Wed, 19 Mar 25
Mornings set the foundation for the rest of our day. But let’s be honest—not everyone wakes up feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to go. The good news? A mindful morning routine can help you feel calmer, more focused, and better prepared to handle whatever the day brings.
The key here isn’t perfection but consistency. Creating new habits takes time, and small steps are the way to go. Rather than overhauling your entire routine overnight, start with one or two mindful practices and build from there.
I learned this lesson the hard way. As a child, my grandma used to read me The Tortoise and the Hare, but it wasn’t until adulthood that I truly understood its message. I used to rush through my mornings, scrolling through my phone before getting out of bed, skipping breakfast, and wondering why I felt anxious all day. Now, I take things slower—and I can honestly say it’s been life-changing.
So, what does a mindful morning look like? Here are some simple practices to help you start the day with more clarity, balance, and ease.
1. Wake Up with Natural Light (Not Your Phone!)
The first thing I do in the morning is avoid screens. No emails, no social media—just a moment of quiet before the day begins. Instead, I go to my window or balcony and let natural light enter my eyes. Science shows that morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
If you struggle to wake up early, don’t start by setting an aggressive alarm—you’ll just hit snooze. The secret is actually in your night-time routine. Try going to bed at the same time each night, and your body will naturally learn when to wake up.
2. Hydrate First Thing
Your body becomes dehydrated overnight, so before reaching for coffee, start with a glass of water. This simple habit can boost energy, improve digestion, and support brain function. I’ve recently added soaked flaxseeds to my morning water after learning about their incredible health benefits—rich in omega-3s and fibre, they help with digestion and hormone balance.
3. Start Small with Meditation
Meditation can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. I started with just five minutes a day, and now I can sit for 30 minutes or more when time allows. Breathwork and self-compassion meditations are my go-to practices, helping me feel centred before the day gets busy.
If you’re new to meditation, start small—just a few deep breaths or a short guided meditation can make a huge difference.
4. Gentle Yoga to Wake Up the Body
I like to keep my morning movement simple. A few gentle yoga stretches help release tension from sleep and prepare my body for the day ahead. These don’t have to be complicated—a few cat-cows, forward folds, and twists can work wonders.
5. Feed Your Mind & Spirit
After moving my body, I sit down with a devotional and my gratitude journal. Some days, I write long lists of things I’m grateful for; other days, just a couple of words. This practice helps shift my mindset and sets a positive tone for the day.
6. Emotional Release Through Tapping (EFT)
Recently, I’ve brought EFT tapping back into my routine. This technique involves tapping on acupressure points while focusing on emotions or limiting beliefs. It’s been a powerful tool for processing stress and building resilience. I love tapping along with Brad Yates on YouTube—if you’re curious, his videos are a great place to start.
Find What Works for You
This might sound like a long list, but my entire morning routine fits into about an hour. On busier days, I prioritise the essentials: natural light, hydration, meditation, and breakfast.
The most important thing? Experiment and see what resonates with you. I didn’t always practise yoga, meditation, or tapping, these were all things I tried, and once I realised how much they helped me feel better, they became part of my lifestyle.
You don’t need to do it all. Just start with one small habit, and see how it makes you feel. Small, intentional steps can lead to big shifts in your well-being.
