Lifestyle Wellness

7 Morning Rituals for Busy People

Morning Rituals for Busy People

For some people, mornings are all about trying not to hurt anyone before their first cup of coffee. And, for others, early morning is a favorite time of day. I can easily say that I belong to the latter group.

Why?

Because I have created a routine that I look forward to, every single day. I open my eyes and feel excited. I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a morning person. I also used to have a lot more free time and my mornings were long, indulgent. I’d get up at 5 am and get SO much done, all before breakfast.

Well, as you know, things have changed for me over the last couple of months. Since my injury, I don’t get much sleep, so if I happen to fall asleep at 3 am, I can’t torture myself by getting up at 5 am, like I used to. I think that for me, this was one of the most difficult things to deal with. I wanted to stick to my routine so badly, but physically, I just couldn’t do it.

As it turns out though, you can sometimes have your cake and eat it, too. Even when you’re busy, work a lot or just have a lot going on at the moment, you can still try to make the most of your mornings.

7 MORNING RITUALS FOR BUSY PEOPLE

Morning Rituals for Busy People, Morning Routines

GET AN EARLY START

Even if it’s just extra 20-30 minutes, getting an early start to your day can be life-changing. This can give you an opportunity to fit in things you normally wouldn’t have time for. For a lot of us, mornings are also the time of day when we tend to be most productive. I, for example, love writing early in the morning- it’s when writing comes very easy. You can use those extra 20 minutes to fit it a workout, do something creative, or, practice a little self-care. Use that time to do something you know you normally wouldn’t fit into your busy schedule.

MEDITATE

Out of all the morning rituals for busy people, this one is probably most important. I know what you’re thinking: “meditate? How can I meditate when I’m so busy? I don’t have time for that!” Well, the fact that you’re busy is exactly why you should try meditating. Meditation will help clear out your busy mind, it helps filter out the external noise- it can also help you counteract stress. Having a very active life, whether it be work, school or family keeping you busy, often means that your mornings are the only time of day when you can take a few moments, just for yourself. Why not use those few moments to find some clarity and set a focused tone for the day ahead?

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PREP

For anyone who has a busy schedule, prepping the night before for the day ahead is key. For some of us, mornings are a bit (or a lot) hectic. By prepping the night before, you can eliminate some of that stress of getting ready for the day. In the evening, take 10 minutes to clean things up, think about what you can do to make your mornings easier- prep your lunch, plan out your outfit, make sure you have everything you need ready to be packed, etc.

5 MINUTES OF GRATITUDE

Out of all the lifestyle changes, I’ve made over the last 5 years or so, practicing gratitude every single morning has made the biggest impact on my life. When you think about morning rituals for busy people, sitting down and making a list of things you feel grateful for doesn’t seem like something that would somehow benefit someone with a busy schedule. But it does. Think about what people usually say in the morning, the minute they get out of bed “ugh another Monday“, “ugh it’s almost weekend, finally“, “I don’t feel like going to work“, “I hate getting up early” and the list could go on and on. We complain SO much. Your mornings set the tone for the rest of your day, so if you’re whining and complaining the minute you wake up, everything will irritate you. Think about how different things would be if you took just 5 minutes to think about something you feel grateful for, every morning. Try using affirmations, listen to or read something motivating or inspiring.

MAXIMIZE YOUR COMMUTE

Take advantage of your commute and learn something new. Listen to an audiobook or a podcast. I love Audible, for instance, and listen to audiobooks on my way to work, all the time. My recent favorites are Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat and The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins (already mentioned this one here on the blog, a few times). Point is, you can do something productive, even when you’re stuck in that morning traffic.

DON’T REACH FOR YOUR PHONE

There was a time when the first thing I did after I opened my eyes, was to reach for my phone and check my emails. This means that the minute I woke up, I was in work mode, already stressing and thinking about all the emails I need to answer, things I’ll need to get done. If you have a busy schedule, chances are you have a lot going on and your days are packed- your phone will be most likely glued to your hand for an entire day. Your mornings should be peaceful. Think about it: if you reach for your phone, as soon as you open your eyes, you end up spending your mornings doing what someone else wants you to do (answering emails, for example).

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

When it comes to routines and habits, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all”. You have to adjust it to your needs, according to your priorities and your schedule. If something is unconventional but works for you, stick to it. I, for example, sleep with a pair of socks under my pillow, because I’m always cold when I wake up and that makes getting out of bed early, difficult. As soon as I hear my alarm go off, I put on my socks and get out of bed. Create a routine that works for you. Have something to look forward to, every morning. This is a great way to make yourself a bit excited for the day to come (even if it’s just a cup of tea you can have all by yourself before the day starts).

Change your mornings, change your life- this is something that I say all the time. Even when you’re extremely busy or live a very active life, your mornings don’t have to feel rushed and messy. Remember that you are the one who sets the tone for your morning and day to come.

