Routine
(Noun) A sequence of actions followed regularly.
I’m a massive advocate for creating a personalised magical morning routine, the reason being is that they are so dang powerful at helping you live an intentional life. Starting your morning with your own soulful sequence creates discipline, establishes boundaries and sets you up for success. And seriously, there’s a reason why so many super-successful peeps like Tony Robbins and Oprah champion morning routines… because they work!
But like the definition above states, they need to be followed regularly and often it’s the little things that are easy to do that are also easy not to do, but if you want to see results in your life you have got to put in the work REGULARLY!
As you know, I am the number one cheerleader for being in flow, staying present, and living in the moment. But us humans need structure too, and routines give us that.
I think one of the main reasons I get so much done in life and am able to be a step muma, wife, entrepreneur and friend (amongst other things) is because of my magical morning routine. It helps me stay focused, clear, and on my path. But don’t get me wrong — there are times when it all goes tits up and that’s ok too. It’s about being aware, adaptable, and able to pivot — and pivot quickly.
Never had a morning routine? Or does your morning routine need a makeover? Follow these steps to master your morning once and for all.
Step One
Write down 10 things you would ideally love to do in your magical morning routine. For example…
- Watch the sunrise whilst you sip lemon and ginger tea
- Do some form of movement such as yoga, pilates, strength training, boxing or barre
- Meditation
- Dry body brushing
- Walk in nature on the beach or in the park with your dog
- Read something inspiring
- Have an Epsom salt and coconut oil bath
- Scrape your tongue
- Repeat affirmations whilst you’re in the shower or bath
- Sing along to your fave track
- Jump on the rebounder for 10 minutes
- Write down, say out loud, or simply *feel* everything you are grateful for
- Dance your heart out to the cheesiest top 40 track you can find
- Make a wholesome breakfast and sit in the sun while you mindfully eat it
- Some form of personal development such as reading, listening to a podcast or watching an inspiring video
Step Two
From the list you just created, circle the top 5 things that set your heart on fire and that you would most love to do in your magical morning routine.
Step Three
Now highlight the top 3 things that inspire you most. The top 3 that you just highlighted are your 3 non-negotiables for your magical morning routine. The other 2 are bonuses, meaning if you have time and you get them done that’s awesome, but if not no stress.
Step Four
Pick a time you would ideally like to rise every morning. Important note: It’s best to go to bed and rise at the same time each day. What time is best for you? Is it 5:30am or are you more likely to rise at 7am?
Step Five
Pick how long you would like to spend on your magical morning routine. Maybe it’s 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours or maybe you’ve only got 15 minutes or simply 5 minutes. It doesn’t matter how long it is, just write it down.
Step Six
Now, starting with the time you want to rise, put your top 3 non-negotiables in the order you desire to perform them, with the designated time listed next to each.
For example…
Say my top 3 non-negotiables are meditation, yoga and gratitude, and that I want to rise at 6am, and that I have 45 glorious minutes to perform my routine. My list might look something like this…
6am — Wake up, go to the bathroom, wash face, scrape tongue, and brush teeth
6:02am to 6:15am — Yoga on my bedroom floor in my PJ’s (no fancy clothes or equipment needed)
6:15am to 6:35am — Meditation on my bedroom floor with a pillow from my bed (again, no fancy equipment needed)
6:35am to 6:45am — Write down everything I am grateful for in my journal, which is beside my bed
And if I only had 15 minutes, it might look like this…
6am — Wake up
6am to 6:05am — Yoga on my bedroom floor in my PJ’s
6:05am to 6:14am — Meditation
6:14am to 6:15am — Write down everything I am grateful for in my journal
The truth is it doesn’t matter how much time you have, as long as you are prioritizing yourself and taking some time for you every single day. Because when you stop and fill yourself up you are showing up to the world as the best version of yourself and not the shitty half-assed version of you. So whether you have 15 minutes or 2 hours, what matters the most is that you have taken some time out of your day to fill yourself up. This sets you up for a successful day, and sends you springing into the morning with a full and grateful heart. And let it be said: when you go out into the world bursting with love and gratitude, your day will unfold very differently to when you start your day screaming at your kids or rushing like a mad women. Things will flow a lot more effortlessly, ‘miracles’ will happen, and ‘coincidences’ will seemingly pop up out of nowhere.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
On top of that, you will be a much nicer person to be around. I know the times when I rush out the door without doing my routine, I am a cranky, negative Nancy. But when I take the time to honor myself — to fill myself up — life (and my day) flows so much more smoothly.
