3 things to upgrade your daily life

Sometimes I find myself rushing through my day like each thing is a task to tick off. This might look like rushing to shower and eat so that you can sit and ‘rest’ before it’s time to go to sleep and do the whole thing over again the next day.

I’m trying to find small things in my routine that help me enjoy those ‘tasks’ more, instead of seeing them as a necessary tick-box exercise that I have to do in order to ‘reward’ myself with 30 minutes of sitting still.

I have pinpointed 3 things in my everyday routine that help me romanticise the small things in my life. These items have been tried and tested by me and are 100% EDGE Approved.

1. Sunrise Alarm Clock

Possibly one of the most promoted items we see when scrolling on TikTok, but please hear me out…

Sunrise alarm clocks have had their moment on social media for sure, but most of the ones I see promoted are expensive and it's just not a price I personally could justify for an alarm clock. However, there are some great cheaper alternative options.

I’ve been using my Lumie clock for over a year and a half, and my honest opinion is that it has made my mornings so much calmer, easier and definitely has that ‘romanticise your life’ feeling we are looking for. Also, it is much cheaper than a lot of other options (approx £40.)

Instead of being shocked awake by a harsh alarm, the light gradually brightens—mimicking a natural sunrise.

I don’t know if this is something I would say you NEED, but if you:

• struggle to wake up when it’s still dark
• feel groggy no matter how much sleep you get
• 'jump' awake at the sound of your normal alarm

…this might help improve your morning routine and start off your the day the right way.

2. A Travel Mug

I never used to drink coffee, but I don’t know if it is starting a 9-5 job or just something that happens as you start to get older... but now a coffee is part of the everyday routine.

While I do have a Nespresso machine at home (and it is a great upgrade to my everyday) another great upgrade is my travel mug. After using the same one for 5 years, I recently switched to an Owala Smooth Sip Slider Cup, and it’s one of those small upgrades that has made a big difference. I have the 12oz size, and it’s the perfect size for a latte. I find that it keeps my coffee warm while I walk to work and it is also leak-proof so I have not had any spill mishaps (yet!) I make my coffee and put it straight in my backpack (putting quite a lot of trust in the cup, I know), and it has never failed me (touch wood).

Getting up and making a coffee in the morning or making a coffee before going on a walk really does make you take the time and slow down. Plus, taking your own mug to a coffee shop is much better for the environment andddd you can normally get perks for doing it - win win!

3. Pyjama Sets

There’s something about a matching pyjama set that makes an ordinary evening feel so put together.

For me, getting out of the shower and into clean, soft pyjamas is one of those small moment in my day that I really look forward to.

I’ve tried a lot of Pyjama options, but the ones I always come back to are from Marks & Spencer:

• They hold their shape in the wash (no shrinking)
• The quality has lasted over time
• They feel elevated without being overpriced

It’s a simple upgrade, but it adds a sense of routine and calm at the end of the day.

These 3 items are simple, functional upgrades that:

1. Improve your day
2. Remove unnecessary friction from your routine
3. Easily help you feel more put together