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58 Comments

  • Reply
    Anika May
    August 18, 2017 at 8:20 am

    5 minutes of gratitude is such a great idea, totally need to try that out! Thanks for sharing :)

    Anika xo | anikamay.co.uk

  • Reply
    Christine
    August 18, 2017 at 9:03 am

    This is almost exactly what I have planned for myself this next school year, so happy to see these things in your blogpost because your tips usually work for me really well!

  • Reply
    Jess Christine
    August 18, 2017 at 9:58 am

    Love this post! This is exactly what I needed! I’ve been so bad about mornings lately. Hitting snooze, sleeping til the very last second, rushing out the door and ending up about 15 mintues late to work! I keep telling myself I am going to get better and break this habit, but I just haven’t. I’m going to implement these ideas into my mornings from now on! Thanks for posting!

    http://merakikamala.com/

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 18, 2017 at 10:07 am

      I’ve been struggling with the same thing and it’s been so difficult for me, because I usually get up very early and get so much done. But even getting up 30 minutes early can make a huge difference- not having to rush out the door every morning is totally worth it :)

    • Reply
      Debbie Santiago-Keough
      August 22, 2017 at 8:41 am

      Isn’t it interesting how we love how it feels when we get up earlier and get so much done but then revert back to old ways? It’s a struggle. But we can do it. Something has to give!

  • Reply
    Krystal // The Krystal Diaries
    August 18, 2017 at 11:01 am

    I’d like to start trying to meditate. I’ve slowly started waking up earlier to squeeze in work outs, it’s still a struggle, but maybe if I just wake up 10 minutes earlier, I’ll have some time to medicate before or after my workout.

  • Reply
    Frances Kayleigh
    August 18, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I’ve started doing lots of these recently – I bought a happiness planner and practice gratitude, although I do it in the evening. I meditate sometimes and find it really helps! I’ve also started getting up 20 minutes early than I need to and that makes ALL the difference! Not having to rush in the morning is dreamy xx

    Frances Kayleigh | Style Beauty Travel

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Meditation really does help, and not having to rush in the morning is such a change and makes everything less stressful, I agree!

  • Reply
    Kris
    August 18, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    These are some amazing ideas! I really want to start meditating!

    Have an awesome day!

    xx Kris

    https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    lilian Tahmasian
    August 18, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    always get happy when i read your posts! :)
    http://www.liliantahmasian.com

  • Reply
    Zara
    August 18, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    I always make sure I have a nice relaxing cup of tea in the mornings, it’s time to just sit and be calm and mentally plan what I have to do that day. x
    http://www.misszarabelle.com

  • Reply
    Mollie Quirk
    August 18, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    I adored reading this. I definitely need to start meditating.

    Lots of love from Mollie xxx | http://wwwtheperksofmolliequirk.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Deanna Marie
    August 18, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    I completely agree with prepping as much as you can the night before – I recently started showering and doing my hair in the evening and it completely changed how I get ready for work. Lovely post as usual!

    http://www.luxandvitae.com

  • Reply
    Yara Mel Rozaay
    August 18, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    Gratitude never skips my mornings!

    Your blog is an absolute gem! New favorite. Great look and even more amazing articles to read :D

    http://www.desiringsme.com/faux-floral-top/

  • Reply
    Janet
    August 19, 2017 at 12:29 am

    I often dread getting out of bed because there is a routine that makes me come last-let out the dogs, let in the dogs, give them their medication (don’t ask!), check for emergency calls and the weather on my phone, make the coffee, find my laptop, and finally sit. The best thing I have found is to lie in bed and not think of all I have to do, I just think of that lovely cup of coffee! It works!

    Jane x

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      I agree that spending a couple of minutes in bed in the morning is the best. So much better than jumping out, rushing out or reaching for your phone, first thing in the morning!

  • Reply
    Kiri Yanchenko
    August 19, 2017 at 4:10 am

    I totally agree with the get up early! I get up on weekends at the same time I go to work during the week. I plan out my day and I have already completed a lot of stuff by the time my husband gets up. Although I have always been a morning person and he hasn’t…
    I also try to finish my morning prep before I pick up my phone too.
    I always have a shower, go to work then eat breakfast during the week. On weekends coz I don’t go to the gym, I only eat two meals a day. So the morning is normally having a shower and then checking emails and putting together a to do list.
    I have never meditated in the morning.
    Kiri
    Set to Glow
    http://www.settoglow.com.au

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      I get up at the same time during weekends as well- I think it makes is so much easier to get up early during the week, too. My husband also isn’t a morning person, for sure hehe so he usually gets to sleep in on the weekends, while I’m getting things done hehe ;) Sounds like you have such lovely routine going on!

  • Reply
    Julia Speaks
    August 19, 2017 at 8:19 am

    This is a very useful post, I think we should all make the most of our mornings. Once you get past the sleepy five minutes it takes you to get up, you can wake up properly and get in your routine. However as you mentioned, preparation is key – getting outfit, lunch and even a little schedule the evening before does help a lot, because most of the stressful thing is already out of the way!

