A few weeks ago, I was really good about sharing pockets of my morning routine on IG Stories. I’ve since stopped because I found that even bringing my phone out during my routine was hindering it, but I did want to write a post and dive into the topic. We’ve all heard how amazing morning routines can be, and I’ve even touched on them on BTD before – but not until recently did I truly develop a routine. I actually have a friend slash accountability partner who I share my routines with daily which is helping!

But basically, instead of waking up and diving right into your day (OR your phone!), it’s pretty crazy what an intentional a.m. routine can do. And no it doesn’t have to mean a million things or meditating for an hour or even a big workout, it’s kinda up to you. Depending on where you’re at in life and your personality, the parts of your routine that you most need will look different. I wanted to focus on quiet time, faith, and no tech, so that’s kinda where my routine essentials started. But yours probably looks different! Which is fine!

And before starting my routine, I read a TON about successful people’s morning routines – which was pretty freaking fascinating. So, I thought it’d be fun to put together a post on different morning practices – all dependent on what you’re looking for or type of person you are. I hope it’s fun and helpful!

Practices for People Who Have a Hard Time Getting Started

Have a starting ritual: Best-selling author and productivity expert Charles Duhigg suggests having an area or a practice that means “go time”. Whether that’s grabbing a coffee or sitting in your desk or getting in your workout clothes – develop a habitualized response to starting. He thinks if people can make a habit out of the first step of their day, it’ll come easier.

Get an Accountability Partner: If you can’t help but hit that snooze button and usually spend your mornings rushing because you didn’t set a calming routine, ask a friend for help. Preferably, ask someone who is on top of their morning routine or a morning person (aka a good role model lol). Maybe you text them a picture of you out of bed and doing something that feels good to you and is productive to how you want to live. Or maybe it’s them calling you. But knowing that someone is relying on you should help!

Practices for People Who Are Constantly “On”

Have non-reactive time: Y’all know I love me some Tim Ferriss. He’s been quoted saying that he tries to spend the first 90 minutes of his day being non-reactive. Which sounds amazing! Not making decisions, not answering emails, not being “on.” Of course, a lot of people (ppl with kids come to mind, or CEOs and business owners), probably don’t always have this luxury, but according to Tim, you do! It just involves waking up before the chaos starts, and before you need to be reactive.

Airplane Mode: I’ve been using this trick in my own routine for a while and it’s honestly one of the best habits I’ve developed. If you have a hard time getting away from tech and are addicted to notifications, try sleeping with your phone on Airplane Mode. This leaves your phone on (for alarms and such), but blocks the ability to show notifications. Keep it in Airplane Mode until you’re ready to start your day – which might mean a couple hours after you wake up. It’s so nice having dedicated no-tech time to start your day, where you feel like you can’t be bothered.

Journal: My mind never seems to stop, so the practice of journaling has been a game-changer for me. Whether that means journaling about my to-do list, my dreams, how I’m feeling, or after reading the bible, simply getting thoughts OUT feels really good.

Practices for People Looking for More Health/Wellness

Hot lemon water + meditation: Jennifer Aniston swears by hot lemon water and some quiet meditation time in the morning, which sounds pretty great for busy weeks, doesn’t it? The lemon water is said to be good for digestion, energy and your skin, and the meditation is obviously for centering and quieting your mind. I still haven’t gotten on the meditation wagon, but I heard the app Headspace is cool for newbies.

Yoga: OK this might sound weird, but have y’all ever watched an animal get up in the morning? They always stretch! Which is kinda funny because I can’t remember the last time I stretched before getting out of bed, but doesn’t it sound good? Yoga is a nice way to get the body moving without anything too intense, and it’s supposedly very energizing – while also being peaceful. I’m definitely not a yoga person, but I’m really wanting to explore this in 2018.

Alone time being mindful: Not a lot of us get much alone time, and if you aren’t into the whole meditation thing, you can also just practice being mindful. Maybe that means getting up a little bit early, grabbing your coffee, and just sitting and staring out a window. It’s allowing your mind to be present, which is definitely something I could get better at.

Practices for People Wanting to Be More Productive

3 MIT: This is a long-standing tool for productivity, but it’s amazing to do first thing in the morning. Without letting life get in the way, list out the three things you must get done today – or three goals. Even with emails flying in all day, letting yourself focus on those three things up front will help you stay focused.

Listen to a podcast: I’ve become obsessed with podcasts, and one of my favorite times to consume them is when I’m feeling blah or unproductive. Because they are so freaking inspiring y’all! I love listening to The Goal Digger Podcast or Being Boss personally when I’m in a work slump.

Make your bed and spruce up your living space: Making your bed first thing leads to greater productivity throughout the day because it’s essentially starting your day with completing something. Then, to keep the productivity vibes going, clean up after yourself as you get ready and spruce up the house a bit. You’ll be able to get home from work and relax instantly since you’ve already done some housekeeping.

Practices for People Wanting More Positivity

Gratitude lists: I’m pretty sure we could all gain something from this practice, but some people swear by gratitude first thing. Which is pretty cool because it’s hard to be in a bad mood when you list everything you’re grateful for. Or, maybe it’s talking to your roommates, boyfriend, kids in the morning and sharing 3 things you’re thankful for over breakfast. The important part is realizing your blessings – a super easy way to add positivity to your day.

Do y’all have a morning routine currently?

What does it look like? If not, do any of the ideas above sound good?

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Photo Details: Pajamas are old by Nordstrom Lingerie and you can find bedroom/bed details in this blog post.

Liked this post? You might also like my post on 3 Secrets to a Better Morning too!