It’s important to get real here though too. Because there are going to be times when things come up, when your kid is sick or a project needs more of your time. And you know what? That’s ok. It really is. But if you can at least get your top 3 done — even if it’s a slightly abbreviated run-through — you are still setting yourself up for a kick-ass day. If you have more time, as a bonus you can fit in your other 2 as well, but if not, at least you got 3 things done that inspire you and set you up for a successful day.
A Note For The Mamas…
I know you have your hands full making lunches, finding homework, and trying to get your kids to eat breakfast. Heck, getting them dressed and out the door can be an all-consuming undertaking! But all it takes is getting up 5-10 minutes before they rise. Lock yourself in the bathroom and take 5 deep breaths, repeat an affirmation whilst you shower or sit on the loo, sing whilst making their breakfast and lunch, dance around the house whilst you find homework and sports gear, and get everyone to say 3 things they are grateful for on the way to school in the car. Include your kids in your magical morning routine so that you all set yourselves up for a happy and successful day. I know the times that I start my morning stressed, I feel icky the whole day. But those times I do take time for me, my day becomes magical. Fill yourself up so you show up to the world as the best version of you. You, your partner, your kids, and your team members deserve the best version of you — not the shitty half-assed you — and in order for you to show up as the best you, you need to start your day with a magical morning routine.
So beautiful, I can’t wait to read what your magical morning routine consists of, so please share with me in the comments below. And remember, making a public declaration right here with our epic tribe means you are more likely to stick to your intentions, so share away sweetness!
Thank you so much for being here, and for being so willing to be better than you were yesterday… it truly inspires me.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. A magical morning routine is something I’ve always wanted and whenever I’m reading from other beautiful inspiring ladies it’s felt like the perfect morning routine takes a couple of hours a very beautiful and tranquil start to the day… as a mum (for 10yrs now:) this notion is really in particle and had added to the stress and anxiety in my life by trying to maintain something unrealistic which leads to… failure… which leads to more negative thoughts about myself:(..
Thank you so much for being inclusive of us mummas, this has just given me the inspiration and motivation that I can succeed in a magical start to my morning.
Much ♡ and Gratitude
Katie
Has been working a treat my routine <3 it is :
7am-7:05- yoga workout
7:06-7:15-make and eat smoothie bowl alone
7:15 to 7:35- listen to music while revising notes for uni today
Nice one sista! Keep up the awesome work 😉
Great note for the mamas Mel. To be honest, I love that my kids wake me up, and I love their cuddles when they come in and jump on me or waking up next to my baby, breastfeeding him, so my morning routine as a mama with little kids is very simple. Open my heart to love, smile and sing with my kids while I get a cup of tea for me and breakfast for them. Then once were all dressed, I fit in exercise and meditation later in the day.
So my top 3 are – Cuddles, tea, singing songs.
I’ll look forward to when I choose for it to include other things, but for now it works for me just the way it is. Love your work, keep shining your awesome self!
Love it Kylie. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this Kylie :). I have 3 babies under 4 so this sounds very much like my morning too! You have made me realise that these special moments with my kids are more than enough and are a wonderful way to start the day. I will be more present from now on instead of trying to rush off and meditate 🙂
Awesome Rachel! Yes, being present with our little ones IS a meditation in itself! 🙂
Literally woke up this morning to full blown winter and realised I need to adapt to a new morning routine for this time of year so that I feel inspired to jump out of bed… And then this lands in my inbox!! How perfect
Thanks for the article! I have been spending two hours daily before work…a total of 2 hours or so. I include some Ageless Grace for body and brain, some belly dancing, stability ball, yoga hoop sometimes, affirmations, and several types of meditation and Chi Qong and I really enjoy my taking care of me time!!
Sounds amazing and like so much fun 😉
Hi Melissa,
I’ve always been a morning routine person & over the last 12 months really working hard to make positive changes & getting my mean girl sorted. But I’ve recently changed jobs which means less time three mornings a week. This has been quiet disruptive for me & even though I love this new job, I had just lost my morning mojo & having major issues with anxiety losing my mojo & routine has severe consequences for me.
This post is just what I need right now to get back on track, thank you so much 🙂 I’m going to make my list now & get it ready for tomorrow morning.
I always look forward to your posts & refer to you constantly throughout my days for help & inspiration, its been so valuable to me.
Love & Light
Deb
Thank you so much Deb, I am honoured!
I started my morning routine a few weeks ago:
6 a.m. Stretches in bed (I have a bad back and it hurts to do them on the floor).
6:15 to 6:30 Read daily inspirational essays/scriptures.