    Julia x
    Last Post: At the Universal Studios Hollywood, LA | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.fr/2017/08/universal-studios-hollywood-los-angeles.html

  • Reply
    Very Much Mia
    August 19, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I absolutely loved this post and found it so eye opening! Mornings have definitely become my favorite part of the day an the time I feel most productive, but after reading some of your tips I realize I may be lacking in the self-care department. I’m very quick to turn on my phone and computer right away and get to work! I do think it’s important to take some time to journal, practice gratitude, etc., though. Maximizing time driving by listening to podcasts is something I do all the time and I love it!

    Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      Me too! I’m definitely most productive in the mornings. Definitely try spending some time just with yourself in the morning, it can make all the difference- make yourself a priority. Thanks for reading, Mia!

  • Reply
    Ana
    August 19, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    I really want to try to meditate several minutes per day xxx
    http://fallingforablog.blogspot.com.es/2017/08/6-summer-outfits-with-denim-skirt.html

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    August 19, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I try to get an early start every day, I just can’t stand rushed mornings. If my day starts rushed, it just feels stressful for the rest of the time. My personal ritual is cuddles with my son!

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

  • Reply
    Brittany
    August 19, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    Love this! I really need to be so much better at meal prepping on Sunday’s so that I’m not wasting time in the morning trying to pack my lunch and staring at the fridge trying to decide what to have for dinner. If I could plan those could of things plus get up 30 minutes early during the week I would have so much more time during the week to get things done! I think you’ve inspired me to really stick to it this week and see how it goes!

    Brittany | thechicette.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      You’d be surprised how much more you can get done, even if by getting up only 30 mins earlier. So happy that this post inspired you to change your routine a bit, let me know how it goes!

    • Reply
      Jennifer Lynne Salins
      August 30, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      Crock pots are a lifesaver! I throw chicken in, leave it on low, go to work, and it’s cooked when I get home. I can use the cooked chicken for a million different things.

  • Reply
    Naya // partyparrotblog.com
    August 20, 2017 at 8:09 am

    Such a sweet post Paula! I agree 100% about meditating in the morning (thanks to your older posts obviously) and sometimes it truly feels like you have no time to just sit there and meditate for 25 minutes, but whenever I do – I swear my day feels so much better! Also about listening to podcasts – I now listen to about 2-3 of them whenever I am on a train somewhere and it makes all the difference. Time goes by so much faster and I always learn something new. Hugs xx

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      Aww thank you so much Naya! The more you think you don’t have time, the more you should try meditating, I think.

  • Reply
    Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
    August 21, 2017 at 4:40 am

    Whenever I visit my parents I try to add ‘have a little cuddle with my cat’ part to this list, but so far all it has resulted with was a very very very scratched face :)

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Hahaha ahh man, I just don’t get cats (I’m actually scared of them since childhood, long story) but I do love morning cuddles with my dog- he just rolls over, asking for his belly to be rubbed hehe :)

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    August 21, 2017 at 7:55 am

    Great post!

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    Debbie Santiago-Keough
    August 22, 2017 at 8:37 am

    I so needed this post. It seems that I regret the way I spent my morning as soon as I punch in at work. I feel lazy for not getting up earlier. So this was an excellent post.

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    August 22, 2017 at 9:57 am

    Loved this post and I’m going to try and work this into my current morning routine. I really find that although I love my sleep, waking up even a teeny bit earlier helps a lot.

    (PS- I just recommended your blog to my Mum as well, she loves Louise Hay and gratitude and affirmations and meditating and all of that jazz so I was like “you’ll love Paula’s blog!” :)

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 26, 2017 at 1:05 pm

      That was my struggle for the longest time- wanting to sleep in vs. getting up early and getting things done. It’s definitely worth it.

      Aww no way, that it so sweet of you Julia, thank you!! Your mom sounds great, gotta try talking my mom into meditating! :)

  • Reply
    Kate
    August 23, 2017 at 6:48 am

    I agree about starting the day just that little bit earlier. As difficult as it can be sometimes, when I manage it I always feel like I’ve got a head start and it can make my whole day feel better as a result. x

    Kate Louise Blogs

  • Reply
    Yasmin
    August 25, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Great rituals !! Thanks for sharing :) I always leave checking my phone until I’m out of the house or having my breakfast at the earliest x

    Yasmin x
    The Sweet Seven Five

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    August 29, 2017 at 7:28 am

    Great rituals. I need to start getting up early in the morning.

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    PrincessHiyah Akanqi
    October 31, 2017 at 7:32 am

    Thank you for sharing this information. This is very helpful for me, especially since I always grab my phone in the morning. 💕

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    February 5, 2018 at 2:24 am

    I’ve recently started to become a bit more of a morning person in the sense that I don’t dread mornings anymore at least. Now I wake up, exercise, have a quick shower and I find that really sets me up for the day. I love listening to music while I exercise as well because it’s such a nice break for my mind. I’m going to add into my routine that 5 minutes of gratitude though!

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

  • Reply
    nmn
    November 17, 2021 at 8:56 am

    7 MORNING RITUALS FOR BUSY PEOPLE

    – a great article
    thanks!

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