Walking in Faith: The Life-Changing Power of a Daily Morning Routine

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

What do your mornings look like?

Hitting the snooze button 5 times before you finally drag yourself out of bed, only to take a 5-minute shower, grab a cup of coffee before rushing out the door. Maybe you have the added responsibility of getting your little ones ready as well, which only adds to your stress.

Before your day even begins, you are on edge, setting the tone for the entire day.

David knew the power of setting a morning routine. In the morning, he laid his requests before God and waited with expectation for God to answer. I can only imagine he was looking for traces of God’s mighty hand throughout his day.

The ESV translation says, “I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” The word lay or prepare in Greek is Arak which means to arrange or to set in order. David had a routine when he came to the Lord in the morning.

We must balance faith, family, career, and personal well-being in today's fast-paced world.

It's challenging to strike a balance and ensure your spiritual and personal growth doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. This is where a well-structured morning routine can make all the difference.

In this blog post, I will explore the benefits of creating a morning routine tailored to your competing priorities. I’ll also highlight ten morning habits to help kick-start your day on a positive note.

Living without structure or routine for a long period of time can lead to a range of health risks and negative consequences, both physical and mental. Here are some of the health risks associated with not having a daily routine:

✔️ Increased Stress: Without a routine, you may constantly feel disorganized and overwhelmed by the unpredictability of your day. This can lead to chronic stress, which is associated with a host of physical and mental health issues.

✔️ Poor Sleep: Irregular schedules can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it difficult to get consistent, quality sleep. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep can lead to a variety of health problems.

✔️ Unhealthy Eating Habits: Lack of structure can lead to erratic mealtimes and unhealthy eating habits. This may cause poor nutrition, weight gain, or other dietary issues.

✔️ Reduced Physical Activity: Not having a routine can make it hard to exercise regularly, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and health issues.

✔️ Decreased Time Management Skills: Daily routines help develop time management skills for personal and professional success.

Having no structure in your day can make you feel aimless and unhappy, which can affect your overall well-being. While some people prefer unstructured environments, most individuals need some level of routine in their daily lives.

Aligning your routine with your goals and values can help you live a more fulfilling life while reducing health risks. 

5 Benefits of a Morning Routine

A well-crafted morning routine can be a precious gift and change your life!

❤️ Spiritual Nourishment: Reading scripture and praying in the morning can strengthen your relationship with God and help you overcome hardships.

❤️ Positive Mindset: Writing about what you’re thankful for can help you have a more positive attitude and find joy and contentment.

❤️ Physical Wellness: Incorporating exercise and proper nutrition enhances your physical health, boosting energy levels and overall well-being.

❤️ Inner Peace: Mindful prayer and meditation helps you find peace within and stay calm in stressful situations.

❤️ Effective Time Management: Planning and prioritizing your day helps you manage competing priorities and use your time efficiently.

A morning routine helps you prioritize self-care, physical wellness, and time management. So, what morning habits should you implement to start your day? Here are a few to consider.

Creating a morning routine tailored to your unique needs can be a transformative practice.

It gives you the power to connect with God, stay positive, take care of yourself, and manage competing priorities. These ten morning habits can help you navigate life's challenges and nurture your faith and growth.

✅ Wake Up Early: Rise with the sun or set your alarm a bit earlier than necessary to allow for some quiet, uninterrupted time.

✅ Hydrate: Start your day by drinking a glass of water to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep. You can add a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.

✅ Prayer and Meditation: Begin your day with prayer, meditation, or a moment of reflection to center yourself spiritually and mentally.

✅ Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast that includes a balance of protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables.

✅ Exercise: Engage in physical activity, whether it's a quick workout, stretching, yoga, or a morning walk. Exercise boosts energy levels and mood.

✅ Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you're grateful for in a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset.

✅ Mindfulness or Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and increase mental clarity.

✅ Plan Your Day: Take a few minutes to review your schedule, set your priorities, and create a to-do list for the day.

✅ Self-Care: Dedicate a few moments to self-care, such as skincare, grooming, or any personal rituals that make you feel confident and empowered.

✅ Read or Learn: Spend some time reading a book, a devotion, or an inspiring article.

Alternatively, use this time for personal growth by learning something new.

Your Challenge If You Choose to Accept

Your challenge this week, is going to involve a little discipline.

Setting a morning ritual is a great way to open yourself up to the idea of following a routine. See for yourself how much better you’ll feel having completed your morning routine and watch the rest of your day flow a little easier.

🍵 To start, decide to engage in some form of a morning ritual this week.

🍵 Pick just one or two from the list above. You can wake up 30 minutes earlier, go for a run, have a cup of tea with no social media distractions, or simply create a gratitude practice.

🍵 Next, track your progress and how you feel every day, both before and after you complete the ritual. If you miss a day, don’t worry. Use this as an opportunity to OBSERVE how it affects you emotionally, mentally, and energetically for the rest of the day. 

Remember to tailor your morning routine to your individual needs and preferences. Adjust these habits to fit your lifestyle and priorities, ensuring that your mornings set a positive tone for your day ahead 

Well, My Beautiful Friend, I hope you enjoyed this segment on the importance of creating a morning routine. Post in the comments below something you learned or questions you have regarding creating a routine. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

If you struggle to keep a regular routine or would like help creating one, book a complimentary coaching session. I’d love to talk with you more.