I am not by nature a morning person. I have been known to set my alarm early enough to be able to press snooze a couple of times, my husband knows not to have deep conversations with me in the first hour I am awake, and I love a good Saturday morning sleep in. All of that to say, I have learned the power of a morning routine over the last few years and have stretched myself out of my comfort zone by waking up earlier. Not all pieces of your morning routine may require you to get up earlier, but making certain things a priority may call for an earlier alarm. If I can do it, so can you. I have also learned to love the quiet of the early morning.

Things to consider when planning your morning routine

What are your goals? What do you want for your life? Do you want to be healthier, read more, have personal development, experience more joy? It really starts here. What you choose to incorporate in your daily, morning routine will depend on what you want in life. Once you know your priorities, you may be more motivated to put “first things first.” When we start our day with our most important tasks, there is an energy that comes from knowing we have already accomplished tasks that correspond with our core values. We will feel more centered, more connected, and more inline from the start.

Another thing to keep in mind, start small. Do not try to overhaul everything the first day. Make a list of priorities and start with one thing you want to begin doing in the morning. Start by setting an alarm perhaps 15 minutes earlier than normal. Pick one thing and start there. For instance, if you get up at 6:30, get up at 6:15 and walk around the block. Try if for a few days or a week. Then as days, weeks, and months go by, you can build on your routine. Maybe the next week, get up at 6, walk a little further, and add listening to a personal growth podcast or scripture reading. Also, you can always pivot, adapt and change. My morning routine shifts frequently depending on my needs, the needs of my family and my personal goals at the time.

Below is a short, non-exhaustive list of some of the things you might consider adding to your morning routine:

• Getting up at the same time every day
• Drinking lemon water (boosts metabolism)
• Exercise/body movement (walking, yoga, weight lifting, etc.)
• Meditation
• Gratitude practice
• Scripture reading
• Podcasts, TED talks, or other inspirational audio material
• Reading
• Creative work like writing, blogging, brainstorming
• Making a homemade, healthy breakfast

My morning routine

Like I said, my morning routine frequently shifts. Currently, I get up a few minutes before 6 am. Drink lemon water, go on a walk with my husband, get ready for the day, write in my gratitude + prayer journal and do scripture reading. I also get some important work tasks done before my clients start for the day. This will all need to shift next week as school starts. I may need to get up a little earlier, will still try to move my body most mornings in some way, but I may move scripture reading and devotionals to lunch time. I am always evaluating how I feel, what I need in the current season, and what’s working allowing me to be more joyful, productive and healthy.

Learn more in this video.

About the author

Nicole Fryling, MA, LLPC is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan and a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. She finds energy in her work as a counselor when she is working with women who feel stuck and those wanting to restore hope for a better, more enriching life. She is also passionate about coming alongside those who want to incorporate their spirituality and relationship with God in their healing journey. Nicole sees clients in person in Hudsonville, MI and can also provide services online to any resident of the state of Michigan.