A Writer’s Morning Routine to get Writing Done

Routines are are hard thing for me to keep. But I’ve found when I write what I’m going to do down, I’m more likely to stick to it. So, here is my routine that I tend to have on my “writing days” when I have a day off work to simply go at whatever writing project I’m working on. One thing that’s nice about this routine is I get a lot of writing done before the day really starts. By 10:00, sometimes I already have 1,000 words which is great progress for me. And then I have the rest of day to do with what I wish (whether that means more writing or other fun things, it entirely depends on the day).

Now I’m not going to guarantee this routine would work for you. Everyone writes differently and has different writing habits that work for them. But I figured I’d post it anyways not only as a reminder to myself to stick with it, but in hopes that maybe someone else can draw some inspiration from it for their own routine.

6:30am – Wake up

It usually takes me a second to prepare myself for the day and simply getting out of bed so sometimes I set my alarm to 6:20 just to make sure I’m actually getting started by 6:30.

6:40am – Drink a glass of water

Hydration is really important. I find my brain wakes up quicker when I drink a glass of water right when I wake up so I definitely recommend this.

6:50am – Eat Breakfast

I have been a breakfast skipper before in the past, I’ll admit it. But I have found that I’m more foggy mentally if I do skip. So if you want to get lots of writing done, I definitely recommend not only grabbing breakfast, but a substantial one. (But even a protein bar is better than nothing).

7:15am – Start Writing

Now its time to just sit down, and WRITE. No overthinking-just do it!

8:00am – 5 minute water break

Like I said, hydration is important. Give your brain a rest too. If you need to take longer break, that’s fine too. I’ve stretched this window of time out to 20 minutes when I’ve really needed it.

8:05am – Write some more

You’re on a roll!

9:00am – Half hour break and Midmorning Power Snack

Again, I feel foggy if I don’t have food or water and that doesn’t help me write in the slightest. So if you’re hungry again by this point, grab a power snack before pushing forward.

9:30am – Take a walk/Just move a little

Physical activity also tends to boost my creativity. It doesn’t have to be intensive either. A leisurely walk or some light stretches do the trick for me.

10:30am – Return to Writing for an hour or so.

And one last push! Here is where I sometimes edit instead of write before I go about my other duties I have scheduled for the day!