Creating Intentional Routines
Embrace the stillness of early mornings
It’s about 5 a.m. on a Saturday—my favourite time of day. There’s something so peaceful about the stillness of early mornings. The only sounds are the occasional barking of dogs in the neighbourhood or the gentle hum of the fan in the background. Other than that, it’s quiet. Completely still.
I cherish this time. No conversations, no distractions. Just me, my thoughts, and the presence of God. Over the years, I’ve learnt that these moments are some of the best for reflection and prayer. Quiet mornings aren’t just a preference for me—they’re a gift and I treasure them dearly.
What is your favourite time of day when you feel most at peace?
When I wake up at this hour, I usually make a conscious effort to start my day intentionally. I’ll spend time praying and talking with God, resisting the urge to grab my phone and dive into emails, WhatsApp messages, or social media. Like many, I’ve developed the habit of scrolling as soon as I wake up, but I’m working to break that cycle.
Slowing Down
In my 20s—and even into my 30s—I had a habit of diving straight into work as soon as I woke up. Those were the years when I was side-hustling alongside my 9-to-5, squeezing in work before the start of my official workday.
Every now and then, the urge to jump straight into work as soon as I wake up still creeps in. If I have an idea or project on my mind, I’m often tempted to dive right in. This morning was no different—I had a presentation to work on. But instead of giving in, I chose stillness: spending time in prayer, reading my Bible, and writing. Writing has gradually become a regular part of my morning routine.
This shift hasn’t been easy. Years of “hustle culture” convinced me that I needed to achieve everything within tight, self-imposed deadlines. But over time, I’ve realised that I can’t rush God’s timing—or anything in life. It’s a lesson I’m still learning: to pace myself while working toward my goals.
The Fulfillment of Stillness
Ideas often come to me in waves—quickly, and with an urgency to act on them all. But mornings like this remind me that it’s okay to slow down, to sit on the ideas and pray about them before implementing them. Allowing myself to relax, soak in the stillness, and release my thoughts is far more fulfilling than rushing to conquer my to-do list before the world wakes up.
I work best in the early mornings since these are usually my peak hours. However, instead of rushing straight into work, I choose to embrace stillness. I take time for morning walks, journalling, reflecting on my thoughts, processing new ideas, and mapping out my plans. This approach allows me to map out my day effectively, rather than diving in headfirst.
Breaking Old Habits
Breaking the habit of diving straight into work or social media requires intention. I used to sleep with my laptop and phone (and let’s be honest, all my devices) close to me. Sometimes, I’d even fall asleep mid-podcast or video. Recently, I’ve made small changes, like placing my devices across the room before bed.
I’ve also started setting my morning alarm through Alexa, choosing a playlist of my favourite songs instead of the jarring sound of an alarm. Over time, I’ve noticed I don’t even need an alarm anymore. My body has learnt to wake at a consistent time most mornings—unless I’ve stayed up too late the night before.
Since incorporating morning walks into my routine, it feels like my body now wakes up with a sense of excitement, ready for the walk ahead.
Starting the Day Intentionally
Starting my day with intention has truly shifted my mindset—not just for my work but for my well-being as a whole. It’s a practice that’s still evolving, but I’ve seen firsthand how these moments of stillness help me become more intentional in all areas of life. This small habit has helped me clarify my intentions for the day, and the quiet space has been invaluable for my creative process.
Practical Tips for Starting Your Day with Intentionality
Place your devices across the room before bed so you’re not tempted to check them first thing in the morning.
Choose a calming alarm tone that helps you ease into the day instead of jolting you awake.
Start with a quiet routine of prayer, journaling, or whatever suits you best and helps you to set the tone for your day—before diving into your to-do list.
Reflect on your goals for the day, and give yourself the mental space to prioritise what matters most.
What About You?
Have you ever embraced quiet mornings? How do you start your day with intention? I’d love to hear how you incorporate stillness into your routine. Share your thoughts in the comments below—I believe we can all learn from each other’s experiences.
And if you’re looking to make your mornings more intentional, here’s an album to help set the tone: Who is This Man by Sanchez. If you grew up in a Jamaican household, there’s a good chance you’ve heard some of these songs playing in the background as you get ready to start your day.
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