I’m back with a guide on creating a productive morning routine checklist in 15 minutes or less! Why We all know morning routines are great. But what if we’re short on time? Or not a morning person? Or it’s the weekend? If you know me, you know I’m a huge advocate for morning routines. I even wrote an Ultimate Guide to Create Your Best Morning Routine. But it’s not always feasible to squeeze all that goodness into each morning.
Your Productive Morning Routine Checklist
Here’s the abbreviated version: every day do something good for your body, do something good for your mind, and do something good for your soul. What’s that look like more specifically? I’ll show you.
1.) Do something good for your body.
Since we’re talking about 15 minutes here I wouldn’t recommend a 12-mile run. But if you want to move your body there are plenty of free 10-minute workouts on YouTube. My favorite thing to do is this “wake up and stretch” video from Blogalites which warms my muscles and gets my body moving.
You could also go for a quick walk, do an ab video, or even 100 jumping jacks. The point is to do ONE good thing for yourself in each category, not run a marathon, and save the world before 9 am.
Another option for your morning routine checklist is to do something good for your body by giving it proper nutrition. Sorry, cereal doesn’t count. But making these healthy banana pancakes do!
Every morning I take a shot of Amazing Grass to get a healthy dose of greens in. You could even do something as simple as a warm cup of lemon water to jumpstart your digestion or make this protein-packed hot chocolate.
2.) Do something good for your mind.
Often times, what’s good for your body is also good for your mind. That quick walk or yoga session can also help clear your head.
Other options include listening to an informative podcast or reading a chapter in a book.
I use this time to go over my to-do list. I try to write it the night before but don’t stress about it. I then pick three –just THREE–main things I want to accomplish that day. Too many and you’ll feel like a failure. Too few and you’ll get sidetracked on Instagram all day.
This may sound strange but I also pray over my to-do list. Head to this blog post to find out why!
Whatever you choose to do make sure it invigorates OR helps clear your mind so you’re ready for the day.
3.) Do something good for your soul.
We often forget about this area of our life. For me, I start each day by reading my Bible. If I’m short on time I’ll read a chapter from Proverbs to fill me with wisdom for the day. Starting the day with God is the best thing I can do for myself.
Again, some of these items overlap–two birds with one stone again! That walk you took could also be just what you need to clear out your mind. Another option could be listening to an uplifting podcast.
Quick and easy, right? The point of a morning routine checklist is not to accomplish everything in the first hour of the day. The point is to get your read – mind, body, spirit – for the day ahead.
Also, if you have kids, be sure to check out this daily routine for toddlers!
What’s your morning routine checklist look like?
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So, I realized at Step 1 that I fail myself miserably. I don’t begin the morning by doing something good for my body…well, coffee is good for everybody ELSE that has to deal with me, but you know what I mean.
haha I totally do!
OMG it’s like you knew I needed this!!! Thank you so much for all your tips. Love that wake up and stretch video.
I hope it was helpful!
Love how you broke it down into simple areas that are easy to remember. Great tips in this article, thank you!
Morning checklists are a lifesaver!! Great reminder to take care of our whole selves
yes!
these tips are so important, i always start my day with a run and snuggles with my pup and then a since cup of coffee before I start work
aww I love the snuggles part!
I love morning routines! They just help the day go by so much smoother. My routine includes Morning Pages and some Future Self Journaling (mind and soul). I don’t really do anything for my body except fasting.
I’ve tried early yoga classes but find that they make my brain angry haha!
hahaha perhaps no morning yoga then! lol
I love that you kept this morning routine so simple! Sometimes, I get a little ahead of myself and create routines that aren’t sustainable. I definitely think caring for your spiritual health is a MUST in the morning. It deeply affects my day when I leave it out of my morning routine.
Amen to that!
I am such a fan of having a morning routine! It’s a good idea to create a checklist too!
Yikes, pretty much not doing any of these… need to change it up, big time!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!
I love that you created a straight forward way to create a good morning routine. Keep the body mind and soul happy for a good day ahead 🙂 Life has been a little crazy lately so you’ve inspired me to get back on track. Thanks Sarah!
I’m so glad!