How to Create a Holistic Morning Routine to Start Your Day Right

Awakening with Awareness

Updated 3/10/25

Instead of reaching for your phone the moment you wake up, take a pause. Those first few minutes of consciousness are precious. Lie still and check in with yourself. How does your body feel? What emotions are present?

For some, this could mean starting the day with gratitude—thinking of one thing you’re thankful for. For others, it’s simply breathing deeply and allowing the transition from sleep to wakefulness to be gentle.

Unique Idea: Keep a small notebook on your nightstand and jot down one word that describes your mood. Over time, you might notice patterns that help you understand yourself better.

This is all a part of holistic wellness.

Start Small, Build Big

Physical activity doesn’t need to be an intense workout to be effective. Begin with gentle stretches while still in bed or step onto a yoga mat for a few poses. Listen to your body—some mornings call for a brisk walk, others for slow, mindful movements.

Bend is surrounded by nature, so if you’re lucky enough to have a view of the mountains or access to trails, consider stepping outside. Fresh air has a way of waking up your senses and grounding your thoughts.

Unique Idea: Create a playlist of sounds that inspire movement—birdsong, rustling leaves, or soft acoustic music—and let it guide your flow.

Mindfulness and Stillness

After moving your body, it’s time to quiet your mind. Whether you meditate, pray, or simply sit in stillness, the goal is the same: creating space. Space for clarity, for creativity, and for presence.

For beginners, start with just three minutes. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. If your mind wanders (it will), gently bring it back to your breath. You’ll be amazed at what this can do!

Unique Idea: Use your senses as anchors. Smell your coffee brewing, feel the texture of your blanket, or listen to the distant sounds of your neighborhood waking up. These small details help root you in the present.

Nourish Your Body, Honor Your Health

Food is fuel, but it’s also joy. A holistic morning routine includes time to nourish your body thoughtfully. Whether it’s a smoothie packed with greens and fruit, oatmeal with nuts and seeds, or simply a cup of herbal tea, let your first meal reflect care and intention.

Unique Idea: Once a week, prep a batch of “morning jars”—mason jars filled with overnight oats, chia pudding, or layered smoothie ingredients. Having something ready saves time and ensures you don’t skip this essential step.

Mental Preparation - Start with Purpose

Before diving into to-do lists or emails, take a moment to visualize your day. Not in a rushed or anxious way, but with curiosity and intention. What are you excited about? What challenges might arise, and how can you approach them with grace?

Write down 1-3 focus points for the day. These aren’t tasks but areas of intention—such as patience, creativity, or connection.

Unique Idea: Use a different color pen or marker each day. Over time, you’ll create a colorful visual diary of your morning reflections.

Personal Touch - Make It Yours

The beauty of a holistic routine is that it’s deeply personal. For some, it might include reading a page of poetry, pulling a card from an inspirational deck, or lighting a candle as a daily ritual. For others, it’s about watering plants or spending a few moments playing with a pet.

Unique Idea: Incorporate a small act of creativity into your morning—doodle, journal a sentence, or even dance to one song. Creativity doesn’t need to be time-consuming to be fulfilling.

Consistency Over Perfection

There’s no such thing as the perfect morning routine. Some days, you’ll hit every mark, and other days, life will take over. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to follow a rigid script but to cultivate habits that bring you joy and balance.

Celebrate small wins. If you meditated for one minute longer than yesterday, that’s progress. If you swapped your phone scrolling for stretching, that’s a win. Over time, these small changes compound into something meaningful.

FAQs: Creating a Holistic Morning Routine

Why is mental preparation important in the morning?

Mental preparation helps set the tone for the day. Instead of jumping straight into tasks, taking a moment to visualize your goals and intentions allows you to approach the day with clarity and focus.

What are focus points, and how do they differ from a to-do list?

Focus points are broad areas of intention rather than specific tasks. Examples include patience, creativity, or connection. They act as a mindset guide for the day rather than a list of obligations.

How can I stay consistent with morning reflections?

• Keep a journal near your bed to jot down thoughts before starting your day.

• Use a different color pen each day to create a visual diary of your reflections.

• Set a reminder on your phone until it becomes a habit.

What if I’m not a morning person?

You don’t have to wake up at sunrise to have a meaningful routine. Even five minutes of mindful preparation can shift your mindset for the day. Find a rhythm that works for your schedule.

How can I personalize my morning routine?

Your routine should reflect what brings you joy and balance. Options include:

• Reading a poem or pulling an inspirational card.

• Playing music, lighting a candle, or spending time with a pet.

• Adding a creative element like doodling, journaling, or dancing to one song.

What if I don’t have time for a full routine?

Even small moments count. If you're short on time, try:

• Taking a deep breath before getting out of bed.

• Setting a single focus point for the day.

• Swapping morning phone scrolling for a quick stretch.

How do I track progress without making my routine feel like a chore?

Instead of focusing on perfection, celebrate small wins. If you meditated one minute longer or replaced one negative habit with a positive one, that’s progress. Over time, these small actions build into lasting habits.

What’s the key to maintaining a routine long-term?

Flexibility. Life happens, and some mornings will be chaotic. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on consistency—returning to your routine in a way that feels natural, not forced.