They say that how you start your morning is how you live your day. For years, my mornings were a mad dash — hunting for matching socks while scrolling Instagram, sipping tea that had gone cold. Then one day, I decided to rebel against the chaos.
Now my mornings are slower and softer, yet I somehow manage to get more done than before. Here’s the routine that changed everything — and the little tools that make it possible.
1. Wake Up Without a Jolt
No more blaring alarm that feels like an air raid siren. I switched to a gentle sunrise alarm clock that wakes me with soft light and bird sounds. It’s like the morning is giving me a hug instead of a slap.
2. Warm Water, First Thing
No tea or coffee for me in the morning. I drink a big glass of warm water with a slice of lemon. It feels like a spa moment for my insides.
I use my electric kettle to warm up my water and keep it easy with an insulated flask on my balcony table, so I don’t have to reheat it again.
3. A Few Minutes of Stretching
Yoga isn’t just exercise for me — it’s the way I greet the day. Whether it’s 15 minutes of sun salutations or a gentle stretch sequence, this daily practice grounds me and energises me.
I keep a non-slip yoga mat always rolled out in a quiet corner of my balcony, so there’s never an excuse.
4. My Morning Pages
This is my brain’s way of shaking out the dust — three pages of whatever comes to mind. Gratitude lists, to-do items, dreams from last night… all of it goes here.
A pretty notebook makes me want to write, and a smooth gel pen is non-negotiable.
👉 “Smooth Gel Pen”
5. Slow Breakfast, Real Plates
Even if it’s just toast and fruit, I eat it slowly, away from screens. Using a ceramic breakfast set instead of random, mismatched plates somehow makes it feel like a special occasion.
👉 “Ceramic Breakfast Plate Set”
6. A Tiny Intentional To-Do List
Instead of dumping my entire brain onto a list, I choose three things I must get done. I use a desk planner that sits open all day, looking at me like a gentle but firm coach.
👉 “Desk Planner Pad”
Why This Works
The slowness makes the day feel spacious. The little rituals make me feel cared for. And oddly enough, when I’m not rushing, I work better, think clearly, and tick off those big tasks.
Try this routine for a week. Pick one or two tools that will make it easy for you — and treat yourself to something you enjoy. Your mornings will thank you.
If you’d like to start your own slow & mindful mornings, here are the exact things I use or recommend:
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — but I only recommend what I genuinely love.)
Neerja Bhatnagar
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I have written 3 solo books and 3 anthologies. You can buy my books on Amazon. If you are on Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free. Pls, do check and share your reviews.
Very useful tips. I do some of these . But not consistently. Hope, your post inspires me to be a little more disciplined.
I really liked your post, Neeraja.
Thankyou!