How to Be Consistent with Your Morning Routine
Keep reading this post to learn how to:
Overcome the all-or-nothing mindset to show up for your mornings
Understand how a morning routine supports your mental health and keeps you grounded
Use the Routine Menu Method to create a flexible, personalized routine with non-negotiables and extras
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with a morning routine (raises hand), let me start by saying: you are not alone. As a toddler mom, I’ve had to completely reframe how I approach my mornings. It wasn’t easy at first—especially when I found myself stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset—but shifting my perspective and implementing a flexible system made all the difference.
Today, I’m sharing how you can build a morning routine that works for your current season of life, whether you’re juggling parenthood, work, or just trying to get through the day with a little more peace and intention.
The Problem: The All-or-Nothing Mindset
Let’s talk about the all-or-nothing mindset. For me, it looked like thinking my morning routine had to take 40 uninterrupted minutes to be effective. When my 2-year-old woke up earlier than expected, I felt like my entire routine—and day—was thrown off.
This type of thinking, also called "black-and-white thinking," makes it easy to believe there’s only one "right" way to do things. The result? You feel stuck, frustrated, and unmotivated to even try.
Once I recognized this pattern, I reframed my perspective: routines are tools, not chains. They’re meant to support you, not box you into rigid expectations.
What’s the Point of a Morning Routine?
Morning routines are powerful because they set the tone for your day. They’re like mental health hygiene—a way to care for your mind just like you care for your body.
Think of activities like journaling, reading, or meditating as the mental equivalent of brushing your teeth or taking a shower. You wouldn’t skip physical hygiene because you’re "too busy," so why not treat your mental health with the same urgency?
When you show up for a morning routine, even in small ways, you’re more grounded, patient, and creative throughout the day. It’s not about perfection; it’s about setting yourself up to feel supported and intentional.
Building a Morning Routine that Fits Your Life
If your mornings feel chaotic or inconsistent, you might wonder, "How do I even start building a routine that works for me?"
Enter: the Routine Menu Method.
This flexible framework helps you create a routine that adapts to your current season, whether you have 10 uninterrupted minutes or a toddler climbing all over you.
Here’s how it works in two simple steps!
Step 01: Identify Your Non-Negotiables
Your non-negotiables are simple, foundational activities you can realistically do almost every morning, no matter how busy or unpredictable your day is. These should be quick but intentional actions that nurture your mental health.
Examples of non-negotiables:
Saying 3 things you’re grateful for while you ice roll your face
Taking 5 deep breaths while your coffee brews
Reviewing your vision board and reading your monthly affirmation
The goal is to prioritize these activities consistently, even on your busiest mornings.
Step 02: Create Your Morning Menu
Your morning menu is a list of "extra" activities you’d like to do when you have more time or energy. Think of it like toppings on an ice cream sundae—your non-negotiables are the scoop of ice cream, and these are the sprinkles and whipped cream.
Examples of morning menu activities:
Journaling
Reading 10 pages of non-fiction
Meditating
Walking on a treadmill or outside
Free-writing a prayer or gratitude list
You’re not meant to do everything on your menu every day. Instead, choose one or two items based on your time and energy levels.
My Current Morning Routine (a tangible example!)
Here’s a peek at how I structure my mornings using the Morning Menu Method.
Non-Negotiables (do these most mornings):
No social media/email for 1 hour after waking
Ice roll + drink 8 oz of water
Decaf collagen coffee + high-protein breakfast
Review vision board + read monthly affirmation
Journal prompts: gratitude, sleep tracker, healthy action
Get sunlight in my eyes
Extras Menu (do these as time/energy permit):
Write a prayer or free-write in my journal
Bible study
Read 10 pages of non-fiction
Family walk
Read fiction
Whether my daughter wakes up at 6 AM or 7 AM, I can always do my non-negotiables. In the mornings, when she wakes up later or plays independently, I’ll add items from my extras menu.
Takeaways & Tips: What to Remember About Morning Routines
01. Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. Routines don’t have to be perfect to be effective.
02. Treat your routine as mental health hygiene. Simple, consistent actions can make a big impact.
03. Use the Routine Menu Method. Focus on non-negotiables and add extras when you can.
Ready to Build Your Morning Routine?
Start by writing down your non-negotiables and creating your morning menu. Remember, the goal isn’t to "do it all"—it’s to show up in a way that supports you in your current season.
If you try this method, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram @jessmmassey, and let’s chat about your new routine. 💖
Here’s to mornings that feel like a hug for your brain instead of a race against the clock!
If this post helped you in any way, I’d be so grateful if you shared it on your Instagram story and tagged me @jessmassey and @hustlesanely so we can spread the message of Hustle Sanely together!
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