a cozy girl’s guide to a morning routine
To be read on your Sunday morning slow scroll
It’s morning now, as I’m writing this. The soft glow of the sunrise peaks through my window as I sit here under my favourite heated blanket, holding my pen in one hand and a coffee in the other. Nothing else exists but me and the stillness of the morning. This is my favourite time of day.
For as long as I can remember, I was always up an hour (or two) before I I had to go take care of my responsibilities for the day. I need at least twenty minutes to drink my coffee, another fifteen to read and journal, and maybe an extra 10 to linger in between these moments longer. I love mornings. I love them because I know that even though I have work that day, I have the morning to relax and move slowly.
My morning routines have shifted over the years, though. There was a time when setting my alarm for 5 a.m. felt right, but these days, it’s closer to 7:30. Some mornings, I journal; other times, I roll out my mat for gentle yoga and stretches. Occasionally, I read — but there are also mornings when I find myself scrolling through my phone (guilty).
I’ve learned to stay flexible with my routine, never forcing myself to stick to something that doesn’t feel right in the moment. Over time, I’ve discovered what works best for me—a rotation of favourite practices that I cycle through, adapting to the season of life I’m in.
I’m here to share some of those with you.
some reminders for your morning routine
start the night before
- Set out your cozy clothes so they’re easier to crawl into as you get out of bed. I suggest something warm and snuggly — and definitely some slippers.
- Prep breakfast and coffee the night before. I find starting my morning with a high protein breakfast is so helpful (especially before a long work day).
- Have your cozy area set up and ready to go. Mine looks like a spot on the couch, beneath my heated blanket and the window so I can peek out at the sun, the sky and the birds.
keep it flexible
- have a handful of ‘go-to’ practices that you enjoy and can cycle through when you feel like it
- set the alarm at a time that feels right for you. I like to adhere to the guideline of 8 hrs of sleep. So if I went to bed at midnight the night before, I’m able to sleep in until 8am the next day. (This depends on your life schedule, though, so adjust accordingly).
- Skip a morning if want to. Scroll a little if you feel like it. The goal is not to be perfect and rigid about your morning routine; it’s to create long term consistency and implement healthier habits for majority of your mornings.
make it something to look forward to
- have a go-to playlist of all your favourite songs that you put on first thing in the morning
- lean into the experience. I love to indulge in all things cozy, warm, soft, and slow. The way my hot cup of coffee feels on my hands, the soft lighting of my lamp and the sunrise out the window.
some threads to weave into your morning routine
- open up your journal and write a few words. Scribble about the dream you had before. Write a poem about the shape of the clouds this morning. Create a list of everything you’re grateful for.
- spend some time in stillness (whatever that looks like for you). Do it while making your breakfast, drinking your coffee, brushing your teeth. Be still and let time slow down.
- read a page or two out of a poetry book. One you picked out at the bookstore because it was talking to you. Do this every morning until you finish it.
- read a chapter out of a book of your choice. Try The Pivot Year by Brianna West or The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
- create a playlist to listen to every morning. Fill it with songs that make you feel ______ (insert: relaxed, happy, good, calm, energized, etc)
- move your body. Do that workout. The yoga. The walk. The stretch. (Whatever it is for you).
journal prompts
what’s one way I can guarantee a better day?
I’m grateful for…
what’s my intention for the day?
more of/less of:
what’s something I have to look forward to today?
That’s all for this one. Thanks for reading! Enjoy your morning :)
Rose
The biggest part for me is to remain flexible! I used to get really down on myself for not "doing" a full morning routine but that defeats the whole purpose anyway. Thnks for this!
I like this one, Rose! I’m guilty of sometimes setting too rigid of a routine for myself--and then getting frustrated when it doesn’t work out. Good reminder to leave room for flexibility.