Posted on April 29, 2020

Minimalism is not always about ‘stuff’ or excess clutter. Although it’s a great way of living, ‘stuff’ is not the only aspect. Recently, minimalism has been more about intentional living, for me. Making conscious choices and remaining present in what I’m doing.

What better way to start off on how I live intentionally in this minimalistic lifestyle than with my morning routine? My mornings set my pace, attitude, and intentions for the day.

why a morning routine?

Routine is a must for me. As much as I would love to ‘go with the flow,’ I thrive off of routine. Having a routine helps keep me going and holds me accountable, which I need and enjoy. I have learned how I like to pace my day and how to choose what I give my attention to.

Adjusting to a minimalistic lifestyle has greatly benefited my mental health. I found simplistic mornings to be one of my favorite parts of the day. I have noticed a big shift in my day-to-day life. Although, it took some trial and error. Finding a good Minimalist Morning Routine helps my mornings and days go smoother. More importantly, my attitude was so much more positive.

first, establish intention

To start a Minimalist Morning Routine focus on your intentions. Your intention can change day to day or stay the same for months at a time.

On days you have a lot to do, start with a bang! Set an intention of how many items you want done before lunch. If you experience a lot of anxiety or find yourself not present, focus on doing one thing at a time. Have an intentionally slower pace throughout your day.

You might be shocked to find you still accomplish the same amount doing one thing at a time as you would multi-tasking. Sometimes even more gets accomplished. Knowing what your intention is, will help you set the schedule of your routine accordingly.

next, make a schedule

Having a schedule written out in some form or fashion will help you perfect your Minimalist Morning Routine. You could write it in a journal, or your daily planner, download an app, or just put it in the notes on your phone, as I do. I have found that having a schedule I can see visually helps me remember and execute my routine.

Your schedule will not look the same as mine, your friends, or whatever influencer you’re watching. It’s personal to you. Here’s how I started creating mine…

Decide What Time ‘Morning’ Is For You – Some people are up at 5 am and at work by 8 am. Others are stay-at-home moms or wives and are up at 8 am and could consider their morning until noon. It sounds silly and simple, yes. But you’ll want to establish a time block, to know what’s realistically going to fit into your routine and what’s not.

Make a List of What You Think You Want To Do In The Morning – I started with a list of 25 items and now I have a list of 10. So, start with everything you think you want to accomplish. Go as detailed as you want! Then, after some trial and error, you’ll ween through what you have time for and what’s really important to you.

Now You Schedule It – This could be as detailed as you like. Try creating a list in the order you think you want it done or schedule it in time blocks. I use a time block of 6:30 am to 11:30 am. If you schedule each task in a time block, start with what you want to do as soon as you wake up. Then, on to the next item.

Re-Evaluate and Edit – I started with a 25-item ‘check-list’ and now have a 10-item list on my phone with no boxes to check. It takes some time to implement and find what the best fit is. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve re-evaluated or ‘edited’ my morning routine but it doesn’t matter. Life changes, values change, and priorities change! I think it’s important that you embrace your journey and allow your Minimalist Morning Routine to change and grow with you.

my minimalist morning routine

Oil Pull While Stretching

Brush Teeth

Skincare Routine

Get Dressed & Ready

Start Load of Laundry

Cup of Tea & Bible Study

Put Away Clean Dishes

Cook Breakfast

School Drop Off

final thoughts

I’ve decided not to ‘time block’ any of my stuff. (As in, Brush Teeth & Wash Face 6:30-6:45.) I simply list my items in the order that works best for my mornings. I’ve found it’s less pressure to get things done ‘on time,’ especially when I have two children at home.

As you can see, my list is quite simple. I started wanting to be extremely productive and get most of my ‘day’ done in the morning, hence the 25 items there used to be. But that’s when I noticed I was driven by the adrenaline I was creating for myself and it was exhausting, unrealistic, and unhealthy. I prefer a slower, more intentional morning.

I changed my intention from productive to mindful. A simple and slow-paced routine has greatly benefited my mental health and happiness. I’m more present throughout my day, as well as patient. Which is very important as a parent. My current routine is what I feel embodies a Minimalist Morning Routine, for me.

Take it slow, take it one at a time, and experience life in a way you intentionally choose. The benefits I’ve experienced are remarkable. Give a Minimalist Morning Routine a try and let me know your experience below!