How to Create a Morning Routine

So many of us struggle in the mornings, and end up exhausted at the end of our days. Maybe you wake up dreading getting out of bed because of all the “things”. I get it.

You would think we all know how to wake up early in the morning (or midday for those that work night-shift) and take on the day that lies ahead… but somehow, we may find ourselves lost in accumulating tasks. Life in the professional realm says we need to push, go hard, and power through everything. I agree to an extent, but when it comes to mornings, I find that a gentler approach has me feeling much more at peace (and dare I say productive) than morning routines of the past. 

I do realize I am writing this from a unique perspective, since I work from home and my husband is a stay at home dad, however, I feel like anyone with even the busiest of schedules can create a Morning Routine that makes them feel fantastic. 

1. Ditch Perfection, Give Yourself Grace

If you dive into this little experiment with it in mind that you need to do everything perfectly, you have already lost the magic of the morning. Every day is different, and some things that made us feel amazing yesterday might not serve us as well today. You don’t need to get in 20 different self care practices, or spend hours doing your morning routine. In fact, who wants to do that anyway? That just feels forced and performative. Give yourself grace, please. Perfection is a lie.

2. Decide What Lights You Up

One of the exciting parts about creating a morning routine is learning about what makes you happy, and what makes you feel good. Are you a Coffee or Tea Person? Do you like drinking Greens or Smoothies? Ask yourself questions to discover what makes you feel like a million bucks. I used to be a huge fan of Coffee in the Mornings, but I find myself in a completely different morning energy now, and sip on a focusing tea blend instead. 

Do you like to journal a lot or is writing a single word or sentence sufficient for you? It may not seem like a big question, but as far as time goes, this allows you to discover how much time you want to spend during your routine.

Do you have children that need to get ready in the morning? I do, and even though my son is 9 we still spend time together in the morning for his own routine. Here is an important question to keep in mind in regards to kiddos: Do you want to get up 15 minutes earlier and practice your own routine before getting the kiddos ready? Would you rather wait until you get back home?

If you leave to work right after taking kids to school, maybe your practice and morning routine can be done in your car* on the way to your commute.

*Please do NOT meditate while driving!* 

3. Create a Playlist

Listen to some tunes in the morning that you love. This is a great solution for commuter routines. Music is such a powerful way for us to express ourselves. You can sing at the top of your lungs when you are alone in the car. You can dance and flow to music at home in your living room (or wherever!) and move your body in a joyful way. 

I love listening to music during my morning routine because it makes me smile and puts me in a great mood. You can’t be mad when you are listening to your favorite songs. An added bonus here, is you can jam out while getting the kiddos (and yourself) ready for the day. If you change nothing else in the morning but playing music, it will definitely make a positive change in your home space. 

If you ever come over to my house, at any given point in the day, I likely have music playing. (Listening to One Love- Bob Marley & the Wailers as I write this) 

4. Check in with Your Heart

How often do you check in with yourself to see how you are feeling? What are your emotions like today? How is your energy? If you have a menstrual cycle, where are you in that? What could you do today for yourself that would make you feel more love towards yourself?

It really can be as simple as placing your hands on your Heart Center, closing your eyes, and listening to yourself. You might be surprised by what you learn.

5. Choose One Thing

That’s it. Choose one thing you’d like to incorporate into your mornings. Once that feels natural and you don’t need to really think about it, then you can consider adding something else to your routine! Here are some ideas for activities you can include in your own Morning Routine.

• Gratitude Practice

• Heart Check In

• Journaling

• Drinking a Beverage you Love

• Music

• Dance

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Meditation

• Lighting a Candle

• Taking 3 Intentional Deep Breaths Outdoors

If you still struggle with your morning routine, I am absolutely happy to support you. Just leave me a comment below and I’ll do what I can to help!

I would love to know, as one of my treasured readers, which of these you plan to try first.

With Love + Whimsy,

Dalea