Slow Morning Routine: My 6 AM Ritual for a Peaceful and Productive Start

For a while now, I’ve committed to giving myself slow, intentional mornings. I wake up at 6 a.m. and don’t start work until 10 a.m., which gives me four full hours to focus on my well-being, mindset, and energy. It’s not about perfection or doing it all “right”—it’s about creating space to move through the morning with intention instead of rushing through it.

Here’s what my current routine looks like.

6:00 AM – Wake Up, Hydrate, Meditate, Quick Journal

I start the day by drinking a full glass of water. Then I play either 432 Hz music or subliminal playlists in the background—it’s a subtle but powerful way to create a calm, focused environment. I’ll either meditate for a few minutes or just sit quietly before writing in The Recode Workbook by Alexie Gigi. I don’t write a lot—just a few lines to check in with how I’m feeling and what I want to focus on.

6:35 AM – Meal 1: Pre-Workout Breakfast + Hydration

I prepare a simple protein shake, just enough to fuel my morning movement. I keep this moment quiet and screen-free, and I always take another water break here before heading out.

7:00 AM – Short Walk with Emma

Emma, my dog, gets a short walk around this time. We don’t go far, just enough to enjoy the morning light and some fresh air. It’s also a quiet moment to connect with her and with nature before the day speeds up.

7:15 AM to 9:00 AM – Gym (Cardio + Strength) or Long Walk

On most days, I go to the gym for a mix of cardio and strength training. But honestly, some mornings I prefer to skip the gym and go for a longer walk instead—usually about 90 minutes. I love listening to music while walking and just watching the world move around me. It helps me think, clear my head, and feel creatively inspired. Both options give me energy—it just depends on what I need that day.

9:00 AM – Shower + Get Ready

After moving my body, I take a shower and start slowly shifting into “work mode.” I might light a candle or keep my calming playlist going while I get dressed. I try to make this transition gentle so I don’t lose that sense of calm I’ve built throughout the morning.

9:30 AM – Meal 2: Post-Workout Breakfast

Once I’m ready, I sit down to a second, more filling breakfast. At this point, I feel grounded, nourished, and ready to take on the day.

How I Stay Consistent

To make this routine part of my life, I’ve added everything into my Google Calendar, color-coded by type—meals, movement, mindfulness, and so on. Each step has a reminder that shows up on my Apple Watch, helping me stay on track without feeling rushed. It’s a small system, but it really helps the routine feel doable and consistent. I will make a post on how I organize and set up my Google Calendar. Stay tuned!

Final Thoughts

This slow morning routine has made a huge difference in how I show up for my day. It’s helped me feel more present, focused, and intentional. Even if you don’t have four hours in the morning, carving out just one hour to yourself can be powerful. Start small, stay flexible, and build a rhythm that works for you.