How I Decluttered My Morning Routine for Deeper Mindfulness

This blog post is made in partnership with NEIWAI, but as always, all opinions and experiences shared here are my own. The NEIWAI links are affiliate ones, meaning I might get a bit of commission if you decide to shop (no extra cost to you though!). Thanks for supporting me and the brands I love!

Here’s the thing… morning routines don’t have to be complicated, and they certainly don’t need to feel like another to-do on your list. Today, I'm sharing my favorite tips to declutter your morning routine to cultivate deeper mindfulness with more ease. It's simpler than you might think, and the best part? You get to tailor it to suit you. Here's how I did it:

1. Consider Nixing the Snooze Button

Let's start with something that might sound tough — breaking up with your snooze button. It's surprising, but science has shown us that snoozing can make us feel more tired. While you may think just five more minutes will make you feel more rested, you’re better off actually setting your alarm 5-10 minutes later rather than disrupting your sleep cycle.

If you’re snoozin’, clearly your body is telling you it needs a little more rest. So, go for it. Little by little, I now find that I don’t even need to set an alarm.

2. Find Your Morning Joy

Now, ask yourself: what is one thing you genuinely look forward to each morning? For me, it's my matcha ritual. Preparing and savoring my matcha is something I cherish. It's a moment of joy that sets the tone for the rest of my day. Your joy could be a hearty breakfast, a podcast, or even just some quiet time with a book. Find it and cherish it!

3. Embrace Movement – Your Way

Movement is a powerful morning energizer, but remember, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. If a full workout feels too much, try gentle stretching or a quick yoga session. I personally love to get my movement in the morning because my days can sometimes be unpredictable. Knowing I've started my day with some form of exercise keeps me energized and feeling good mentally. If you prefer to move later in the day, that’s cool too! Maybe it feels good to take a few deep breaths outside and that’s enough to satisfy your morning. Test it out and see what sticks.

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Their collection is beautiful, comfortable, and functional. The quality and minimalist aesthetic of the Mousse Active Collection is a joyful addition to my morning yoga practice, helping me feel more in tune with my body and movements. I’ve also been wearing and re-wearing the Knotted 2-Way Short Sleeve Top! Its so perfect for transitioning from my workout to co-working with friends.

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4. Practice Gratitude

Lastly, start a simple gratitude practice. There’s no right or wrong way to find gratitude — sometimes I journal it, other times I think about it in my head while I’m whisking my morning matcha. Thinking of what you’re grateful for daily is an incredibly simple, yet grounding practice that offers a positive perspective as I head into the day.

So there you have it. By decluttering and simplifying our morning routine, we're making room. Room for peace, for mindfulness, for a more intentional start to our day. We're clearing away the noise and chaos to make way for what truly nourishes us.

Remember, your morning routine should be all about you. It should give you a sense of calm, not stress. By incorporating mindfulness practices (and some cozy NEIWAI attire!), I've simplified my mornings, and you can too.

5. Keep it Simple

If your morning routine feels like a marathon, it's time to simplify. Instead of packing your morning with tasks, choose a few meaningful activities that energize you. Less truly is more. It’s about quality, not quantity. I’ve found this minimalist approach to my morning routine helps me focus on what truly matters and reduces stress.

Simplifying my routine has allowed me to prioritize what's genuinely important. It’s not about racing through an aesthetic “that girl” checklist; it's about making space for moments that contribute to your well-being.

The goal isn't to do more; it's to do what matters, more mindfully. So, next time you start your day, I invite you to slow down, simplify, and find what feels good.

Don’t forget to check out the Mousse Active Collection by NEIWAI to find your perfect morning movement gear, and use code “Jules” for 20% off!

Cheers to mindful mornings!

Thanks again to NEIWAI for partnering on this blog post!