An Entrepreneur’s “Simple and Realistic” Morning Routine

Here are some things you can do:

• Open the windows for 10–15 minutes a day to let stale air out

• Run an air purifier in bedrooms or the rooms you spend the most time in

• Keep on top of dust, especially in rugs, couches, curtains, and bedding

• Go easy on heavily fragranced sprays, candles, and cleaning products

• Use extractor fans or open a window while cooking or showering 

And if you’ve heard that houseplants are miracle air purifiers… the research doesn’t quite back that up in real-world homes. Sorry. But hey, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fill your space with greenery! Plants do boost mood and make the room feel calmer and more inviting. 🪴🥰

Here’s a handy checklist for improving air quality indoors, and more info on ventilation from the EPA.

​Rebecca Hopwood, Founder and Director of Youbee Media and The Hive Academy & Mother

The Routine:

• Early dog walk (20–30 minutes, no phone). “Up before anyone else, this is fresh air and my time to get some steps in. It forces me to breathe, move, and wake up properly before the noise of the day begins.”

• Strong coffee and Candy Crush. “Ok, bear with me on this, as I know it sounds odd, but playing a bit of Candy Crush genuinely helps me switch off. My work is digital and social-heavy, so this is stress-free swiping with no comparison, no emails and no demands.”

• Get ready for the day with a list. “I scan emails first to see what’s come in overnight, then I write my list from there. Anything urgent gets flagged, ongoing tasks get carried forward, and I know exactly what needs my attention before the day takes off.”

• Evening boundary: switching roles, not just locations. “I close my laptop at 5pm and drive home with music to reset. This time in the car is the line between work and being present as a mum and wife. Limiting social plans and protecting evenings gives me space for Pilates or swimming without feeling like I’m stealing time from my family.”

Why it works:

• Morning light exposure and light movement help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve alertness.

• Writing tasks down helps “offload” them from your brain, reducing the mental distraction caused by unfinished tasks and improving focus. 

• Simple games like Candy Crush may actually provide a quick mental reset. One study found that casual video games may help reduce stress and improve mood after demanding tasks.

• Research on “psychological detachment” shows that mentally switching off from work is linked to lower burnout and better wellbeing. Small transition rituals help create a clearer boundary between work mode and home life.