Finding Joy In the Early Mornings: How To Tips!

Let’s be honest—early mornings aren’t always easy. However, finding joy in the early mornings isn’t impossible.

The bed is warm, the to-do list is long, and hitting snooze is so tempting. But there’s something magical about those quiet morning hours (actually, it’s minutes for me). It’s the only time the house is still, the chai latte is hot, and you can actually hear yourself think.

I use the term “early” loosely. Let’s just talk about getting up before everyone else does. 

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1. The Night Before Is the Real Game-Changer

Here’s the truth: a good morning starts the night before. When I take five minutes to tidy up, lay out my clothes, and set out what I need for the next day, I wake up feeling a little more ready to go.

Personally, I decided that taking a little extra time in the evening to do a few extra things is worth it to me. Maybe try a little bit at a time and see if the satisfaction is worth it to you. It makes a positive impact on my upcoming early morning hours. 

Try this: load the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, and set out your favorite mug before you go to bed. It is the small things that lead to big changes. Waking up to a clean kitchen feels like a gift from yesterday’s you. It really does!

I love waking up to an empty kitchen sink. It’s the little things, that don’t take much time, that help me to experience joy. 

2. Wake Up Before the Family

I get it—waking up early is hard. There’s something powerful about having a little time to yourself before the kids are up or the emails start rolling in.

Start small. Set your alarm clock just 15 minutes earlier. Use that time to sip your coffee, pray, or just sit in the quiet. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer your day feels.

3. Create a Morning Ritual You Look Forward To

Here’s the secret to embracing early mornings: make them something you want to wake up for. Maybe it’s journaling, reading a devotional, sitting and sipping, or working on a favorite hobby for just a bit. 

For me, it’s reading my Bible, getting in a VERY short workout (body wake-up), and working on my blog. Add a candle, soft lighting, or even your Plufl (you knew that was coming), and suddenly mornings feel a little more inviting. Actually, don’t get in the Plufl because you probably won’t get out. 

4. Tackle Homemaking Tasks in Small Steps

Decide where in the routine you want to complete some homemaking task. For me, it is the last thing that I do before I leave for work. The key is to keep it simple. I’ll start a load of laundry or empty the dishwasher—things that make the rest of the day run smoother.

Small changes help us to get the important things done. 

Don’t feel like you need to do everything. Just pick one or two tasks that make the biggest difference for your family. Small wins add up.

5. Plan Your Day with Intention 

Before the day gets away from me, I spend a few minutes looking at my planner. What’s on the schedule? What needs to get done? What can wait?

Having a plan helps me feel less overwhelmed and more in control. And let’s be real—crossing things off the list is so satisfying. I love writing them down just so I can cross them off. Is that because I was born in the 1900’s? 

6. Make It Work for You

Listen, not every morning will look picture-perfect. Some days you’ll sleep in. Some days the kids will wake up before you, and you’ll wonder why you even tried. That’s okay. We are not trying to create a strict morning routine, we are creating a joyful moment in our daily life by making a conscious effort to have a plan for the start of the day. 

The point isn’t to have a perfect routine. It’s to create a rhythm that helps you feel more grounded and joyful in your day-to-day life. Start small, adjust as you go, and remember: progress, not perfection.

Mornings can be your secret weapon to a joyful, productive day. If you’re not naturally an early riser, it doesn’t mean you can’t become one. It’s all about starting small, planning ahead, and keeping it practical.

Let’s talk a little bit more about how to ease into those early mornings with purpose and maybe even a little joy.

Start with the Night Before

A great morning starts the night before—simple as that. Here’s what you can do to set yourself up for success:
1. Lay Out Your Clothes
Save yourself from staring blankly into your closet half-asleep. Pick out your outfit the night before. It’s a small step, but it feels like a win before you even get out of bed.
2. Limit Screen Time
Scrolling Instagram or watching TV until you pass out doesn’t exactly scream restful. Try turning off screens at least an hour before bed. It’ll help your brain wind down, and your sleep will thank you.
3. Watch What You Eat (and Drink)
Late-night snacks can sabotage a good night’s sleep. I know, sometimes a cookie at 9:45 feels like self-care, but trust me, your body will appreciate it if you stop eating a couple of hours before bed. And let’s not even talk about chugging water or tea right before bedtime unless you enjoy middle-of-the-night wake-up calls.

Practical Steps to Wake Up Early

If you want to start waking up earlier, you don’t have to go all-in right away. No one enjoys a 5 a.m. wake-up if they’re used to rolling out of bed at 7. Here’s how to ease into it:
1. Know How Long Things Take
This is a game-changer. Time yourself doing your morning routine—whether it’s brushing your teeth, fixing your hair, making coffee, or whipping up a quick breakfast. Once you know how long everything takes, you can work backward to set the right wake-up time.
2. Start Small
Don’t try to go from sleeping in to waking up two hours earlier overnight. Instead, wake up just five minutes earlier each day. Keep going until you reach your goal, whether it’s 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour earlier. Those little steps make it much easier (and less painful).
3. Create a Routine You Look Forward To
If the idea of getting up earlier makes you groan, give yourself something to look forward to. Maybe it’s enjoying a quiet coffee while the house is still. Maybe it’s having time to journal, read Scripture, or simply sit in silence. Take the time to plan out your morning routine.

Build a Simple Homemaking Routine

Early mornings aren’t just about waking up. They’re about setting the tone for your day with a simple routine. Here’s how you can create one that works for you:
1. Prioritize the Essentials
What’s non-negotiable in your morning? Coffee? Gratitude? A quick workout? Start with those key things and build around them. For me, once I’m dressed, it’s having quiet time with my Heavenly Father and taking time for morning prayers. 
2. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Simplify tasks where you can. Prep your coffee the night before so all you have to do is push a button. Have breakfast staples like oatmeal or yogurt ready to go. The less you have to think about, the better. The human brain has limited space (well, mine seems to) and the more that you can create mindless routines that just flow with your day, the better. 
3. Give Yourself Grace
Some mornings just don’t go as planned. That’s okay. The beauty of a simple homemaking routine is its flexibility.

The Joy of Mornings

As you start to wake up earlier and embrace a simple morning routine, you’ll find there’s a quiet joy in those early hours. The house is still, the day feels full of possibilities, and you get to start on your own terms.

Even if it’s just 15 extra minutes (I know, it’s harder than it sounds), that time can make all the difference in how the rest of your day unfolds. So, set your alarm, prep the night before, and take those small steps toward a joyful morning routine. You’ve got this!

The Gift of Mornings

Early mornings aren’t about getting more done—they’re about starting the day with purpose and peace. They’re a chance to reset, connect, and take care of yourself before taking care of everyone else.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but I’m not a morning person,” let me tell you: I wasn’t either. But now? I find joy in the mornings.

Let’s be clear, I am NOT ready to be social when I wake up, but by the time I head out the door, I have accomplished tasks, had me time (which currently involves working on writing blog post like this one), and started my day in the Word. 

What’s your favorite way to start the morning? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!