My 5-Minute Morning Journal Routine That Actually Works

I’ve always believed that mornings are the most important part of the day. There’s something sacred about those early hours - before emails, to-do lists, and distractions start pouring in. It’s when I feel the most clear, calm, and connected to myself. 

That’s why I built a simple, 5-minute morning journal routine that helps me stay grounded and intentional - without overcomplicating things. It doesn’t require a perfect setup or a long checklist. It just works. And it’s become the anchor I return to no matter what season I’m in. 

Step 1: No Phone. No Scroll. No distractions. 

The second I open my eyes, my phone stays on the nightstand (other than to turn my alarm off). I don’t check texts. I don’t open Instagram. I don’t let the outside world into my brain yet. This was the hardest habit to break - because let’s be real, grabbing our phone first thing has become so automatic. But those first few minutes set the tone for your entire day. I don’t want my first thoughts to be influenced by someone else’s life, opinion, or energy. I want them to come from me. 

 

Step 2: A Big Glass of Water (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

Before I even sit down to write, I head to the kitchen and drink a full glass of water. Not coffee, not matcha - water. It sounds simple, but after 7-8 hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated and your brain needs hydration to think clearly. It helps me feel more awake, more human, and way less foggy when I do sit down to journal. 

Step 3: Open the Journal - No Rules, Just Flow 

Here’s the beauty of this routine: there’s no pressure to be perfect. I sit down with my journal and just let my thoughts flow. Some mornings it’s a gratitude list. Other days, it’s a brain dump of everything that’s stressing me out. And sometimes, it’s one sentence: 

“I’m tired but I'm trying.”

That counts. That matters. The goal isn’t to write something profound - it’s to check in with yourself honestly. 

If you need a little structure, here’s the quick format I return to over and over:

• • How do I feel this morning?

  • What’s one thing I want to focus on today?

  • What’s one thing I’m grateful for?

That’s it. Some days I write a page, and it takes more than 5 minutes. Some days I answer each in one word. But every time I do it, I feel lighter. Clearer. More in control of my day.

Step 4: Set a Mini Intention (Like, Really Mini) 

Once I’ve journaled, I ask myself: 

“What’s one tiny thing I can do today to feel more like me?” 

It could be taking a walk. Lighting a candle while I work. Working from a different location. Drinking enough water. Saying no to something I don’t want to do. Setting the bar low might sound silly, but it helps me build trust with myself - because I actually follow through. Which in turn boosts my confidence. And that builds momentum too. 

That’s it. Five Minutes. 

It’s not fancy. It’s not instagram-perfect. But it helps. 

It gives me space before the world starts pulling me in a million directions. And most importantly, it reminds me that I get to lead my day instead of just reacting to it. 

So if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of having a perfect morning routine, start here. No phones. A glass of water. A few honest words in your journal. You deserve that much. 

And if you don’t know what to write - try using a guided journaling like The Breakthrough Journal. 

You’ve got this! 

Much Love, 

Alessandra