The Art of Starting Your Day: Crafting an Intentional Morning Routine
Are you tired of feeling rushed and frazzled in the mornings? Do you wish you could start your day feeling calm, centered, and focused? If so, it might be time to take a closer look at your morning routine. By crafting an intentional morning routine, you can set the tone for a more productive, peaceful, and fulfilling day. If you're ready to take your mornings to the next level, keep on reading!

How you start your day can set the tone for how the rest of it goes. That's why having an intentional morning routine can be a game-changer for your well-being and productivity. By taking the time to set yourself up for success, you can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and tackle your to-do list with greater focus and clarity.


I first learned about a morning routine during the Fall of 2015. My husband and I had just received the devastating news from our doctor that we would not be able to naturally conceive our own children. We were crushed and it threw us both into depression. One evening I was sitting in on a business training on creating a purposeful morning routine for entrepreneurs. I didn't even think I would get any takeaways for my personal life - I was there for just business tips! The one thing that stuck out the most to me was writing a list of gratitude in your journal each morning.

I honestly don't remember anything else from that business training, but I knew deep in my heart I needed something that was just for me and gratitude journaling sounded like the perfect way to get started. Because even though I was grieving and struggling with depression, I desired something that was just for me - and a morning routine could be something that I could look forward to each day.

My morning routine started with just 5 minutes and now in 2023 it has become a beautiful 2 hours that I dedicate just for me. So, whether you have 5 minutes or 2 hours - you can create an intentional morning routine that is just for you so you can begin your day feeling more grounded and focused as you move throughout the rest of your day. 


How can you begin to craft a morning routine that works best for you? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Plan ahead: Decide what you would like to incorporate into your morning time and how much time you think you will need. This could include things like exercise, meditation, writing in your journal, reading a devotional and spending time in prayer.

Wake up at a consistent time: Try to wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's internal clock and promote better sleep quality. Once you find your groove with your morning routine, your body and mind will look forward to your quiet time.  

Incorporate self-care: Take time to nurture yourself in the morning, whether that's through your skincare routine, reading a book, journaling, or enjoying your first cup of coffee in silence. Your morning routine is your moment for you. It's not selfish, I promise you. Do what brings you joy and will help you feel more calm as you begin your day.

Avoid screens: Try to avoid checking your phone or computer first thing in the morning, as this can trigger stress and distract you from your goals. The mornings where I look at my phone and begin scrolling Facebook or Instagram, my morning time runs up and soon I missed out on journaling and reading from my devotional. It's a major bummer! So keep it on silent or at least set in a place where you can easily grab it when tempted.

Be flexible: Remember that life is unpredictable, and some mornings may not go as planned. Be kind to yourself and adjust your routine as needed. Not every morning is going to run smoothly. There will be mornings where someone in your family doesn't feel well, or you over sleep, or life just happens, right? Give yourself grace and just do the best you can each day. 

By incorporating these tips into your morning routine, you can start your day off on the right foot and set yourself up for success. Take the time to craft a routine that works for you, and enjoy the benefits of an intentional and fulfilling start to your day.

I want to hear from you! What are your thoughts about a morning routine? Share the good, the bad, and the ugly with me! 

1 Comment

  1. Shannon Schwichtenberg  05/10/2023 02:57 PM Central
    I totally agree that having a morning plan will definitely help I do not, but I am working on it because I am so frazzled in the morning that I'm already exhausted before I get out the door maybe before I even get out of bed! ha. I think mine even needs to start the night before as far as getting things ready for the next day so I'm not running around half lost! I have a long way to go but I'm trying!! or going to try!
    Jenna Herrig AUTHOR  05/12/2023 04:07 PM Central
    Yes! Great idea - maybe start with an evening routine. Think about what would help you in the mornings to make that time flow a little bit better and then think about how you would like to unwind in the evenings too. Hope that helps to get you started!

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