Why are Morning Routines Important?
I’m not here to tell you that you need to wake up at 5 a.m. for an intense morning routine. But if that’s your thing, I applaud and encourage you! For most of us, though, 5 a.m. feels a bit too early. Here’s an important reminder: we all have different chronotypes—early morning, morning, neutral, late morning, or afternoon—and these are actually rooted in our DNA. So, don’t stress about waking up at a certain time. What matters most is consistency and choosing a wake-up time that works best for you.
Having a morning routine is essential because it sets the tone for your day. To maintain a positive, healthy mindset, we need routines that help us start each day on the right foot. Our days build into weeks, months, and ultimately, our lives. Whether you have 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or a couple of hours, you can implement a morning routine that works for you.
When we wake up, our energy is renewed. Sleep allows us to leave behind much of yesterday’s stress or worries, giving us a clean slate. One of the worst habits is reaching for your phone the moment you wake up. Why? Because it bombards your mind with information, much of which can be stressful or negative—work emails, texts, social media, or unexpected messages. Even neutral information can disrupt the peaceful energy you wake up with. Starting your day with positivity, peace, and abundance can make all the difference.
Here are three activities to consider incorporating into your morning routine:
Meditation: Mornings are ideal for meditation since the day hasn’t yet filled your mind with tasks and worries. Morning meditation helps you stay present, set daily intentions, and visualize your goals. Personally, I find that meditating in the morning helps me handle stress more calmly throughout the day. Even starting with just 3 minutes can have a positive impact. I usually meditate for 10 minutes each morning, but any amount of time is beneficial.
Journaling: Begin your day with gratitude or affirmations. Writing down what you’re grateful for aligns your mindset with abundance, while affirmations help you stay focused on your goals and desires. Not familiar with affirmations? Check out my blog post linked below for guidance.
Positive Reading: Starting your day with uplifting content can set a positive tone. Whether it’s the Bible, self-help books, or materials on mindset, manifesting, psychology, business, or personal growth, make sure it’s content that aligns your energy with your goals.
These activities don’t have to take up much time. You can spend a few minutes or extend them as long as you like. Personally, I combine all three most mornings. Over time, this routine has become second nature, leading to more peaceful, abundant days and helping me better handle challenges when they arise.
I understand that everyone’s life is different. Whether you work early mornings or are a busy parent, it might take creativity to carve out time for yourself. Even waking up just 5-10 minutes earlier or finding a quiet space can make a difference. Prioritizing yourself benefits not only you but also those around you. When you take care of yourself, you become a better version of yourself for others.
If I could add one more thing to your morning routine, it would be exercise. Exercise boosts dopamine, improves mood, and enhances physical and mental health. Whether it’s a gym session or a short walk, try to fit in some movement during the day.
My Ideal Morning Routine: I start my morning with a light breakfast and coffee, followed by journaling (usually affirmations), reading, meditating, and a short 5-10 minute walk outside. Morning sunlight boosts mood, increases vitamin D, regulates circadian rhythm, and reduces stress. I may not get to my morning walk everyday but I really prioritize meditation and affirmations, even when traveling. Afterward, I hit the gym before starting my workday. This routine enhances my mindset and overall well-being, but remember, your routine doesn’t have to be as extensive as mine. Find what works for you, and you’ll see a positive shift in your mindset and life.