The importance of a morning routine

Setting the Tone for your Day

There’s something incredibly powerful about how we begin our day. Whether you roll out of bed groggy and rushed or calm and intentional can set the tone for everything that follows. For me, the importance of a morning routine has become more than just a habit, it’s the foundation for living a more peaceful, joyful, and productive life. The morning is my time to centre myself before the demands of the day come flooding in.

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I found one of the most influential guides that convinced me to craft an impactful morning routine was Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning. His concept is simple yet transformative: by dedicating time in the early hours to focus on self-improvement, you can completely change the trajectory of your day and eventually, your life.

What Makes a Morning Routine So Important?

A structured morning routine helps you:

1. Create Mental Clarity – Taking time in the morning to reflect and plan clears your mind of clutter, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
2. Build Positive Habits – Over time, a consistent routine helps form healthy habits that serve your long term goals.
3. Reduce Stress – When you start the day calm and collected, you’re better prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.
4. Boost Productivity – Having a plan in place from the beginning ensures you’re not reacting to your day, but actively creating it.

My Power Morning Routine

Inspired by The Miracle Morning, I’ve crafted my own version that I call my Power Morning. It’s my personal sanctuary before the noise of the day kicks in. Here’s what it looks like:

First thing

1. 7.00am Tea outside – Tony and I both start the day with a cuppa in the backyard as the morning air is still crisp and the world feels peaceful. It’s a moment to prepare both of us to face the day ahead with calm and focus.
2. 7.30am Gratitude Journaling – After Tony leaves each morning I then enter my power morning routine. I take time to write in my gratitude journal, this journaling for me is not just a list I like to write a paragraph on each thing I’m thankful for. Reflecting on the things I’m thankful for—big or small—helps shift my mindset from focusing on what’s lacking to appreciating the abundance in my life. This simple practice lifts my mood and sets a positive tone for the day.
3. 7.45am Reading a Book That Teaches Me Something – As part of my morning routine, I’ve started dedicating time to reading a book that teaches me something new. Whether it’s related to personal development, cooking techniques, or even organisation strategies, this time allows me to learn and grow before the hustle of the day begins. It’s a wonderful way to stimulate my mind and invest in my own growth, helping me carry newfound knowledge into my daily life.
   • Some of favourite books to read during this time:-
     • The Book of Joy – The Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
     • The Success Principles – Jack Canfield
     • The Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku
     • Chicken Soup for the Soul – I love these books for a quick boost. There’s one for everybody!
     • Seven habits of Highly Successful People – Stephen Covey
     • The little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking

My last task for my routine is always

Reviewing My Diary & updating My To Do List – I review any appointments or tasks I have scheduled and take a few minutes to write out my to do list for the day. This helps me stay organised, focused, and ensures I prioritise what matters most. Writing things down gives me a sense of control over my day, rather than letting the day control me.

The times of my routine do vary depending on what time Tony has to start work and what I actually have to do in my day. I also have a condensed version of my routine for those days that are starting early or are going to be busy. That way I can be more consistent.

Adding Exercise and Meditation to My Routine

I’m excited to incorporate more wellness practices into my routine in the future. Due to a shredded meniscus, my exercise options are currently minimal, but I plan to gradually introduce gentle movements that work for my body. Alongside that, I’m looking to learn meditation, which I believe will complement the mindfulness I already cultivate through journaling. I hope that both practices will enhance my mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical wellbeing, making my morning routine even more powerful as I continue on my journey to live a more joyful and intentional life.

The first exercise I’ve been cleared to add is riding on a stationary bike. I am to start with just 5 minutes and build up from there. Gentle short walks are also going to be beneficial. Yoga is also on my hit list of exercises to try in the future.

Getting Past the Guilt of Taking Time for Yourself

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to overcome is the guilt of taking time for myself. For so long, I believed that dedicating precious morning hours to my own wellbeing was selfish or indulgent. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. When I take time in the morning to care for myself, I show up as a better version of myself for the people around me. I’ve realised that self care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Letting go of that guilt has empowered me to be more present, more giving, and more joyful throughout the day. It’s not about taking time away from others, but rather about giving yourself what you need so you can be your best for them.

The Power of Consistency – the Importance of a Morning Routine

The magic of a morning routine lies in its consistency. It’s not just about what you do, but how regularly you do it. Even when life gets busy or unpredictable, returning to these grounding practices gives you stability. Whether your routine is 10 minutes or an hour, the key is to make it non negotiable.

Your Morning Routine Can Be Simple

You don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. or dedicate hours to a morning routine to reap the benefits. Start small. Maybe it’s just five minutes of journaling or ten minutes of quiet reflection with your coffee. The important thing is that you’re carving out time for yourself before the world demands your attention.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, life can get in the way of maintaining a routine. Here are some tips to help troubleshoot common issues:

1. Lack of motivation. Remember why you started the routine in the first place. Visualise how you’ll feel at the end of your routine and carry that with you throughout the day.
2. Lack of time. Try waking up earlier or finding ways to combine tasks. For example, listen to audiobooks while you exercise. Try allocating only 5 minutes to each task during your busy times, it retains your routine but fits better into your busy period. Set a timer and stick to it. This shouldn’t become a chore.
3. Falling off track. Don’t beat yourself up. Life happens, and sometimes routines fall apart. The key is to acknowledge it, accept it, and get back on track as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts on the Importance of a Morning Routine

A morning routine isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially for those of us striving to live more joyfully and intentionally. Whether you follow Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning framework or create your own version, the key is to start each day with purpose and mindfulness.

What does your morning routine look like? If you haven’t established one yet, now might be the perfect time to start creating one that serves you and helps you embrace the day with energy and clarity.

Read about what has inspired my wellbeing journey here.