When Life Gets Busy: How to Stay True to Your Morning Rituals
Let’s be honest—when life gets hectic, morning routines are often the first thing to go.
I’ve been there…
You start off with the best intentions: wake up early, journal, sip your tea in the quiet, and maybe even throw in a few stretches. But then life says, “Oh, you’ve got plans? Cute.” Suddenly, it’s chaos, and before you know it, you’re gulping down your coffee while frantically trying to remember if you’ve fed the dog. (Spoiler: you probably didn’t.)
But here’s what I’ve learned—especially in those moments of madness, morning rituals are more important than ever. They ground us, helping us navigate the day with a bit more grace (and fewer coffee spills ☕).
So, how do we hold onto these little slices of peace when life feels like a circus? Let me share some tips I’ve picked up along the way.
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. 🌞
1. Embrace Flexibility, Not Rigidity 🌊
Here’s a fun fact: your morning routine doesn’t have to look like a perfect Instagram post to be effective. Seriously! It’s not about doing all the things; it’s about doing what feels good. Some mornings, you might have an hour for your usual routine. Other mornings, you’re lucky if you get five minutes to breathe and not trip over your shoes. (Again… guilty.)
The key is flexibility. Maybe today, you swap your 20-minute meditation for a two-minute stretch while brushing your teeth. Does that still count? Absolutely. Your morning ritual is all about how it makes you feel, not how long it lasts.
…pssst… If you want to know more about these rituals, check my blogpost where I cover everything you need to know to craft mornings authentic to yourself.
2. Prioritize What Matters Most 💡
Let’s face it—when your day is jam-packed, something has to give. But here’s the secret: instead of tossing your entire routine out the window (along with your sanity), prioritize the bits that really nourish you.
For me, it’s my quiet minute to check-in with myself. If I get those five (or whatever I get) minutes to sit down with my thoughts, it feels like I can handle anything the day throws at me - even if the dog is still staring at me like, “You did forget to feed me, didn’t you?”
Ask yourself, what’s the one part of your morning that really sets the tone for your day? Focus on that. It doesn’t have to be the whole shebang—just the part that makes you feel centered.
3. Let Go of the ‘All or Nothing’ Mentality 😌
This one’s a toughie. I used to think that if I couldn’t do my whole morning routine, then why bother? But life isn’t all or nothing—it’s more like, well, everything and nothing, sometimes all at once. (If that’s not deep, I don’t know what is.)
So, if you miss a day (or a week), it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up. You didn’t fail; you’re just living in the real world where things happen. Celebrate the small wins. Maybe you didn’t journal today, but hey, you managed to drink your coffee in peace. That’s a victory in my book!
4. Use Your Ritual as a Reset Button 🕓
One thing I’ve learned is that morning rituals aren’t limited to the morning. Sometimes life throws a curveball, and before you know it, it’s 3 PM, and you haven’t even had a moment to breathe. Guess what? You can hit that reset button any time of day.
Didn’t get to do your ritual this morning? Take five minutes in the afternoon to pause, breathe, or scribble down a few thoughts. Your morning routine doesn’t care what time it is—it just wants to help you feel grounded, whenever you need it.
5. Stay Accountable to Yourself ✔️
Here’s a gentle nudge: your morning routine isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s an act of self-care, a promise to yourself that your well-being matters, even when things are busy. I know it’s hard to put yourself first when the world is screaming for your attention. But when you carve out those few minutes for yourself, you’re saying, “I matter, too.”
Every morning, I ask myself, “What do I need today?”
And honestly, sometimes the answer is just a few quiet moments before the day takes off like a rocket. I’m still figuring it out, but I can promise you this: it’s worth it to show up for yourself, even if it’s just in the smallest ways.
Final Thoughts
When life gets busy, morning rituals can feel like a luxury you can’t afford.
But here’s the thing: they’re actually the secret weapon to navigating all the craziness.
So, even when the day ahead looks like a circus, carve out those moments for yourself. You don’t have to do it all—just enough to remind yourself that you’re still in control of your day.
Keep shining, gorgeous! ☀️
