If you’re like me, and I hope you’re not, you might wake up most mornings already tired. You hit the snooze button and blissfully ignore the time slipping away that you’d allotted to getting a head start that day. You rush to get out the door, frazzled and feeling like a slave to the ever-present marching of time that doesn’t care whether you’re tired, burnt out, or barely holding it together. And while I can’t solve all your problems in one blog post, I can give you one simple tip to help stabilize your mornings and set the tone for the day, and that is creating a faith-filled morning routine.
Morning routines aren’t about being productive. They’re about creating space to meet God, breathe deeply, and become rooted for the day ahead. They’re about taking charge of your time before it takes charge of you. It can be difficult to create and consistently follow a routine, especially during hard seasons, but a faith-filled morning routine can anchor you in body and spirit, even when life feels chaotic. You don’t need much – no fancy devotionals or early morning gym sessions. Just a few minutes to slow down and set intentions for the day.
Why Mornings Matter, Even When You Dread Them
You don’t have to be a morning person to make mornings meaningful. I used to fancy myself a morning person; it’s my favorite time of day. But my natural rhythm has historically favored 11:00 pm productivity boosts, and besides that, chronic illness can take its toll on morning routines. But I’ve personally experienced the difference a purposeful routine in the morning can make, and how good it feels not to have to rush through it.
Starting your day with intention can shape the rest of your day. It’s important to take some time and steady yourself before pouring yourself out for others – your family, friends, coworkers. It isn’t about hustling to get more done; it’s about taking the time to align yourself with what really matters.
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3
The Pillars of a Faith-Filled Morning Routine
There are many ways to create a routine that speaks to you. After all, we’re all different, and we go through different seasons. A good routine will meet your where you’re at and will be flexible enough to change with your needs. However, it’s a good idea to start your morning with a faith-filled routine that speaks to your spirit, mind, body, and soul. Here are a few simple ideas you can use to create a routine around these four pillars.
Feed the Spirit: Time with God
- Start with prayer – even messy, tired, frustrated prayers
- Bible reading (even just a few verses)
- Worship music while you get ready
- Scripture meditation
If you’re in a wilderness season, remember that silence doesn’t necessarily mean absence. He is still there, and He is still working all things out for the good of those who love Him.
Care for the Body: Mindful Movement
- Gentle stretching
- A quick morning walk
- Deep breathing to regulate the nervous system
- Rebounding or dry brushing for the lymphatic system
Moving the body first thing in the morning is not about losing weight or building muscle; it’s about connecting with your body. Acknowledge any limitations that can make it hard, and honor your body’s needs in each season.
Flex Your Mindset: Mental Grounding and Reflection
- Journal for emotional clarity
- Visualization or affirmations
- Goal setting
- Hug a loved one or a pet
Neuroplasticity means we can rewire our brains for positivity. Implementing neuroplastic exercises first thing in the morning is a good way to make sure they get done, and you can reap the benefits for the rest of the day.
Nourish Your Soul: Comforting Expectations
- Eat a comforting breakfast
- Wear clothes that make you feel good
- Spend a few minutes in the sun
- Plan for an engaging hobby later that day
We can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we forget to have fun, or to include daily activities that fill us up. It doesn’t have to be a lot – it can be planning a phone call with a friend or making a warm, comforting breakfast that we love. Or sipping an indulgent coffee before work. Whatever it is, make sure to include something you like and look forward to each day.
Make it Realistic, Not Perfect
You can pick and choose from my ideas or create your own faith-filled morning routine entirely. Fill it with things that speak to you and are reasonable for your schedule, weather you have five extra minutes or thirty. Here is a sample 30-minute routine you can take and adapt to your preferences.
- 5 minutes: quiet time for prayer and deep breathing
- 10 minutes: stretch or walk (bonus points for doing in the morning sunlight)
- 5 minutes: journaling
- 10 minutes: breakfast and coffee
If you need to combine habits to build a routine that feels feasible to you, be my guest. Just make sure you don’t feel even more rushed than you already are. It should ground you, not stress you out.
Make it Stick
If you’re short on time, or just extra forgetful, building a new routine can come with a few speed bumps. Here a few tips to overcome minor obstacles that might hinder incorporating a successful routine:
- Anchor it to something you already do, like saying a silent prayer while brushing your teeth
- Prepare the night before (set out your Bible, journal, or create your playlist)
- Wake up a few minutes earlier
- Don’t skip just because it doesn’t feel important
Make it feel good to you. Create a routine around habits that speak to you so that you’re more likely to stay consistent. Don’t do something just because I said it, or because an influencer does it. Make it your own by tailoring it to your unique needs.
Invite God into the Ordinary
Maybe you really don’t have time to add anything to your morning routine. Or maybe you do, but it doesn’t feel like you’re doing enough. Wherever you’re at, there is grace, and God can meet you there. You don’t need to do more, just ask Him to meet you where you’re at. Invite him into the chaos, or into the mundane. Holiness can be found sipping coffee, making lunches, and getting the kids to school. You can still choose to be fully present in the few moments you do have, and it matters. I guarantee you it matters.
Start Where You Are
Even if your morning is a mess and your heart is heavy, you can still create space for faith. Consistency will get your farther than perfection or performance. Slow down, meet with God, and get grounded in His word. And remember, His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).