Lately, I’ve been seeing people like Denzel Washington talk about the power of starting the day in silence instead of reaching for your phone. It makes sense. Before the world floods in with notifications, emails, and to-do lists, why not give yourself a few moments of quiet? 

Hey there, fellow journaler! If that sounds good but you’re not sure where to start, here are five simple ways to ease into your morning—no scrolling required. 

1. Read Something Uplifting

A book, a Bible passage, a poem, or even a single quote—nothing pairs better with morning coffee or tea than words that nourish the mind. Start small. A paragraph, a page, a verse. Let it be the first voice you hear in the morning, one that carries you forward instead of pulling you into yesterday’s news cycle.

Not sure what to read? Try Louise Hay’s classic Heal Your Body for an instant dose of inspiration..

2. Breathe (On Purpose)

Last year, a stubborn bout of insomnia had me desperate for relief. Now, I’m someone who needs a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, and when I don’t get them… well, let’s just say it’s not pretty. If you’ve ever wrestled with sleepless nights, you know the cruel loop—worrying about not sleeping makes it even harder to sleep.

That’s how I found myself in a weekend course called The Art of Breathing. And let me tell you—it was breathtaking (sorry, this pun was a must). A year later, breathwork is still how I start my mornings. Focusing on my breath for just 20 minutes brings a clarity and calm that carries into the rest of the day.

3. Sketch a Tree

Yes, really. Open the curtain. Find a tree. Notice the way the branches stretch, how the light moves through the leaves. Now grab a pencil, some markers, whatever you have on hand, and sketch it. It doesn’t have to be good. It doesn’t even have to look like a tree. The magic isn’t in the outcome—it’s in the act of observing. 

No trees? No problem. Look up at the sky. Take in the shifting colors of morning. The world is already painting—why not join in?

4. Meditate (Or Reflect)

My Buddhist teacher once told me that meditation isn’t about forcing a blank mind—it’s about reflection. “What good is sitting still if your thoughts are restless?” she asked. Instead, she encouraged us to take an idea, something we learned, and test it in our own lives. “Don’t just take my word for it,” she said. “See for yourself.” 

Of course, simply sitting in silence has its own magic. But if your mind won’t stop chattering, try directing it toward something meaningful—maybe even the words you read that morning.

5. Write in Your Journal 

Dream fragments. Morning thoughts. A lingering feeling from yesterday. Whatever it is, write it down. The page doesn’t judge. It doesn’t scroll. It simply listens.

Maybe you jot down a single sentence. Perhaps you let the words flow, exploring the feelings and insights that bubble up as you welcome the day. You might even ask yourself a question: How do I feel stepping into this day? What do I need right now?

Journaling isn’t just about recording what happens—it’s a gateway to discovering yourself. Some mornings, it’s a quiet check-in; other days, it’s a portal to unexpected insights. Either way, it’s a moment to meet yourself before the world wakes up.

A Final Thought 

Silence isn’t just the absence of noise—it’s the presence of something deeper. A space where you can listen to yourself before the world starts demanding your attention.

So tomorrow morning, before you reach for your phone, reach for yourself first.