Two Inspiring Morning Routines for INFPs
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about our morning routines and how they influence the rest of our day. I know when my morning gets started on the right foot, the rest of the day seems to flow so much better and I’m more effective and optimistic. With that in mind, I decided to start a series with inspiring morning routines for each of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types.
For INFPs, starting the day with creativity, meaning, and purpose is key. INFPs are gifted with a rich inner world filled with dreams, ideas, and profound emotional awareness. Creating a morning routine that aligns with their creative and introspective nature can set the tone for a purposeful and inspired day. Whether you’re rushing or have a bit more time, here are two alternative morning routines to spark your imagination and help you meet your day with purpose and energy.
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.
The Night Before
- Reflect and Journal: Spend a few minutes before bed reflecting on your day. Write down any thoughts, ideas, or feelings that stand out. This practice can clear your mind, spark creativity, and provide insights that can be revisited in the morning.
- Plan Ahead: Outline just a few goals for the next day. Having these objectives clarified can reduce morning stress and provide a sense of purpose and direction.
- Unwind with Quiet Time: Dedicate the last 30 minutes of your evening to quiet, low-stimulation activities, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle yoga. This helps calm your mind and body, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep and a peaceful morning.
The Quick and Meaningful Morning Routine
Even on busy days, it’s important for INFPs to find moments of depth and meaning. Mornings that feel rushed and distracted set a tone of frustration, stress, and scattered thinking that can last all day long. Instead, follow this quick routine to make sure you start your day with a touch of inspiration, even if you’re on the go.
1. Wake Up with an Inspiring Quote
Leave your phone in another room overnight and place an inspiring quote by your bed. This way, the first thing you see upon waking is something that sets a positive tone and intention rather than notifications that might cause stress, distraction, or endless “doom-scrolling.”
Here are a few quotes I like, but feel free to find your own:
“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.”
– Anne Frank
“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but darling,
What if you fly?”
– Erin Hanson
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.”
– Harriet Tubman
2. Quick Journaling Session
Spend five minutes jotting down your thoughts in a journal. Write about your dreams from the night before, your intentions for the day, or simply free-write whatever comes to mind. This brief exercise helps you connect with your inner self and set a positive tone for the day. One INFP friend I know makes this the one morning activity she refuses to skip. She says if she doesn’t do it she tends to feel mentally cluttered, like there’s a feeling she hasn’t processed, all day, and it distracts her from everything else she tries to do.
3. Mindful Breathing
Before jumping out of bed, take a moment for some mindful breathing. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for four seconds. Repeat this three times to center yourself and prepare for the day ahead.
4. Do Some Gentle Stretching
Stretching in the morning help our brain and body to “wake up” after a night of resting by increasing blood flow and oxygen to our muscles. You’ll feel more limber, refreshed, and ready for the day by taking even one or two minutes to stretch. You can see some simple morning stretches in this article from Healthline.
4. Nourishing Breakfast
Even if you’re in a rush, try to have a nourishing breakfast. Opt for something simple yet fulfilling, like a smoothie packed with fruits and greens or a bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and berries. This will fuel your body and mind for the tasks ahead.
5. Creative Visualization
While sipping your coffee or tea, engage in a quick creative visualization. Close your eyes and visualize your ideal day. Imagine yourself meeting challenges with grace, feeling joyful, and finding moments of beauty in unexpected places.
The Leisurely Morning Routine
On days when you have more time, indulge in a morning routine that gets you fully immersed in your ideas, creative explorations, and self-care.
1. Wake Up with an Inspiring Quote
Just like in the quick routine, start your day with an inspiring quote by your bed. Allow yourself a few extra moments to ponder its meaning and how it can influence your day.
2. Extended Journaling Session
Take fifteen to twenty minutes for a more extended journaling session. Explore your dreams, aspirations, and any lingering thoughts from the previous day. Use this time to also set detailed intentions and goals for the day. Consider using prompts like “Today, I am grateful for…” or “One thing I want to achieve today is…”
3. Gentle Stretching or Yoga
Engage in a gentle stretching routine or a short yoga session to awaken your body. Focus on movements that feel intuitive and soothing. This practice not only energizes your body but also calms your mind, giving you a peaceful and restorative beginning to your day.
4. Mindful Meditation
Dedicate ten to fifteen minutes to mindful meditation. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath, and if your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Use this time to cultivate a sense of inner peace and presence.
5. Creative Exploration
Spend about thirty minutes on a creative activity that you love. This could be drawing, painting, writing poetry, or playing a musical instrument. Allow yourself to get lost in the creative flow, free from judgment or expectations.
6. Savory and Satisfying Breakfast
Prepare a savory and satisfying breakfast that delights your senses. Experiment with new recipes or make an old favorite. Consider making avocado toast with a sprinkle of chili flakes or a decadent yogurt parfait with layers of fruits, granola, and honey.
7. Nature Connection
If possible, spend some time in nature. Take a quiet stroll in a nearby park, garden, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Observing the natural world can be incredibly grounding and provide you with a sense of connection to something larger than yourself.
What Do You Think?
Do you have a specific morning ritual that keeps you inspired and motivated? Have you tried a morning routine like the ones above? Let us know any thoughts, tips, or ideas in the comments!
Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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