Things to Say to Yourself on Sh*tty Mornings
Share
(Self-talk that actually helps, no glitter required)
If I see one more article about some big-wig CEO who wakes up at 4:30am, does hot yoga with their private instructor, journals in a £300 leather notebook, and drinks mushroom tea before their driver whisks them to work…I’m going to scream.
What about the rest of us?
The mere mortals.
The snoozers.
The “why are mornings even legal?” crowd.
For us, mornings aren’t always about optimising our potential. Sometimes they’re about surviving the first 90 minutes without crying, yelling, or doomscrolling in the dark.
So here’s the deal: no glossy affirmations. No “I am radiant, I am abundant, I attract miracles.” Those have their place but not every morning.
Instead, here are simple one-liners, things to say to yourself when you can’t get out of bed, when you’re trudging through, when mornings feel like a crime. They’re short, cheeky, and easy to repeat in your head until you believe them just enough to move.
Why bother with self-talk in the first place?
Because words matter.
Saying something on repeat, even if you don’t fully believe it at first, nudges your brain and body into a calmer, more doable state. There’s plenty of research showing that self-talk can reduce stress, boost focus, and even change how we experience pain (here’s a few studies (see below) if you are into the science of it.
But honestly? Trust us. This stuff works. We’re living proof, mornings still aren’t our favourite, but with the right words looping in our heads, we get through them with a little more yes and a lot less meh.
Things to Say to Yourself on Sh*t Mornings
Snoozer
“Just stand up. That’s it.”
Overthinker
“Coffee first, worries later.”
Parent
“Kids fed = win.”
Night owl
“Eyes open = progress.”
Zoom prisoner
“Mute is magic.”
Student
“Turning up tired still counts.”
Grief morning
“Breathing’s enough.”
Job-hater
“Clock in, clock out.”
Low-energy body
“Slow still counts.”
Hungover
“Water, then more water.”
Gym-avoider
“Kettle stretch = workout.”
Creative
“Bad draft still counts.”
Neurodivergent brain
“One thing at a time.”
Socially drained
“No sparkle needed.”
Chaos gremlin
“Deadlines get it done.”
How to actually use them
-
Pick one line that fits your morning.
-
Repeat it in your head while brushing your teeth or waiting for the kettle.
-
Keep looping it, like your own internal hype track.
-
The more you hear it, the more your brain starts to believe it.
Want a little extra?
We’ve just launched our Morning Affirmation Sessions inside Clementine. They’re designed to give you the same vibe as these one-liners: less meh, more yes. Quick, grounding, and actually doable before you’ve even found your socks.
Studies to read if you want some evidence this stuff works
Positive self-talk increases confidence / self-esteem
Self-talk regulates mood / perceived effort
