10 minute Morning routine

Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, personal growth, or want to feel more in control of your time, creating a simple 10-minute morning mindset routine can make a massive difference. The key is consistency and choosing habits that resonate with you. Here are some ideas to build a routine that will help you thrive.

Why Morning Routines Matter

My mornings used to be chaotic—snoozing the alarm, rushing out the door, and feeling like I was already behind. Adopting a 10-minute morning routine transformed not just my mornings but my mindset for the entire day. When you start with intention and positivity, it’s easier to carry that energy into everything you do.

Gratitude Journaling (2 minutes)

Starting your day with gratitude shifts your focus to positivity. Gratitude journalling has been shown to improve mental health and increase happiness levels by 10%. Take two minutes to jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be grand gestures; small joys like your morning coffee or a good night’s sleep count too. This simple practice trains your brain to notice the good, which helps combat stress and negativity.

Tips for Journaling:

  • Use a dedicated notebook or journal.
  • Keep it on your bedside table to make it a habit.
  • Write freely without judgment—it’s for your eyes only.

Prompts to Try:

  • What is something I’m looking forward to today?
  • Who is someone I appreciate and why?
  • What’s one thing that went well yesterday?

Intelligent Change: The Five Minute Journal – Daily Gratitude Journal for Happiness, Mindfulness, and Reflection – Undated Life Planner

Cultivates Gratitude and Mindfulness – Journaling allows you to appreciate your life more for at least 5 minutes a day. 

Chic Daily Journal With Prompts – Start your day with appreciation and end it with deep reflection using our wellness journal.

Meditation or deep breathing (2 minutes)

Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind completely; it’s about creating space for calm and focus. It can also reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by up to 20%. Spend two minutes practising mindful breathing. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple exercise helps reduce anxiety and grounds you in the present moment.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in for a count of four. Hold it. Now slowly exhale. Imagine breathing out any tension or worry.

If meditation isn’t your thing, simply sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can work wonders. Over time, this habit can enhance mental clarity and reduce emotional reactivity.

Suggested Tools:

Movement (4 minutes)

Morning movement boosts mood and energy levels, setting a positive tone for the day. Get your blood flowing with just four minutes of light movement. This could be:

  • Gentle stretching to wake up stiff muscles.
  • Yoga poses like cat-cow, downward dog, or child’s pose.
  • A quick set of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups.

Movement first thing in the morning releases endorphins, reduces cortisol, and prepares your body and mind for the day ahead. It’s also a great way to kickstart your metabolism.

Set daily intentions (2 minutes)

What do you want to achieve today? Spend two minutes identifying your top priorities. Whether it’s meeting a work deadline, going for a run, or spending quality time with loved ones, setting intentions helps you stay focused.

Example Intentions:

  • “I will go for a 5k run today.”
  • “I will respond to emails by noon, so they’re not hanging over me.”
  • “I will take 10 minutes to stretch after work.”

Writing these down reinforces commitment and gives you a sense of purpose. Over time, this habit can help align your daily actions with your long-term goals.

Customising your routine to fit your goals

This routine is flexible and can be tailored to your needs:

  • For Fitness Enthusiasts: Focus on movement and setting workout intentions.
  • For Busy Professionals: Highlight setting daily priorities and using meditation for focus.
  • For Parents: Involve your kids in light movement or gratitude exercises for a family-friendly routine.

Quit those excuses

“I don’t have time in the morning.” Wake up 10 minutes earlier or integrate these habits into existing routines (e.g., journaling while having coffee).

“I’m not consistent.” Emphasise progress over perfection and starting small. Even doing one habit consistently can make a difference.

Why this routine works

The beauty of this 10-minute morning mindset routine is its simplicity. It’s short enough to fit into the busiest schedules and effective enough to deliver noticeable results. Ready to transform your mornings? Try this routine for a week and let me know how it goes.