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My mornings are sacred. For a few years now, I’ve loved getting up in the wee hours of the morning to connect with myself.
It may seem like scheduling more time for yourself in a busy schedule isn’t possible. The truth is, taking this time to focus on self-care sets you up for a more productive, uplifting and smooth day.
Creating your morning routine is a foundational part of a holistic lifestyle, and with this post I’ll walk you through my favorite 11 tips for building your own. These self-care practices are designed to align your mind, body and spirit so you can handle whatever comes your way with more balance and ease.
Hydrate Your Body for Vital Energy
First things first, drink filtered or spring water. After a night of rest, your body craves hydration to jumpstart its systems. Begin your morning with a glass of water first thing, maybe infused with lemon, ginger, or fresh mint. This simple ritual supports digestion, detoxification, and hydration, setting your body up for success. It also gets your mind jumpstarted for the day.
For an added boost, consider adding a pinch of Himalayan salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar to replenish essential minerals.
Wake Up Naturally with Morning Sunlight
Natural sunlight in the morning is one of the best ways to regulate your circadian rhythm and boost energy. Step outside or sit near a sunny window for 5–10 minutes to soak in the natural light. The closer you do this to waking up, the better.
If it is cloudy or still dark when you wake up, consider using a light therapy lamp to simulate natural sunlight. Place it at eye level about 16–24 inches away, and use it for 20–30 minutes while journaling, meditating, or enjoying your breakfast.
This simple habit not only helps wake you up but also improves mood by increasing serotonin levels.
Clear Your Energy with a Deep Imagining (DI)
You may have heard me rave about Deep Imaginings (DIs) from To Be Magnetic. These guided meditations combine neuroscience, psychology, and self-hypnosis to powerfully shift your nervous system into a calmer, more regulated state.
My absolute favorite way to kick off my day is with the Clear Your Aura DI. This DI is free to non-pathway members and gently helps release stress, energetic heaviness, and anxiety. It’s honestly transformative and is my secret to a calm and uplifting day.
If it resonates, To Be Magnetic’s Pathway Membership offers an incredible selection of Deep Imaginings and workshops designed specifically to support nervous system healing and holistic wellness.
I’m pleased to offer readers 15% off a pathway membership with code SOVEREIGN.
Clear Your Mind and Set Intentions with Morning Pages
Morning Pages is a simple yet powerful practice that helps clear mental clutter, regulate your nervous system, and bring clarity to your day.
Made popular by The Artist’s Way, this stream-of-consciousness writing method involves filling three pages with unfiltered thoughts each morning. I started this practice years ago and it has led to a quiet calm and connection to my higher self that keeps my nervous system regulated throughout the day.
If you find yourself waking up with racing thoughts or feeling overwhelmed, Morning Pages can be a grounding tool to process emotions and set the tone for a more intentional day.
Learn more about Morning Pages plus 10 prompts here.
Start Your Day with Gentle Mindful Movement
Getting your chi (life force energy) moving a few minutes in the morning can do wonders for your body and mind. Whether it’s light yoga, chi gong, or simple stretching, these gentle practices help wake up your muscles, improve circulation, and release any stiffness from the night.
Not only does mindful movement energize your body, but it creates a sense of mental clarity and calm, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day. Start with just 5–10 minutes, while practicing intentional breathing that grounds you into the present, and notice how it transforms your mornings into a grounding and peaceful experience.
My favorite yoga channel is Yoga With Adriene. Here is an easy 10 minute routine I do most mornings:
Fuel Your Day with a Nourishing Breakfast
Starting your day with a high-protein breakfast is essential for sustained energy, mental focus, and a calm, steady mood. Protein-rich options like scrambled eggs with avocado, chia pudding, or a smoothie made with protein powder and nut butter help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep hunger at bay.
Starting with a high-protein breakfast every day is necessary for staying balanced and focused throughout your morning, and the entire day. So don’t skip on it!
Incorporate Calming Scents
Aromatherapy is a quick and effective way to ground yourself in the morning. Using essential oils like lavender to calm the mind, eucalyptus to refresh your senses, or citrus for an uplifting energy boost can transform your space into a serene sanctuary.
One of the most efficient methods to disperse these soothing scents is by using an essential oil diffuser.
To use, fill the diffuser with water up to the designated line, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil, and select your preferred mist and light settings. Incorporating this into your morning routine, perhaps during meditation, journaling, or while enjoying breakfast, can help set a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
Delay Your Screen Time
Starting your day with screens can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Our systems are not meant to start the day with intense dopamine spikes. This can lead to feeling lethargic and low energy the rest of the day. Instead, delay checking your phone, emails, or social media for at least 30 minutes after waking.
I started a practice of not even having my phone in my bedroom so I’m not tempted to grab it first thing. This has done wonders for both my sleep and morning practice.
Use this time to engage in other holistic activities on this list like planning your day, reading a book, or enjoying your breakfast without distractions. This practice can help you feel more centered and in control.
Cultivate Positivity with a Gratitude Practice
Noticing all the ways life gives us abundance is a powerful way to start your morning that carries over into the entire day. When you first wake up, instead of thinking of all the tasks on your to-do list, think of 3 things you are grateful for in your life, no matter how small.
You can say them out loud, write them in your journal, or simply hold them in your thoughts. Gratitude fosters joy and reminds you of the abundance already present in your life, which attracts more of it!
Refresh Your Mind and Body with a Morning Walk
I love a morning walk to get fresh air and the ions from nature. It wakes up the mind and spirit like nothing else. There’s also something about being out when it’s more quiet and you have space to just be without worrying about cars or loud machinations to disturb you.
Whether it’s a walk around your neighborhood or through your backyard garden, focus on your being present, the fresh air, and the sights and sounds around you.
This gentle movement invigorates your body and helps reduce stress, making it an excellent addition to your morning routine.
Set an Uplifting Tone by Reading An Inspiring Book
Reading a few pages of an inspiring or spiritual book can give your mind a positive start to the day. Choose books that uplift and motivate you, whether it’s a collection of affirmations, a mindfulness guide, or a favorite spiritual text.
I’ve found it helps to not set a goal of reading a certain amount of pages or even the whole chapter, but to take the time to pause and really consider the information. This helps it be more of a calming task and inspires you for the day ahead.
This quiet, focused time allows you to set intentions and approach the day with clarity and purpose.
Conclusion
Mornings are a powerful time to set the tone for the rest of your day. By incorporating even just one of these 11 calming morning rituals, you can create a foundation of peace, focus, and intention that carries you through whatever the day may bring. I hope you will try some and create a morning routine that is inspiring and uplifts you for the rest of your day. Over time, these small changes can transform your mornings into a time of renewal and inspiration.
