My Morning Routine as a Writer
Several years ago, I discovered the beauty of a morning routine, or ritual.
It’s helped me immensely as a writer—not only by encouraging my creativity to emerge naturally, but also by signaling to my brain that it’s time to write.
I’d love to share the practices I use in my own daily life below. Hopefully, the techniques will be something you can incorporate into your own pre-writing routine, or maybe inspire you to create some of your own!
1. Getting some sun
One of the first things I do after waking up is to go outside and get some sun on my face. Experiencing sunlight immediately upon waking (or as close as possible!) is one of the best ways to regulate our circadian cycles. I find that it helps me function better during the day, especially during writing, and sleep better at night. (Check out Dr. Andrew Huberman’s video here—it’s amazing!)
While I’m outside, I take a few deep breaths and if I can, I’ll place my feet on the grass or soil or whatever’s available. I do this to ground my energy. Since I travel a lot, I often find myself getting creative with my options—grass is my favorite, but I’ll take what I can get! Then, I’ll get really present…breathing deeply, feeling into my body, and giving thanks for my life and the beautiful day ahead.
2. Preparing a nourishing breakfast
Next, I always eat a nourishing breakfast. I love being able to cook a warm breakfast with protein, usually with eggs. This keeps me full and energized all morning while I’m writing, and I don’t get distracted by searching for snacks.
While I’m cooking, I turn on the music and let myself just DANCE. Movement feels so good to me, as does getting out of my head and into my body. It gets my blood pumping and all the creative juices flowing. Embodying my creativity and actually feeling it is where I believe the magic truly begins!
3. Getting ready for the day
Before I do anything else, I get dressed and ready for the day. I’m a big believer that how we dress and care for ourselves plays a big part in how we feel. And the better we feel, the more we can fully devote ourselves to our creativity and writing!
I’ll do my full skin routine while I listen to music or some affirmations (you can check out my favorite skin products here,) do my makeup, and then I’ll put on a cute outfit for the day. I do this even if I’m just staying home and no one else will see me…I do it for me! My intent is to show up for myself and my writing with energetic, positive vibes, and for me, lounging around in pajamas or a frumpy outfit doesn’t resonate with this energy.
4. Going on a walk
Going on a walk isn’t something I do every morning (sometimes I go in the afternoon or early evening), but I’m adding it here because recently it’s been a daily part of my morning routine. In my opinion, going outside into nature is the absolute best boost of creativity!
Nature is healing and magical, and in all honesty, I could go on and on. When I go on a walk, I really immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and smells of everything. It’s like a moving meditation for me, one in which my mind gets a break from any rumination I’ve been doing on my manuscript—allowing beautiful bursts and snippets of creativity to break through. It’s often when I’m walking or dancing or even showering that I get my biggest insights for my writing.
5. Setting an intention in my journal
Setting an intention in my journal before I write is like planting a beautiful seed for the day. The intention can be anything…for example, I might intend for my focus to be in the present moment while I write. Or I might want to focus on fun, enjoyment, and being in the flow while I work on my book. Other times it’s compassion for myself, and being kind to myself while I write, especially if I’m working on pesky edits or feeling stuck on a scene.
When I write the intention, it might look something like this: “Today I’m going to immerse myself in the present moment while I write, letting whatever comes to me flow onto my page.”
6. Breathwork
Practicing breathing techniques is something I incorporate throughout my day to stay connected with myself, but I find it especially helpful to do right before meditation. Breathwork is so grounding and helps me settle into my body so that my mind isn’t still focused on other things.
I’ll sit in the same chair or spot where I’m planning on doing my meditation, and then I’ll take my awareness within my body. I’ll focus on my heart space…on my hands, feet, arms, legs...
And then I’ll begin breathing deeply. Really filling up my lungs with breath, letting my ribs and belly expand. One of my favorite breathing techniques is called box breathing. I’ll breathe in for four seconds, and then hold for four seconds. This is followed by breathing out for four seconds, and once again holding for four seconds.
If you’re trying this technique, you can vary the timing based on what feels good for you! For example, you can start with three seconds.
7. Meditation
From this place, I’m calm and relaxed, and ready for meditation! (I find that if I simply sit down, close my eyes, and try to meditate without doing my breathwork first, then it’s more challenging to get into the zone.)
I believe that meditation is truly one of the best tools to utilize before writing. It helps me quiet my mind, clear any distractions, and become very grounded and focused on allowing my words and creativity to flow through.
And meditation doesn’t have to be hard! The key is to sit in silence and simply focus on the breath. When I meditate, I close my eyes, and think of how my breath feels when it moves in and out of my body. If thoughts arise, I thank them for coming, and imagine them floating away on puffy white clouds. I also like to silently repeat the mantra of “So Hum.” This means “I am”. I’ll set a timer (I do this from Insight Timer, and they have many options for pretty chimes and bells), and I’ll meditate for fifteen minutes.
8. Time to write
Now I’m ready to write! I’ll put a little bit of essential oil into my diffuser, such as lavender or something more energizing, like Citrus Bloom, and use a roll-on essential oil like Cheer on my wrists. I’ll sit at my desk, take a few deep breaths, and ask the Universe to allow whatever is meant to be channeled through me to come through me and onto the page.
Journal Prompts:
Grab your journal and reflect with these prompts:
What elements of a morning routine best support your creativity and writing practice?
Reflect on the pre-writing routine you currently have in place. What is working? What changes could help you feel more inspired, focused, or prepared to write?
Which morning practices help you feel ready to write? How does your writing experience differ on days when you skip those practices?
If your ideal writing morning were a garden, what elements would be growing there?
What morning habits help your creative writing bloom?
Affirmations:
My mind is clear, calm, and ready to write.
Each morning, I return to my writing with joy and intention.
My creativity flows easily and naturally each morning.
I am a writer, and I show up for myself each day.
Like a flower greeting the morning sun, I open myself to creativity, inspiration, and the stories waiting to bloom.
Happy writing, beautiful creative soul!
xoxo, Ana