Big changes often begin with small wins. I’m talking about the little choices that shift your actions just enough to change your direction and make a meaningful impact.
Atomic Habits author James Clear says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
So, when those actions take less than a minute, you’re removing nearly every barrier between who you are and who you want to become.
Below are five micro-habits that take less than 60 seconds, but are powerful enough to switch up your mindset, create momentum, and help to set the right tone for your entire day.
The 5 Mini Habits (60 Seconds or Less)
1) Drink a Full Glass of Water Right After Waking Up
When you wake up, your body is already running low on fluids after a night (and probably a couple of hours before going to sleep) of fasting. A full glass of water helps rehydrate you, kick‑starts metabolism, brightens your skin, and maybe even keeps hunger at bay. (MedicineNet; Medical News Today). The latter is certainly the case for me.
It’s something I do while making coffee first thing, it freshens me up every time. I feel like I’ve started the day in the right way, so there’s a mindset boost as well.
2) Write One Line of Gratitude
No deep thought or long journaling session required. Just one sentence:
- “Today I’m grateful for…”
That’s it. Gratitude trains your brain to spot the good, and even a single line can create a mental shift that has a ripple effect throughout the day.
3) Set a 60-Second Timer and Visualize Your Day
People use positive visualization all the time to imagine future scenarios. It could be the achievement of a major life outcome, giving a successful presentation, attaining a fitness goal…anything.
In this case, our target is today!
- Close your eyes.
- Picture how you want the day to unfold (There’s no need to get every detail right)
- Focus on how you want to feel and what you want to accomplish.
Visual rehearsal helps with clarity, purpose, and motivation, even if it’s brief.
If you find yourself with more time on your hands, continue to visualize.
But I find that 60 seconds will at least get me into the right frame of mind to begin seeing positive outcomes.
4) Send a Quick Message of Appreciation to Someone
Try this during breakfast or when you’re travelling on public transport. One text, email, or DM is all it takes.
Tell someone you’re thinking of them or thank them for something they may have done, even if it’s something small that they might have forgotten about.
The benefits to them, you, and the relationship far outweigh the minute of effort it took to write and send.
5) Take 5-10 Deep Breaths Before Opening Your Inbox
I don’t know about you but during my corporate days, clicking on that Outlook icon felt like the real start of the day. I’ve never been an early bird (although I can be active at night when everyone else has long since run out of steam), so by 9am there could be all manner of messages sitting in my inbox, dictating how my day is going to pan out.
Before diving in, take a single minute to slow your breathing and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Once you’re centered, you can tackle that inbox calmly rather than in a reactive frame of mind.
Tiny Wins, Big Impact
The beauty of these habits is that they’re a small signal to yourself that you’re prioritizing wellbeing and intentional action over living on autopilot, even when life is a little chaotic.
Start with just one. Do it consistently, and the benefits can compound over time.
Remember, you’re not trying to become a different person overnight. This is self-discipline in small steps, edging closer to the person you want to become in the long term.
If you’re a fan of building momentum through small wins, you might also enjoy this post:
👉 Small Wins Quotes to Help You Build Momentum
Mini Morning Habits FAQs
1) What is a good habit in the morning?
Anything that helps you feel calm, clear, or purposeful, even if it only takes less than a minute. That could be a glass of water, one sentence of gratitude, or a few deep breaths before your day kicks off. Tiny actions add up fast.
2) What is the healthiest thing to do in the morning?
There’s no one perfect choice, but staying hydrated, moving your body, and calming your mind will get you traveling in the right direction. Even something simple like visualizing your day for a short time can make a big difference.
3) What is a great start to the morning?
Start with something intentional, not reactive. That could mean stretching, breathing deeply, or setting a 1-minute timer to plan the first parts of your day. These micro-moments shift your mindset before the world rushes in.
4) What is the 5 to 9 morning routine?
It’s a phrase used to describe the early morning hours before the usual 9–5 grind. Some people fill it with workouts and productivity tasks, but there’s no need to go crazy. Your version can be simple, with a few focused habits that help you feel grounded and ready to go.