
Last week, I shared a quick 10-minute morning routine, perfect for starting the new year right. But just a few days later, Mel Robbins’ morning routine went viral on TikTok. Naturally, I was curious – if everyone’s raving about it, is it really that good? So, of course I put it to the test for a week. Here’s how it went.
The online buzz around Mel Robbins
There are some voices on TikTok that you simply can’t escape, and Mel Robbins is one of them. Whether it’s her famous “Let Them” theory, her wisdom for people navigating their 20s, or her now-trending morning routine, her advice has become the soundtrack to millions of people’s self-improvement goals.
Mel isn’t exactly new to the scene – she’s been inspiring people for years – but the start of a new year has made her guidance even more popular. With everyone looking for ways to level up their habits, her simple, practical tips are taking over for you pages everywhere.
But who exactly is Mel Robbins? And why is she suddenly all over TikTok?
@melrobbins Stop wasting energy on trying to get other people to meet YOUR expectations. Instead, try using the “Let Them Theory.” 💥 Listen now on the #melrobbinspodcast!! “The “Let Them Theory”: A Life Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About” 🔗 in bio #melrobbins #letthemtheory #letgo #lettinggo #podcast #podcastepisode ♬ original sound – Mel Robbins
Who Is Mel Robbins?
Mel Robbins is a former lawyer who pivoted into motivational speaking and self-help in the late 2000s. If you’ve ever heard of “The 5-Second Rule,” that’s her creation – a deceptively simple yet effective technique for tackling procrastination and hesitation.
I love her YouTube channel, which is packed with insightful and motivating content. She’s also the voice behind one of the most-watched TEDx talks ever, with over 33 million views! On top of that, she’s the author of five best-selling books and hosts The Mel Robbins Podcast, where she dives into topics like habits, happiness, mental health, and relationships, all while weaving in personal stories and practical advice.
Why is Mel’s morning routine viral?
As we ease into the new year, social media is flooded with people searching for ways to build healthier habits – and Mel’s morning routine seems to be the go-to formula for success.
The routine, outlined in a recent episode of her podcast, is quick, practical, and designed to set you up for the day in just 15 minutes. Here’s the exact routine that’s taken the internet by storm:
- Resist the snooze button. Get up as soon as your first alarm goes off. No excuses.
- Make your bed. Starting the day with a simple accomplishment sets the tone.
- Give yourself a high five in the mirror. Yes, really. This step is one of Mel’s signature moves to boost self-esteem.
- Drink water before caffeine. Aim to stay coffee-free for at least 60 minutes after waking up.
- Get outside and soak in the morning light. Even on cloudy days, exposure to natural light can help regulate your mood and energy.
- Move your body. Whether it’s a stretch, a short walk, or a quick workout, getting active first thing kick-starts your energy.

My experience
Here’s the thing – in my experience, I pretty much already do most of this anyway! I’m a morning person and I’ve never been one to hit the snooze button person. I religiously make my bed and move every morning. The big difference for me was water before coffee. I’m someone who leaps out of bed and immediately heads to the kitchen to get the coffee on, so breaking that habit and reaching for water first was tough.
- Skipping the snooze button: No change here – it’s my normal routine, and I always feel better getting up straight away.
- Making my bed: Easy peasy. For me, it’s second nature and makes my space feel calm and organised.
- The high-five moment: This was new for me and, honestly, it felt a bit cringe. I started with an awkward thumbs up. But by the end of the week, I started to appreciate the little boost it gave me.
- Water before caffeine: This was the challenge. I missed the ritual of my morning coffee, but I did notice I felt more hydrated and less reliant on caffeine to get going. I simply saved my coffee for my commute to work instead.
- Getting outside: I loved this step. Even on dreary mornings, stepping outside for a few minutes helped wake me up and clear my mind.
- Moving my body: I usually save my workouts for later in the day, but adding a gentle stretch or walk first thing felt like a nice addition to my routine. Youtube have some great, short morning stretch routines.
Mel Robbins morning routine: My verdict
After a week of following Mel’s morning routine, I can see why it’s gone viral. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or an extra hour in your day. For someone like me who already swears by some of these habits, it wasn’t a massive change, but the focus on water before coffee id probably much better for me. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your mornings and set a positive tone for the day, Mel’s routine is definitely worth a try. Just don’t be surprised if you end up grinning at yourself in the mirror – high-five and all!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, practical advice, and strategies to improve your habits and mindset, you can find out more about Mel Robbins on her website or check out her inspiring YouTube channel here.