Mornings are a mixed bag, aren’t they? Some days, you wake up feeling ready to take on the world. But other days, the bed is too comfortable, and the thought of facing your to-do list is overwhelming.

Well, at least that’s how mornings are for me.

Which is why I’ve been experimenting with a new morning routine for the past week, and I’m amazed at how it’s shifted my mindset and my productivity.

Here’s a peek into what I’ve been doing to start my day:

• Wake up at 6:30 a.m. and (here’s the important part) don’t pick up my phone. Instead, I start my day with a moment of gratitude by thinking about one thing I’m thankful for before my feet hit the floor.
• Then I head for the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.
• Once I’m dressed and ready, I empty the dishwasher and drink a glass of water.
• Then it’s breakfast (usually plain ol’ oatmeal with raisins and unsweetened soy milk). I also use this time to read – I set a timer for an hour so I don’t lose track of time.
• When the timer goes off, I meditate for a few minutes (I use the Calm app and do a 3 or 5 minute session).
• Then I head to my office (if it’s a work day) and review my calendar, go over my to-do list, pick my top priorities, and write them in my bullet journal. (On Saturdays and Sundays, I’ll just let the day unfold however it needs to.)​

This routine has helped me reclaim control of my mornings.

If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your mornings (and your mindset), try creating a simple morning routine. You might start with just a few minutes of planning and see how it changes the way you approach the day.

What’s your morning routine like? I’d love to hear your tips.

– Amy