How to Make Your Mornings More Intentional

Along with having a consistent nightly routine, slow mornings are truly what set me up for a successful day ahead.

Gone are the days of the jarring alarm clock that scares me out of sleep, then grabbing my phone to reply to texts or emails, and scrolling my time away, just before jumping up to rush and get ready. 

Which all left me feeling frazzled and agitated, instead of motivated to start my day.

Staying motivated is probably one of the more difficult aspects of adulthood, especially, as an entrepreneur with no one I necessarily need to report to. The onus to get my ass up and work is all on me, so, making some strong changes—especially to various routines was necessary.

Especially, my mornings.

The first thing I did was switch up my alarm. It’s hard for anyone to feel motivated when you’re literally being startled out of your sleep.

Apple doesn’t have the most calming alarm sounds, but until I got the Hatch sunrise alarm clock, I did the best I could to pick something that would ease me out of sleep. Instead of scaring me!

What happens next is the most crucial in making mornings more intentional.

We’re so accustomed to grabbing our phones and having them in our hands or in arms reach all day (and night!) long. But, a few years ago—I gave up sleeping with my phone right next to the bed. And it’s been such a blessing.

We idolize our phones and it’s gotten to the point where whether there’s a notification or not, we pick it up out of habit. And I got tired of allowing my phone to get in the way of how I kicked off my day.

Whether you have to keep your phone on the other end of your bedroom, in another room or entire floor of your house, I suggest keeping it off of your bedside table. It just does more harm than good.

Instead, take those moments for deep breathing, being one with yourself and how you actually feel in that moment, before getting up.

Our phones often distract us from feeling and being present. And this may be the one time you have all day to do so. So, make it count.

Once I’ve made my bed, I’ll either journal or meditate. This helps me to get centered and address some things that may be circulating in my mind. I’m a notorious over thinker, so journaling in the morning is a great way for me to just let it all out and start from a clean slate.

But I get it, not everyone’s a writer, or interested in trying to sit still for a meditation, so I challenge you to find an activity to works for you.

Maybe it’s a light stretch? Reading a book or The Bible? Putting on some uplifting music while you make your bed? 

You make the rules, so decide what will fill you up the most.

An intentional, slow morning is all about doing what you, your mind, and spirit need to help set you up for success.

When we create routines like this, and slow down—it signals to our brains that we matter. Our needs matter without compromise.