How to Create a Morning Routine That Doesn't Feel Like Work

The Problem With Most Morning Routines

Let's have a candid conversation: most "morning routine" (and I am doing the air quotations with my fingers) advice can feel impossible to complete. They want you to wake up at 4 AM. Write in your journal. Read. Run a few miles. Make a smoothie. Solve the world's problems.

Where are you supposed to find the energy for all that --- if you're a nurse, parent, student, or somebody that just wants to feel like a normal human being before 10 AM? And not superhuman!

Having a morning routine shouldn't feel like a marathon in productivity.

Remember that song by Usher? Nice & Slow.

Let's be nice to ourselves and slow it down a bit. Enjoy it.

These are some of the ideas I wish I had when I attempted to successfully build a morning routine (and failed) that felt tolerable and not a burden.

1. Start With One Small Habit (Only One)

   
   

   One of the fastest ways to get discouraged is to overwhelm your morning routine with too many changes too quickly. Alternatively, try one tiny thing and let that set the tone for the day.

   Here are some simple examples:

   • Hydrate yourself before checking your phone.

   • Get some fresh air, crack those windows. In Germany they have a tradition called Lueften, where you open the doors and windows to let fresh air in the home.

   • Making your bed is the first task completed for the day.

   • Step outside, if you have a balcony, porch, or patio even better.

   • Take a moment and stretch 30 - 60 seconds.

Once you have one habit down and another, start with the snowball effect. Start small and go big!

2. Let Your Phone Rest For The First 10 Minutes

   
   

   I'm not telling you to give up your phone cold turkey (let's be realistic). All I'm asking is to give yourself 10 minutes before plugging back in the Matrix to give your mind time to adjust to the noise of the world.

   
   

   Alternatives to scrolling on your phone:

   • Turn on some calm and relaxing music

   • Take a moment of silence

   • Light your favorite candle for some aroma therapy

   • Take a deep breath

   • Take your time making your favorite cup of coffee

Take the first ten minutes of your day to decide your emotional state.

3. Choose Rituals, Not Chores

We all know the way we word things matter. So don't think of your morning routine as work or a chore.

Change your mindset, change that task/chore to a ritual.

For example:

• That warm shower, shave, or skin care = "a self-care moment"

• That cup of coffee = "a moment to ground myself"

• Reading or writing small entry in a journal = "a small warmup session for my brain"

• Gentle stretching = " a gentle wake up for my body"

Thinking of it as a chore can equal pressure but thinking of it as a ritual can equal peace.

4. Allow Time (Even When You Have to Work)

   I know we lead busy lives. So sometimes you might not have 30 minutes to an hour. But you only need to take 5 minutes.

   The key is being intentional and not the length of time.

   Being present in the moment.

   Busy morning? You can still take a moment.

   • Take a sip of your drink without doing multiple things at once

   • Take a moment in the shower and breathe in

   • Take a moment before you run out the door

   • Give yourself at least one word of encouragement

Those small moments, allowing time for yourself,

5. Add Something You Look Forward To

   Don't forget to treat yourself!

   And your morning should have something added in as a "treat".

   For instance:

   • Your favorite latte

   • Your favorite breakfast

   • An encouraging passage

   • A quick walk in the morning

Looking forward to waking up = an effortless routine.

6. Put The Work on Your Environment

   Let the space you live in do the heavy lifting---so your mind doesn't have to.

   Try:

   • Picking your clothes at night and prepping

   • Keep a bottle of water on your nightstand

   • Set your coffee machine for the morning

   • Leave your journal/book where you can see it

   • Use a soft light to wake to instead of bright overhead lights

Prepping the night before can go a long way in the mornings!

7. Final Thoughts: Create a Morning That Gives Back

   Don't make your morning routine overly complicated or too rigid to follow. The goal is to keep it simple and enjoyable. Design it to help you feel calm, grounded, and ready for whatever the day brings.

Let me know in the comments if you would try any of these or what your routine is like!