What is a realistic morning routine for someone who is not a morning person?

Skip the elaborate routines and pick two things. Getting daylight within the first hour is the highest-value single action, because it anchors your circadian rhythm and improves both alertness now and sleep tonight — stepping onto a balcony for ten minutes counts. The second is anything that gets you moving briefly. Everything else people list — journaling, cold showers, elaborate breakfasts — is optional and often the reason routines collapse. Prepare the night before so the morning requires no decisions. A routine you can do on your worst morning is worth more than an ideal one.