Having a morning routine that I love makes me a happier person. I thought I’d share my routine with you, and give you some more ideas so that you can create your own morning routine. And, I’d love to hear from you what your morning routine is!

First, why is having a morning routine so important? Well, how your morning goes sets the tone for the rest of the day. How many times have you had a bad or rushed morning and your entire day follows suit? My morning routine clears my mind and grounds me for a more focused day.

The key to a successful morning routine is blocking out some time to do it. Time before you get the kids ready for school, leave for work, walk the dog, etc. This might mean getting up earlier… Yes, it’s hard to get out of bed early. I get it. But, you’ll get used to it and will even start to look forward to your routine.

I challenge you to think about what you want your morning routine to look like – make a list – and then figure out how you will accomplish this. Then do this for 21 days and see how you feel! Are you in? It doesn’t have to be some big list – it could simply be getting up 10 minutes early to meditate. My morning routine looks like a lot, but because I’ve made it a habit, I don’t even think about it.

Here are some ideas for your routine:

• Journaling (gratitude journal, morning pages)
• Meditation (guided meditation or just sit and breath)
• Prayer (religious or mala beads)
• Big glass of water with lemon
• Tea or turmeric latte
• Exercise (yoga, walk, run, etc.)
• Read an inspirational book
• Make a list of the top 3 things to accomplish for the day
• Diffuse some essential oils
• Time with your family

Here is my current morning routine:

• Wake up, let my dogs out.
• Scrape my tongue, then oil pulling for 10-15 minutes (while letting dogs out, doing other things)
• Brush my teeth
• Huge glass of lukewarm water with half a lemon.
• Prep my breakfast and lunch for my work day
• Meditate for 12 minutes (if it doesn’t get done now, I usually won’t make the time)
• Shower, get dressed.
• Cup of green tea while walking my dogs.
• Breakfast (often taken to work with me)

If I have extra time:

• Daily reading or journaling
• 15 minutes of yoga or go to a yoga class
• Go for a run
• Diffuse some essential oils

More reading on morning habits:

10 Morning Habits of Highly Successful People

Good Morning Habits

7 Things Healthy People do Every Morning