The Benefits of Morning Writing

Engaging in creative tasks is often more effective during the early hours of the day.

Any disruption can break my concentration. Whether it's the TV, music, or even the sounds from outside, I find that true creativity flourishes in complete silence. However, living in a compact apartment with a partner in a lively urban area presents its own set of challenges.

My writing space is the couch in our living room. Each day, from 6:00 to 7:30 AM, I dedicate this time to crafting at least one article as part of my daily practice. If I miss this early window, it’s likely that writing won’t happen at all. I open my Google Doc filled with article ideas and start working.

My boyfriend usually wakes up around 7:30 AM. He doesn’t quite grasp how disruptive this can be for my writing. He greets me with a “good morning,” and I politely request some quiet time to finish my work. Occasionally, he begins sharing a story, and when I ask him to pause, we both end up feeling frustrated with each other.

In an ideal situation, I would have a dedicated office space; I often fantasize about the productivity that a private room with a lock could offer. I’ve read that Stephen King isolates himself in his office each morning, not emerging until he reaches his target word count. As one of the most accomplished writers, I admire his discipline and aspire to emulate his routine.

However, I'm not Stephen King, and without a designated workspace, I maximize my writing time in the early morning when my boyfriend is still asleep and there are minimal distractions.

On mornings when I successfully wake up before 6 AM, my output significantly increases, allowing me to complete two articles before my day begins. To keep this schedule, I make it a point to go to bed by 10 PM, although I sometimes contemplate shifting both my wake-up and sleep times an hour earlier. I've realized that I struggle to be productive in the evenings; even reading in bed usually results in me dozing off within a chapter.

As the day progresses, my mind becomes cluttered with numerous thoughts and events, consuming most of my mental energy. As a teacher, I expend a considerable amount of physical and mental effort throughout the day, often leaving me with little energy to write by the time I finish work. If I reserve writing for the evening, it's almost guaranteed that it won’t get done.

Consequently, it's crucial for me to allocate my creative energy before it gets depleted by my responsibilities to my students.

If it’s true that we have a limited number of decisions we can make each day before experiencing decision fatigue, writing in the morning ensures that a portion of those decisions is reserved for my craft.

What time do you prefer to write, and what obstacles do you face in establishing your ideal routine? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to read! If you found this article helpful, please consider following for more insights.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Morning Pages

Morning pages serve as a valuable tool for unlocking creativity and organizing thoughts.

Subsection 1.1.1: Why Morning Pages Matter

Research suggests that writing first thing in the morning can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

The first video, "When Should You Write Morning Pages? - YouTube," discusses the optimal timing for starting your writing practice and its benefits.