, your blood will circulate, and you will feel unstoppable.

Once you start using cold water in the morning, you will never go back to waking up sluggish.

Romanticize Your Morning Like You Are in a Pinterest Video

If you have ever watched those “morning routine” TikToks and thought, “Why can my life not look like that?”—newsflash: it can. You just need to romanticize the little things.
• Light a candle or turn on a cute LED lamp for the vibes.
• Play some soft RNB or my favorite -2010 pop hits- while you get ready.
• Drink your lemon water (yes, we are those girls now).
• Use a cute glass instead of that dusty water bottle you have had since freshman year.

Make your mornings feel like luxury, even if you are in a dorm. It is all about energy.

Get Your Body Moving (Even If It Is Just a little dance in the Mirror)

Before you roll your eyes—no, you do not have to do a full 6 AM Pilates session (unless you want to, in which case, go off). But moving your body even just a little will wake you up and make you feel that girl level productive.

Try:
• A five-minute stretch to release tension.
• A quick morning walk to romanticize life.
• A dance session while brushing your teeth (dual-tasking queen).

The goal is to get your energy up and start your day feeling alive, not sluggish.

Speak Life Into Yourself (Affirmations, Girl Affirmations!)

You cannot be that girl if you are waking up saying, “Ugh, I look a mess,” or “I do not feel like doing anything.” Words have power, and in 2025, we are only speaking abundance.

Stand in front of the mirror and remind yourself:
✨ I am that girl.
✨ I attract success and peace effortlessly.
✨ I look good, I feel good, and my life is getting better every day.

Say it until you believe it. Because once you start moving like it is already yours, the world will catch up.

Actually Eat Breakfast (No, Coffee Does Not Count)

Skipping breakfast is not cute. You cannot function on vibes and iced coffee alone. That girl eats like she cares about herself.

If you are not a breakfast person, start small:
• A smoothie (bonus points if it is aesthetic).
• Avocado toast (because, obviously).
• Oatmeal (with honey and fruit to feel like a wellness influencer).

Fuel your body, because a well-fed baddie is an unstoppable baddie.

Final Thoughts: Becoming That Girl Is a Lifestyle

Feeling like that girl starts the second you wake up. It is in the small choices—the way you treat yourself, the habits you build, and the mindset you carry. And let’s be real, some mornings will still be chaotic, but as long as you are trying, you are already ahead of the game.

Now, go fill up your cup with ice water, hype yourself up, and start moving like the main character you are.Cold water

Shana Gallup is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. As someone passionate about financial literacy and community empowerment, she is actively involved in the Finance Club, where she is studying to pass the FINRA SIE exam. She also serves as the secretary and social media head for Panthers for Paws, a student-led organization advocating for animal welfare. With a keen interest in digital media and branding, Shana uses her creativity to engage audiences and elevate conversations around self-love, independence, and financial growth. Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Shana is a content creator dedicated to inspiring young Black women to embrace self-love and solo dating. Through her social media platforms, she shares affordable solo date ideas, personal growth tips, and insights on rebranding one’s life with confidence. She also contributes to Her Campus as a social media socialite, bringing her passion for storytelling and engagement to a broader audience. Shana aspires to use her platform to not only share her journey but also to help others flourish independently. In her free time, Shana enjoys exploring new restaurants, trying out active hobbies like Pilates, and discovering ways to romanticize her daily life. She has a deep love for fashion, self-care, and curating a lifestyle that reflects confidence and self-sufficiency. Always striving for personal and professional growth, she plans to pursue opportunities in finance, digital media, and nonprofit work, with the ultimate goal of creating an after-school program that teaches young girls self-love and financial literacy.