Mornings tell us a lot about our day. From the first stretch to the first sip of an energizing elixir, we’re setting the tone for the hours ahead. It’s important to remember this when I’m short on time.
In an ideal world, I’d have an hour to myself every morning. The reality? Entrepreneurship requires flexibility, last-minute changes, and traveling to new, foreign places. Routines can shift or be neglected — but a well-established ritual can set you up for success.
In this article, I’ll share my 20-minute morning ritual to help you jumpstart your day and tackle your to-do list, even in your busiest season.
My 20-Minute Morning Ritual
As an entrepreneur, it’s my goal to maximize my time. A morning ritual supports that mission by helping me feel energized, focused, and ready for whatever the day may bring. Starting the day with intention and purpose, no matter how hard-pressed for time I am, ensures I make the most of my 24 hours. Here’s how I find time for myself amidst the chaos of work and life.
Five Minute Meditation
Practicing mindfulness or meditation for five minutes is a must. Meditation’s benefits are personal and professional, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, increased creativity, and enhanced overall well-being.
If you truly make it a habit, regular meditation can increase resilience and emotional intelligence, leading to better decision-making and leadership skills.
Applications like Calm make my meditations easy and accessible. Whether at home or abroad, I can find meditations that fit my schedule and interests to guide me toward inner peace.
Five Minute Yoga
One of my favorite morning rituals is movement. When time is limited, I turn to yoga. The sacred practice means “to unite.” For me, it’s a reminder of the connection between physical health and mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
A five-minute commitment to yoga supports my overall commitment to wellness. Laying out my Bala yoga mat signals my body to prepare for a quick flow that awakens my breath and spine. That burst of energy gives me the strength and confidence to sustain the day.
Five Minute Journaling
Once I complete my yoga session, I grab my journal. With my mind and body opened up, I’m ready to scribe any creative thoughts, ideas, or revelations from my morning. Three “rules” that let me make the most out of my journaling time include:
1. Limiting distractions. I avoid having my phone, TV, or other devices on or nearby
2. I allow myself to write freely, with no particular agenda, to clear my head
3. I love using the Five Minute Journal to guide my experience and skip the struggle of finding inspiration to write
Journaling improves my mood, soothes any remnants of anxiety, and provides a safe place to process unfiltered musings. I can reflect on these later or release the pressure to resolve them.
“The better you care for yourself, the more productive and creative you will be.” — Nancy Twine
Five Minute Planning
Part of my ritual is also feeling prepared for work. Self-care comes first through meditation, yoga, and journaling before focusing on more work-related goals. (Because the better you care for yourself, the more productive and creative you will be.)
That said, I take five minutes to glance over my schedule. I double-check meetings and evaluate the efficiency and importance of my efforts.
Having a good sense of what’s ahead gives clarity. Knowing what to expect doesn’t mean you’ll get it all done, but you’ll have the opportunity to prioritize tasks that will best support your goals.
It’s easy to let the day’s demands take over, but just 20 minutes in the morning to prioritize my health and mindset has made all the difference. Give it a try and see the benefits for yourself.
What’s your busy morning ritual? Share your time-saving routine in the comments!
