How to Create Daily Habits to Transform Your Morning

Between family, friends, work, and endless to-do lists, our days can feel like a constant rush. That’s why I’ve learned to create simple daily habits to set myself up for day I want to create. 

When I first started working on my mindset I created an elaborate morning process to set myself up for the day—involving meditation, visualisation, gratitude, yoga, journalling and a host of other mindset and mindfulness practices.

It was great for a while and I established some healthy daily habits, but I found I was spending a lot of time preparing for the day, rather than actually living it.  It was also very time consuming and difficult to be consistent, particularly on days when I had to be out the door early.

A routine that feels overwhelming often leads to stress, burnout and often abandonment.  By starting my day with a few simple healthy habits, I find they are much more sustainable and I no longer wake up to the list of “musts” and “shoulds” that had become my “morning routine”.  In reality it had become a stress routine and it wasn’t sustainable—at least not for me!

That experience taught me why I do something, matters much more than what I do.

Simplicity and Consistency

Now I prefer a much simpler start to the day.  And simple doesn’t necessarily mean less effective.  Instead of trying to tick off a list of things that were becoming a source of stress rather than calm, I’m more focused on creating space—space for things truly matter and that bring me peace and happiness.

For me simplicity helps with consistency and when I started focusing on things that genuinely serve my wellbeing I created habits that last.  The result? Real lasting change—transformation, not just quick fixes. 

Now my routine consists of a few simple practices that are both practical and joyful!  They aren’t perfect, but they are perfect for me and most importantly they are achievable, repeatable and flexible.

How We Start the Day Matters

Starting the day in a more gently way and doing things that increase positive energy not only makes us feel good in the moment but we are more likely to carry that forward into the day, leading to more energy and more productivity. 

And if we do happen to get out of bed on the wrong side, we can make the choice to do something about it by choosing a thought or activity to shift into a more positive state. 

To keep things simple, the first few minutes of the day are for me. To give myself a few minutes to wake up and be with my own thoughts, without distractions.  I like to lie quietly for a few minutes, instead of jumping up as soon as my eyes open.  I stretch, I smile, I give thanks for a new day and I think about how I want to feel and what I want to achieve that day and then I imagine the day unfolding the way I want it to. 

Simple Habits to Transform Your Morning

If you are someone who struggles to keep routines simple and effective so you can create daily habits that stick, trust me I get it.  I know what it’s like to overcomplicate things, even if it is well intentioned (e.g. the elaborate morning routine I originally started with!)

For me simplicity and flexibility are key.  The more I move toward what I am called to most that day, the more likely I am to be consistent.  It is not about perfection; it’s about starting the day grounded and feeling good.

Here are a few tips designed to keep your routines simple, sustainable and enjoyable so you can focus on what truly matters:

1. Find what works for you: choose an area you would like to focus on and follow through for a couple of weeks until you start to establish some consistency and it becomes a habit.  For example: start with a simple practice of giving thanks for the start of a new day. 
2. Start Small:  to avoid overwhelm, focus on creating one habit at a time.  As you build momentum you can start adding in other habits and link them together, like taking care of your body and your mind at the same time.  For example: taking time for a healthy breakfast while listening to a podcast that makes you feel good.
3. Celebrate Consistency: Small steps repeated daily add up, creating momentum and consistency.  It is not about being perfect, progress and feeling good matter more.  Remind yourself of that as often as you need to!  Reward yourself for consistency and keep moving forward.
4. Add additional habits when you feel ready:  as your daily habits start to become second nature, start adding other areas of focus and link things together.  For example: on a nice day I take my breakfast and podcast episode outside for some morning sunlight and/or I will sit in silence for few minutes to soak up the new day.

Remember morning routines don’t need to be complicated or perfect to be impactful.  In fact, the simpler and more authentic they are, the more likely you are to follow through and create consistency. 

Focus on your routines as a form of self-care, not another checklist to get through before you day even really starts.  The more your morning routine aligns with who you are authentically, what matters most to you, your values and your goals, the more enjoyment, happiness and peace they will bring to your days. 

To create a routine that works for you reflect on:

• What truly matters to you?
• How do you want to feel each day?
• What small changes can you make to take care of yourself and set yourself up for feeling good each day?

Whether it is movement or exercise that energises you, a creative outlet that nourishes your mind and soul, or a skincare ritual that makes you feel good, let your routines create a high vibe state you can anchor into at the start of each day.

Explore and experiment with what a simple routine could look like for you.  Remember, start small, celebrate the progress you make and give yourself grace—in no time you will create a routine that establishes healthy habits that support the life you want to live.