Stationery Edit

There’s something beautiful about starting the day with intention. In a world that’s always rushing, I’ve created a slow morning routine that gives me space to breathe, reflect, and ease into the day. At the heart of it all? My planner.

This routine has become more than just organizing tasks. It’s become my personal time to connect with myself before the outside world demands anything from me. Here’s a little peek into how I start my mornings, slow and cozy.

Waking Up Slowly

My alarm is soft; no jarring buzzers or aggressive notifications. I let myself lie in bed for a few minutes, stretch, and take a few deep breaths. I avoid grabbing my phone right away, instead I will open the curtains and let in some natural light. If it’s cooler, I’ll wrap myself in my favorite hoodie or oversized cardigan and walk the kitchen for a warm drink.

Morning Drink & Setting the Mood

Whether it’s a cinnamon-spiced coffee, or a simple herbal tea, I start my day with something warm in hand. Unless it’s summer; then I make myself an iced-caffeinated green drink. I’ll turn on my monitor light and set it at a soft warm shade, play my chill music mix, and settle into my desk with my planner.

This quiet ambiance makes all the difference. It shifts my mindset from “doing” to “being.” I’m not just here to plan; I’m here to enjoy the moment.

Opening My Planner

I flip open my planner and take a deep breath. There’s comfort in the paper, the structure, the gentle order of it all. My planning session usually begins with a quick reflection:

• How am I feeling today?
• What do I need more of – rest, energy, focus, creativity?
• What are my top three priorities?

Planning the Day (Softly)

I keep things flexible. I’ll block out key meetings or non-negotiables, then loosely list out my personal and work tasks. I leave plenty of margin in my schedule; because real life doesn’t follow a strict schedule.

Some of my favorite planning tools I use:

• Cozy planner stickers for visual cues and a bit of joy
• A “Focus” section to help me stay focused
• A small checklist of habits I’m trying to build, like stretching or drinking more water

Gentle Transition Into the Day

After I’ve set my planner, I sit with my thoughts for a moment. Sometimes I’ll journal or watch a short video from my favorite content creators.

Finally, I begin my day because I’m feeling centered, calm, and prepared.