Start Your Day Right: How to Create an Intentional Morning Routine

Are you looking to start a positive morning routine? Starting your day off on the right foot is essential for setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Developing an intentional morning routine can help you do just that.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of a morning routine, how to create your own intentional morning routine, and some ideas for what to include in your morning ritual.

The Benefits Of A Morning Routine

Research has shown that people who have a consistent morning routine are more productive, have higher energy levels, and experience less stress and anxiety throughout the day.

A morning routine can also help you start your day with intention and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

A Realistic Morning Routine For You

Before we get too deep into setting your intentional routine, let’s consider what’s realistic for you!

There is no doubt that waking early enough to avoid the morning rush and to fit in some productive habits is the best way to start your day, but that’s not to say you need to be a morning person to benefit from a positive morning routine.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is the perfect example of this! One of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and yet he tends to start his day after 8 am. Although, this has likely changed a little since he became a father!

So a morning routine isn’t about waking at 4 am for 3 hours of meditation, journalling and exercise! Unless that’s realistic for you.

I’m definitely more of a night owl but do still love making the most of my mornings. As a mum of 2, my morning routine starts with getting my kids settled into their before-school routine, followed by some light exercise and a podcast episode.

There’s no mad rush. There are (usually) no raised voices or stress. It’s a go-slow routine that sets me up for a day of productivity.

How To Create An Intentional Morning Routine That Works For You

Creating an intentional morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

It can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, as long as it aligns with your goals and the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to your morning routines.

Here is how to get started with your own productive morning routine:

1. Consider how much time you have: Take a look at your daily schedule and determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to creating an intentional morning routine. This is where you need to be really honest with yourself and consider how early you are willing to wake up and what other priorities you need to fit into that time block.
2. Identify your goals: Before you create your routine, think about what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to prioritise self-care, exercise, or mindfulness? Do you just want to avoid the morning rush? These things can guide you in creating your plan.
3. Determine your non-negotiables: What are the activities that you absolutely need to include in your morning routine? For example, do you ‘need’ to drink a cup of coffee, meditate, or exercise to feel your best? Make a list of these non-negotiables and then come back to your available time and reassess if you’ve allocated enough time.
4. Plan ahead: Once you know your timeline for the morning, plan out what activities you want to include in your routine including both your non-negotiables and ‘nice to have’ activities. This will ensure that there is enough time for each activity and help reduce the stress of trying to fit it into too short of a timeframe.
5. Establish a consistent wake-up time: Try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency can help regulate your body clock and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
6. Start small: It’s important to start with a routine that is manageable and sustainable. Don’t try to incorporate too many activities all at once, as it can quickly become overwhelming. Start with just 2-3 activities and gradually add more as you become comfortable with your routine.
7. Be flexible: While it’s important to have a consistent routine, it’s also important to be flexible. Life happens, and sometimes your routine may need to change. Be open to adjusting your routine when necessary.

My routine changes to suit the seasons. As someone who dislikes cold weather, I am less motivated in winter and tend to stay in bed a little longer than I do when it’s warm.

While starting the day with tech isn’t ideal, I often use this extra time in bed to clear out my inbox of any non-urgent emails knowing it will save me time later and still means I am being productive with my morning.

I still incorporate some light exercise, but dedicate less time to this on winter mornings.

Ideas for What to Include in Your Morning Routine

Now that you know how to create an intentional morning routine, here are some ideas for what to include, remembering that you can’t fit everything and not everything is for everyone.

Pick and choose to suit your personal intentions and the things that make you feel good. After all, our goal is to start the day off with a healthy mindset!

Here are some morning productivity ideas for you:

1. Meditation or mindfulness practice: Starting your day with meditation or mindfulness can help you feel more centred and focused.
2. Exercise or movement: Whether it’s a quick yoga session, a walk around the block, or a full workout, including movement in your morning routine can help boost your energy and mood.
3. Journaling or gratitude practice: Take a few minutes to reflect on your thoughts and emotions or express gratitude for the things in your life that you’re thankful for with a daily journaling habit. Try these intentional journaling prompts to help you get started.
4. Breakfast or nourishment: Fuel your body with a healthy breakfast or drink to start your day off right.
5. Mindful hygiene & self-care: Taking time to care for your body and appearance can help you feel confident and ready to tackle your day. This might include a skincare regime, a bath or giving yourself enough time to enjoy getting ready for the day.
6. Vitamin D: Spending time in natural sunshine within the first half hour of waking can improve sleep, mental health and physical health.
7. Reading: Dedicate some time for reading in the morning and make sure it’s something that will motivate, inspire or educate you.
8. Personal Development: Use your morning routine to invest in yourself. This could include things like listening to a podcast, dedicating time to learning or developing new skills or focusing on personal growth activities.
9. Hobbies: If you are often too busy to find time for your hobbies, why not consider waking earlier each day to allow you time to do what you love to do? This will give you a morning boost in creativity too!
10. Time with your spouse: Dedicate half an hour of distraction-free time with your significant other. If you have children, this might mean waking before they do so you can talk, connect and enjoy each other’s company before the busy day begins.

What About Weekends?

It’s up to you if you want to do your morning routine 7 days a week or just on weekdays. There are certainly benefits to maintaining your routine every day, but let’s be real, sometimes it’s nice to just sleep in for an extra hour or two. Or go out for breakfast with a friend on a Sunday morning.

This is why we need to be flexible with our morning routine habits because life happens. Priorities change. And sometimes you get sick.

Just get back to your routine when you’re ready!

Creating an intentional morning routine can be a game-changer for your overall well-being and productivity. By incorporating activities that align with the things that make you feel good, you are more likely to go into your day feeling good and ready to tackle what comes your way!