Everyone knows it – at least I definitely do: mornings often start in a rush.

A mad dash against the clock (or let’s be honest, your phone), where the snooze button becomes your best friend (aka. worst enemy), only to betray us when we finally have to scramble out of bed.

Whether it’s the stressful commute to work or the hurried transition into a home office, the morning can easily become a whirlwind of anxiety. And then, with all our good intentions to better ourselves, we structure our mornings into a routine that's nothing more than a fully-packed checklist, aiming to create a state of inner peace.

Our minds trick us into thinking that if we just complete every item on our morning routine, we’ll find calm – but instead, we often end up stressing to stay calm. See the irony?

Just a quick note: if you’ve got a routine that truly works for you, that’s fantastic! Stick with it. We don’t want to create a problem where there’s already a solution. (And I’m genuinely happy you’ve figured it out. No jealousy here. Only good vibes. Well, maybe a little jealousy. No, totally not. Almost. But really, very happy for you.)

But what if the key to a truly peaceful and fulfilling morning lies not in rigid routines, but in a flexible set of rituals that cater to your physical energy and state of mind on any given day? I believe in this wholeheartedly, and maybe, after reading this, you will too.

The Power of Personalized Morning Rituals

Instead of forcing yourself into a fixed routine that might not always align with how you feel, consider creating a variety of rituals to choose from each morning based on your mood and energy. This way, your mornings can become a time of genuine connection with yourself, rather than just another item on your to-do list.

I like to call them rituals because it gives them a sacred quality – they’re moments you take time for, and the key is that they’re standalone mini-routines.

But how do you know which rituals truly resonate with you?

One approach that’s helped me is to start my day with a moment of stillness. After waking up, I sit quietly for a few minutes (because, honestly, who wouldn’t fall back asleep if they stayed lying down? I totally would.) and ask myself what I need today. This isn’t about what I should do, but what I GENUINELY WANT to do.

Here are some of the rituals I’ve curated for myself over the last few months that I truly enjoy:

• A Hot Shower, or Even a Hot Bath: There’s just something luxurious about taking a bath in the morning – it feels indulgent, like you’re doing something special for yourself. It’s a gentle way to wake up and ease into the day.

• Meditation: Taking a few moments to meditate can set a calm and centered tone for the rest of the day. I like to visualize my day ahead, sensing whether I feel good about it or if I’m overwhelmed, and then deciding what I need to make it joyful.

• Movement: Whether it’s yoga, a walk outside, or a run, moving your body can energize you and clear your mind. Some days, a simple stretch is enough; other days, a brisk walk in the fresh air is what I need. And sometimes, I just need a blanket and a couch – but that’s the next point.

• Cozying Up with a Book and Tea (or Coffee): For me, the best way to start the day is slow and soft. I love making a cup of tea or hot chocolate, snuggling up under a cozy blanket, and getting lost in a good book. If the weather’s nice, I’ll sit outside and watch the sun rise – it’s such a peaceful way to greet the day.

• Creative Hobbies: Mornings can be a wonderful time to work on a creative project, like a photo book or a puzzle. Engaging in a hobby that brings you joy can make the day feel more fulfilling right from the start.

• Cuddling With Your Pet: If you have a pet, you know the comfort and happiness they bring. Cuddling with my pup in the morning is probably the only non-negotiable ritual for me. It’s a small moment of love that brightens the rest of my day.

• Solving Riddles and Crosswords: For those who enjoy a mental challenge, starting the day with a crossword puzzle or riddle can be both fun and stimulating. It’s a mindful activity that sharpens the brain and sets a positive tone.

• Getting Inspired: Whether it’s a good non-fiction book, an educational podcast, or some Pinterest skimming, getting inspired in the morning leaves me with so much enthusiasm and a productive urge that I can’t wait to dive into my day. Just make sure it’s content that’s truly inspiring and motivating to you – no bad vibes in the morning (or really, just in general).

Of course, there are some things I avoid in the morning – namely, social media and work emails.

Anything that doesn’t serve my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of mindless scrolling and comparison, which can quickly spiral into negativity and, ultimately, anxiety. (Oh, and by the way, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling with anxiety, be sure to check out my guide on managing it.)

Since my mornings are about creating a safe and positive space for myself, I steer clear of anything that might disrupt that peace.

Creating the Time You Need

One crucial element of these rituals is, sorry to say, time.

You might need to wake up a bit earlier than usual to fit them in, but think of it as an investment in your well-being. How much time you spend on which of these rituals can vary depending on your day. Some mornings you might have the energy for a longer routine with many stimulating rituals, while others call for a slower, more mindful start. It’s all about tuning into your needs and adapting accordingly.

To help myself get up in the morning, I use a simple trick: I count down from five and then just get up.

I know, it sounds too easy.

It’s actually like parenting myself – no excuses, just action. Once I’m up, I can choose from my list of rituals based on how I feel and what I need that day. Nevertheless, I still love to do a quick check-in every now and then to see if the rituals align with my needs or if I have to adjust or add something new.

Oh, btw - the Shining Mornings Roadmap is here!

This simple yet powerful guide will help you even more to create these personalized rituals to bring peace, focus, and joy into your mornings—aligned with who you truly are. It’s time to start each day feeling centered and energized, not rushed. 🌞

My Morning, My Way

By now, most of my mornings look pretty similar.

For me, a relaxing and cozy atmosphere is essential (all in for candles, baby). I need to wake up slowly, so you’ll never catch me taking a cold (!!) shower or doing intense exercise first thing in the morning.

Typically, I start with either a hot shower or a comforting cup of tea. Then, time for cuddles with my little pup (he’s definitely a bit spoiled), who usually goes back to sleep afterward. I then settle on the couch with a good book or my journal, with candles lit. I avoid harsh overhead lighting as I find it disrupts the warm, inviting ambiance.

After my tea, I prepare and enjoy a proper breakfast – and since I got up earlier, I have time to savor it. Once I’m nourished, I let my pup out and take a moment to get some fresh air myself.

Finally, I complete the essentials like getting dressed and ready for the day.

These mornings work for me, but the beauty of morning rituals is that they’re entirely personal.

You don’t need to copy anyone else’s routine to the letter. Instead, I encourage you to take inspiration and MAKE IT YOUR OWN.

What feels right for someone else might not resonate with you, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to create a morning that feels good, cozy (at least for me), and true to who you are.

One More Thing

In the end, it’s all about honoring yourself and what makes you feel good. Mornings are an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your day, so why not make them as nurturing and supportive as possible?

Remember, it’s not about perfection or productivity for productivity’s sake – it’s about starting your day in a way that feels authentic and nourishing to you.

So, take the time to explore and discover rituals that work for you. Take the chance to connect with yourself and start your day with intention.

And that’s the kind of slow, mindful productivity we can all benefit from.

And with this, I’m signing off with a reminder: your mornings are yours to own.

Keep shining, gorgeous! ☀︎

Lexie