The Morning Routines of 10 Highly Creative People!

Ever wondered why you feel tired before your day has even started? Or feeling the lack of creativity when your brain is just stuck? The answer might be in your morning routine. How you start your day will define how productive you are going to be towards the end of it, and if you are opening your eyes to immediately watch Insta reels, maybe you should take some inspiration from those who know how to achieve goals and be creative. By examining the routines of some of the world’s most artistic minds, we can uncover what fuels their ingenuity and sets them up for success!

1. Maya Angelou – Writing in a Sacred Space

The legendary poet and author Maya Angelou began her mornings in solitude, writing in a simple hotel room to free herself from distractions. Armed with a yellow legal pad and her thoughts, she would channel her creativity in this dedicated space. Her routine highlights the importance of carving out time and a sacred space to nurture creative flow.

2. Pablo Picasso – Embracing Slow Mornings

Pablo Picasso, the master of modern art, wasn’t one to rush in the morning. He would start his day leisurely, taking time to enjoy breakfast, meditate on his thoughts, and mentally prepare for a day of painting. This unhurried approach allowed his imagination to roam freely before diving into his work.

3. Haruki Murakami – Discipline in Simplicity

Famed novelist Haruki Murakami’s mornings are a masterclass in discipline. He wakes up at 4:00am, writes for several hours, and then runs or swims as part of his daily exercise. This mix of physical activity and early productivity keeps his mind sharp and his ideas flowing consistently.

4. Frida Kahlo – A Ritual of Reflection

Frida Kahlo’s mornings were deeply introspective. She often spent the early hours journaling or sketching while enjoying her coffee. Her mornings were less about rigid schedules and more about connecting with her inner emotions, which she later poured into her iconic paintings.

5. Albert Einstein – Quiet and Contemplation

Einstein valued peace and quiet in the morning, often spending time walking or simply thinking before starting his work. This unstructured but contemplative time helped him approach problems with a fresh perspective, emphasizing the power of letting the mind wander freely.

6. Jane Austen – Structured Beginnings

The famous author of Pride and Prejudice followed a structured morning routine. After breakfast with her family, she would sit down to write at the same time every day. Her commitment to routine highlights how structure can foster consistent creativity.

7. David Lynch – Transcendental Meditation

Iconic filmmaker David Lynch begins his mornings with transcendental meditation. This practice allows him to center himself, calm his mind, and access deeper levels of creativity for his work. For Lynch, starting the day with mindfulness is a gateway to artistic inspiration.

8. Georgia O’Keeffe – Time in Nature

Famed painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s mornings often included a walk outdoors, where she connected with the natural world that inspired her work. The quiet observation of landscapes and light informed her groundbreaking art, proving that creativity is often found in the world around us.

9. Ludwig van Beethoven – Coffee Perfectionist

Beethoven was famously meticulous about his coffee. He counted out exactly 60 coffee beans for his morning brew, believing that the perfect cup of coffee fueled his compositional genius. This ritual reflects how even seemingly small habits can anchor creative energy.

10. Marie Curie – Dive Straight into Work

As a pioneering scientist, Marie Curie often spent her mornings immersed in her lab work. Her creativity came alive through experimentation and discovery, showing that, for some, the best way to start the day is by diving right into their passion.
 

Regardless what morning routine you choose for yourself, here is a general advice: psychologists do not advise to start off your day by working immediately (Marie Curie would disagree but she was not a psychologist). It is also great not to touch your phone for at least an hour after you wake up. Journaling, reading, walking, or exercising are great ways of starting off your day to channel your creativity and feel energized and happy. Choose the routine that suits and the world will become your oyster!