6:31 to 7:00 Write my “morning pages” (journaling).
If I have time before I need to head out the door or get household chores done, I like to meditate for about 10-15 mins.
I’d like to get my children involved with sharing a gratitude list as well. I’m thinking of doing this while making them breakfast!
Great idea Jen. Let me know how they go 😉
Ah, Melissa! Such perfect timing! I have been trying for quite a while now to get a good morning routine flowing but it hasn’t seemed to have worked (yet). From reading your post I realised I was probably trying to do too much, too many thing in my routine, so it felt like a hard slog instead of a flowing, beautiful heart-filled morning. Thank you! I’m going to follow your steps and implement it – beautiful x
Hi Mel! Loved this post and love reading about routines etc. I start work at 6am and find it really tough to get out of bed any earlier than I have to which sometimes means I get up with twenty minutes to get ready and throw together a smoothie which I then drink at work. Most nights, I set my alarm for around an hour before I actually get up but my desire to sleep gets the better of me – no matter what time I go to bed! I really want a more meaningful morning routine and know that I would benefit from going for a walk or some light exercise before work. Do you have any suggestions or is it just a case of needing to suck it up? Haha.
Hey honey,
You really only have two options, change jobs so you can start later or get up earlier? Which do you choose?
Hi Jess, I also struggled getting out of bed early but I used a sleep timer website which tells you when you should go to bed if you want to wake up at a certain time refreshed and awake.
Hey Jess! This worked for me, it may not for you, but I thought I would share – I set my alarm 5 minutes earlier every day for a week and then increase it by 5 minutes for the following week. So at the moment you’re getting out of bed at 5.40AM? Set your alarm like that for a week, and then next week set it for 5.35PM for the week and keep at it until you’re getting out of bed at the time you ideally would like to. For me an early wake up time needed practice, small steps and to be steady (I guess like an exercise regime) xx
Great idea honey. Thanks for sharing 😉
If im exercising in the morning I always prep everything the night before. Make my breaky smoothie and pack my lunch whilst cooking dinner. Get my gym clothes out and pack my work stuff in my gym bag so I literally roll out of bed, brush my teeth, get dressed and pick everything up that’s all prepped. So much easier. I find having to meet a friend for exercise makes me actually go. If that helps
Thank you MA
On point again. As I am currently traveling (for a whole year) I am struggling to stick to a morning routine however it is the thing that I am craving the most. When I don’t do it a feel so terrible and go deeper into this slump but I am desperate to get this sown as when I do I feel incredible. So here’s to doing yoga and meditation in the strangest spots when everyone is watching but it’s ok cause I need this time for me!
1. Drink a litre of freshly squeezed lemon and warm water
2. Meditation
3. Yoga or work out
Down*
Hi Beautiful Melissa – Another AMAZING blog post. I LOVE my morning routine and lately have really mastered one that has changed my life and this just gave me some more ideas on what I can incorporate.
I was finding I was stressed, running late as I was trying to fit one of these in so I have decided to rise 30mins earlier now having my alarm go off at 4:30. Sure I could sleep till 6am if I just wanted to get ready and leave for work but I sit up alone first up with a hot lemon water followed by meditation and a stretch ( in my pjs) then either a home workout video or a walk along the beach( its still dark but thats ok) This amazing routine has changed me life! Hopefully lots of others read this blog and put it into place in there lives too. I will be doing some of your suggestions aswell, singing and dancing sounds fun! X 😉
Nice work sista! Keep me posted with how you go 😉
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for this beautiful post, great timing for me too, it’s amazing what happens when your heart is open.
6:30- cuddles and kisses with my partner
6:40- Meditation
6:50- Journaling my “attitude to gratitude”
7- Morning yoga and stretches.
Ahh I am so pumped for tomorrow morning and keeping this amazing ritual, Thank you once again stunning lady,
Lots of love to all x
Pleasure angel. Keep me posted with how you go 😉
Hi Mel! Thanks again for bringing this topic up, and making it simple..i.e. wear your pjs during yoga. Gold! It’s all about making the opportunity whilst doing what we normally do but spicing it up just as you say! I have a simple routine but still mindful that there is still room for me to improve and try a few other things. So, I wake up, no specific time, depends on the day (and my work shifts), and upon waking I do these few things:
1. Turn on my oil diffuser (in my kitchen)
2. Oil pulling for 10-15 mins (and whilst doing that make my lemon water)
3. Dry body brush (Thank you – it was you who got me started on this over a year ago)
4. Shower & brush teeth (love multi tasking!)
5. After showering I moisturise with dry body oi.
That;s the must-do of my morning routine, however in saying that I used to do yoga for 20 mins and then meditation for 35. With the colder mornings those have dropped off the list…so your post today has now inspired me to get those back into my routine again, and ….get up earlier to do them!
