MORNING PAGES FOR BUSY PEOPLE: HOW TO DO IT FAST AND STILL FEEL IT’S WORTH IT
If you’ve ever heard about morning pages, you probably know the “rule”: three long pages of free writing, first thing in the morning.
It sounds magical, until you’re staring at the clock, realizing you’ve got 15 minutes before work and 30 minutes to get there. For busy people, the traditional idea of morning pages feels impossible. But here’s the secret: morning pages don’t have to be long to be powerful.
This is about writing that connects you to your core, the part of you that’s underneath the noise of the day. Even five minutes can get you there, if you do it right.
Why Morning Pages Work (Even if You’re Busy)
Morning pages aren’t just about filling three sheets of paper. They’re about clearing your head before the world crowds in. Think of it as brushing your mind the way you brush your teeth. You’re not trying to write something brilliant, you’re simply giving your thoughts somewhere to go.
The benefits of morning pages are simple but deep:
● They create mental space for focus.
● They calm the buzzing, anxious part of your brain.
● They help you hear yourself before you hear everyone else.
And here’s the good news: those benefits don’t disappear if you scale it down.
The “Core-Minutes” Method: Morning Pages in 10 Minutes or Less
If you don’t have an hour, you don’t need one. What you need is a structure that feels doable and meaningful. Here’s a simple routine I call the "Core-Minutes Method" perfect for busy mornings:
1. One Minute to Dump – Grab your journal and write the first things that come to your mind. No filter. Don’t pause. Just get the noise out.
2. Three Minutes to Name – In the middle of the mess, name one emotion you’re actually carrying today. Stress? Excitement? Fear? Naming it gives you clarity.
3. Five Minutes to Anchor – Write a few sentences that anchor you to your day. What one thing matters most today? What do you want to feel proud of by nightfall?
That’s it. Ten minutes. You’ve cleared the noise, found your core, and set your direction.
How to Make It Feel Worth It
The trap busy people fall into is thinking shorter equals weaker. But here’s something most don’t realize: the value of morning pages isn’t in the number of words, it’s in the shift it gives you.
You’ll know your quick session was worth it when:
● You feel lighter walking into your day.
● You notice yourself less reactive to stress. You remember what actually matters instead of sweating the small things.
Even a single page, or half a page, can reset your mental rhythm.
Tools That Help You Stick With It
If you’re someone who forgets or gets distracted easily, try these:
● A small journal: Big empty pages can feel intimidating. A smaller journal makes the task feel quick.
● Keep it visible: Place your journal on your nightstand or coffee table, where you can’t ignore it.
● Pair it with a ritual: Coffee, tea, or even stretching. Make morning pages the second step of something you already do.
And if you’re more digital? There are journaling apps that mimic morning pages perfectly. The method is what matters, not the medium.
The CORE- Why It Matters
At the end of the day, journaling isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, to yourself, your core. When you show up to your morning pages, even in the smallest way, you remind yourself: I’m allowed to take space for myself.
So, if you’re busy (and who isn’t)? - don’t skip it.
Do it your way. Morning pages that take ten minutes can be just as life-giving as three pages. The point isn’t the length. The point is that you touched base with your inner self before stepping out into the noise.
And when you carry that connection into your day? That’s when journaling stops being a task and starts being a lifeline.