A Mindful Morning Routine: 10 simple ideas

A mindful morning routine can kickstart your day with positivity and a greater feeling of ikigai.

Creating space for rituals in the morning is like setting the stage for positivity, helping you stay focused, easing stress, and finding your inner calm before the day's hustle begins. It helps to ground us and give us a feeling of intention and purpose.

I know it is sometimes hard to find time in our busy lives, so grab two or three of these morning routine ideas or try all 10 when you can fit it all in, making sure to do a little each day.

10 simple morning routine ideas for starting your day off right

1. Enjoy Your Morning Coffee

Instead of rushing, take a few moments to sip your coffee or tea as part of your morning routine. Smell its aroma, feel the warmth on your hands, let your mind be nowhere but on enjoying your morning cuppa. Enjoy the little moments.

2. Stretch It Out

Take a few minutes to stretch your body gently. It's amazing how a little movement can release tension and get your blood flowing, setting you up for a more energized day.

3. Embrace Daily Mantras in Your Morning Routine

Ever heard of the saying, 'Your thoughts shape your reality'? Well, it's true! Creating simple mantras can help shift your mindset positively. Jot down a few empowering statements and repeat them as part of your morning routine. It's like priming your brain for a day filled with positivity!

4. Leave the Phone, Grab the Journal 

Before you even step out of bed, grab your journal and jot down your thoughts. This morning ritual serves as a mental cleanse, letting go of worries and embracing gratitude for the day ahead.

5. Give Yourself a Boost

Craft a list of empowering "I am" statements that resonate with you. Repeating these affirmations each morning can boost your confidence and set a positive tone for the day.

6. Rise a Bit Earlier

Give yourself the gift of extra time in the morning by waking up just a bit earlier. It can make a world of difference in starting your day with ease.

7. Set Intentions

Before diving into your day, set a clear intention for how you want to navigate it. Whether it's staying focused or finding joy in the little things, having a guiding intention can keep you grounded.

8. Find Moments of Silence

Dedicate a few minutes to sit in silence, either through meditation or simply by observing your breath. This practice can clear your mind and reduce stress, leaving you feeling more focused. If you are short on time and need more structure here, I encourage you to try doing a Wimhoff breathwork exercise. This leaves me feeling calmer and more at ease.

9. Tune into Positivity

Turn on a song you love, makes you happy or gets you going. Maybe this could be your alarm. Or listen to a positive podcast episode while you go about your morning routine. It's a great way to infuse your day with enthusiasm and inspiration.

10. Connect with Nature

Take a moment to step outside and sit for a moment. Spending time in nature has been shown to have health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, improving mood, and promoting better sleep (click here to learn more). Listen to the birds. Feel the ray of sunshine on your face. Taking a moment to be with nature can make you feel grounded and connected and can set a peaceful tone for the day.

Starting your day with a mindful morning routine lays the groundwork for a more fulfilling day ahead. 

The philosophy of ikigai tells us that it is the little things in our daily life that bring us a greater sense of well-being, purpose and joy.  A mindful morning routine embodies a daily commitment to self-care and purposeful living. Let’s embark on each day with intentionality, vigor, and a profound sense of purpose!

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