How to create a mindful
morning routine

reading time: 4 minutes

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my first years of having my own business is the importance of taking time for a morning routine. My job as a freelancer means no two days ever look the same. In addition to that, the early mornings (4:00 am to 8:00 am) are my favorite time to work. That’s why I prefer having a mindful morning routine – and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only can I get some extra minutes of the day for self-care, it also sets a positive tone to my workday and pushes my general mental well-being throughout the day.

When creating a mindful morning routine, remember that there is no “perfect” or “right” way. Everyone is unique, and every bodies or spirits will feel energized differently. Also every day can look different. On some mornings you’ll find more time for yourself, on others you just have time for some fresh air, a breakfast with your kids or having an extra moment for your skincare. Find a handful of different rituals you know they ground you for when you need them most. With that in mind, you can practice a specific routine, depending on which feels the best for the day ahead.

Start slow

As someone who likes to wake up and hit the ground running, making a conscious effort to start slow each day was a tough adjustment. I’ve always been one to read emails, write content or scroll through Instagram the second my alarm goes off. But now I try to take a few minutes of the morning for my routine – whatever it looks like.

Time for meditation

A meditation morning routine is a great way to clear your mind to enhance your ability to remain focused and relaxed throughout the day. Also, there have been many studies that have found that meditating can improve your general well-being and health. Start w/ a guided or a walking meditation. This type of routine is easy to implement an I promise: A morning meditation is a major mood lifter and will give you a quick energy boost!

Set an intention for your day

A short part of your morning routine can be to set an intention for your day. First establish present-moment awareness and then consider something you’d like to experience more of in your life or something that you’d like to work on. This can be “a calm walk”, “being open to new possibilities”, “more kindness” or something else. Do your best to keep this intention in your awareness throughout the day!

Make Gratitude Your First Thought

Gratitude is one of the most impactful habits, especially when done first thing in the morning. It can positively influence the day and affects our individual well-being. A few years back, a women leader talked in an interview of Forbes about it. She shared that her first action is to give gratitude through prayer. For her it’s an honor to have woken up that day because someone went to sleep that night and didn’t wake up. Make gratitude your first thought – or write down one grateful thought a day.

Honor your breath

Another routine can be to cultivate a connection to breath. Either in your meditation or for a few calm moments: Do nothing but acknowledge your breath. You can take one hand to your heart and the other one to your belly to feel your inhales and exhales.

Use a journal for more gratitude

I love to write thoughts down in my journal – either in the morning or in the evening. Find a comfortable place and take five minutes to journal. Write down, for what you are grateful for, what your daily intentions are or list out a few thoughts out of your mind.

Avoid technology

This is the best – but maybe hardest – routine of all, because what do we see when we reach for our phones first thing in the morning? A list of messages, mails, reminders, and notifications. Maybe missed calls too. Suddenly, our morning is plagued by seemingly urgent tasks. You can turn off your phone during night or put it on silent.