Thanks Mel, and have a great day! xx
My heart is about to burst with gratitude! Thanks lovely lady for hitting my inbox with this…so simple and achievable when you lay it out like this! xxx
6am – Bathroom freshen up (face, teeth)
6.02 – 6.05am – Glass of filtered water and make fresh hot lemon and ginger.
6.05 – 6.15am – Stretch and move in lounge
6:15 – 6.20am – Chakra alignments and activations
6.20 – 6.30am – Meditation and Visualisation
I got all 3 done in 30 mins and has set aside 45 mins so incorporated the last couple 🙂
6.30 – 6:40am – Body brush and shower
6.40 – 6.45am – Make brekkie smoothie
xxx
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for this post, I am currently in my final years of school and it is often quite stressful, and i have found that by creating a simple, morning routine the stresses of the day become much easier to handle and that i am much calmer and more grateful over all. I also love listening to your meditations on the bus every morning! Even some of the guys have started doing them with me!
Thanks again xxxx
That is awesome honey. I hope they like them 😉
As a musician and self proclaimed night owl, I have always struggled with mornings and developing a routine. I am now 26 and with more years on me comes more responsibility. Thanks to this article I have realised I need to get a routine going. If I don’t, I won’t be able to achieve the goals I want to achieve and I deserve to give myself that opportunity. As you said Melissa Nothing changes if nothing changes. Thanks for the wake up call. Xo
I totally agree that you have to make a routine no matter how much or little time you have! Usually what I do is brush my teeth and then try to plan out my day, at least in my head if I can’t write a to-do list down 🙂
Hey Melissa!
If you were making a night time/bed routine would you follow these same steps? Xx
Absolutely darling. Let me know what your night time routine looks like. I would love to read about it 😉
Lovely reading. When my regular morning routine goes haywire I will simply do between 1 and 5 sun salutations whilst repeating the mantra “Peace begins with me”. Never fails to calm myself and that flows on to the rest of the busy household!
Nice one honey. It doesn’t have to be long and complex does it!? Thanks for the inspiration 😉
Hey beautiful souls xx
My morning Routine will include a 7am rise, drinking some Lemon or ginger water, then doing some yoga and Stretches and then meditate. if I still got time I will be writing my intentions and thoughts for the day down, including things I Need to get done and things I wanna be doing. After that Comes brekky and optional if I still have time I might include a morning walk or run before brekky.
thanks Melissa for always helping me stay positive! xxx
Sounds beautiful honey. Thanks for sharing.
xx
Love this… not sure how many times I have tried to do this and failed but it is time to make it a priority ❤
I love this! I used to do a morning routine over a year ago and have fallen out of it. My best friend lately is the snooze button and snuggling with my 5 year old. But the morning is the ONLY time I have for me! Can’t wait to start! Thanks for posting this!
This just inspired me to start my morning routine in the morning and to start being consistent. I need to make myself more a priority and stop putting myself on the back burner.
xx
The Felicia Renee | a minimalist lifestyle & beauty blog
Hi Melissa, I have just started following a morning routine, thanks to your podcast and research into Aurveda. I am having amazing results with my positivity, energy and zest for the day all improving dramatically!
My morning routine consists of:
Wake up, tongue acrape and oil pulling
Walking my two beautiful dogs for 20 minutes
Stretching/breathing/yoga for 20 minutes
Bulletproof, podcast and MIT’s
Shower
Wholesome breakfast
Keep up your amazing work
Antony
Love it Antony. Keep up the awesome work. xx
Thank you for this article. I am working on my magical morning routine now. I am trying to get in that rhythm, daily. Cup of black coffee, devotional, meditation, some varied forms of exercise and some inspirational reading (like your book Open Wide). Thank you for your vibe and sharing it with the world.
I’m so glad I get to spend your mornings with you. xx
[…] To start, carefully think about your daily grind. Are you happy with it? Is it always hectic? Or has it become mundane? Whatever your routine looks like, you can always make it better. We have roles and responsibilities that we are required to do every single day, but again, this must be for others and not yourself! Starting today, squeeze in a time dedicated just for you. A good set of consistent morning routine, which can be brief but packed, might just be the answer. Melissa Ambrosini suggests ways on how to create Magical Morning Routines here. […]