Marie Kondo's Morning Routine: The Joy
Marie Kondo starts her day with intentional practices that spark joy. Morning habits helping her balance business success and motherhood.
The Philosophy Behind Marie's Morning
For Marie Kondo, routines aren't just about productivity—they're about creating harmony. As she explains, "I strive to keep my home comfortable and filled with clear energy the entire day." This approach reflects her deeper philosophy that our external environment significantly impacts our internal state.
Marie understands that establishing routines can be challenging, especially when life throws unexpected curveballs. Her approach to creating structure is holistic, beginning with her long-term vision before working down to daily habits. Currently, her priority is working efficiently to maximise time with her children—a goal that shapes every aspect of her routine.
Steps to Follow
Early Rising with Purpose
Marie begins her day at 6 AM, giving herself a calm head start before the household fully awakens. This early rising isn't about grinding through more work hours—it's about creating space for intentionality.
Welcome the World In
The first action in Marie's day is opening the blinds and windows throughout her home, allowing fresh air and natural light to flood in. She also burns incense, purifying the space and setting a serene tone for the day ahead. This simple act transforms her home environment from a sleeping space to an energised one.
Mindful Morning Brew
Marie then prepares herself a cup of tea, savoring both the preparation process and the drinking experience. She encourages everyone to "sip what sparks joy"—whether that's tea, coffee, or another beverage that brings you pleasure and helps you ease into your day mindfully.
Gratitude Practice
With tea in hand, Marie takes time for spiritual connection, saying a prayer of thanksgiving for her family and team members' health. She also uses this moment to renew her resolve for the day ahead, setting intentions rather than just diving into tasks. This gratitude practice grounds her in appreciation before the day's demands begin.
Dress for Success—Even at Home
Even when working from home, Marie changes into proper work clothes. This physical transition signals to her brain that it's time to shift into productivity mode. She emphasises wearing something that makes you feel good and confident, as your clothing energy affects your mindset throughout the day.
Intentional Planning
Marie then creates a to-do list for the day, enjoying the satisfaction of crossing items off as she completes them. This practice helps her maintain focus and provides a visual representation of her accomplishments, no matter how small.
Connection Time
Before diving fully into work, Marie makes time to connect with her partner. This might involve a morning walk, a discussion about their upcoming day, or simply sharing a quiet moment together. She considers this relationship nurturing essential for maintaining balance.
Evening Ritual: Family Tidy-Up
Marie involves her children in tidying the house before bedtime, ensuring every item returns to its proper home. This not only teaches her children valuable life skills but also means the family wakes up to a clean, organised space that promotes calm and clarity.
Evening Ritual: Relaxing Wind-Down
After the day's responsibilities are complete, Marie takes a warm bath with essential oils, washing away the day's tensions and warming her body. As she describes it, this ritual makes her "feel like I'm in an onsen deep in the mountains of Japan—connecting to nature and the elements is deeply nourishing.
She also takes time to record things she's grateful for or list moments that sparked joy during her day, closing the circle that began with her morning gratitude practice.
Conclusion: Creating Your Own Joy-Sparking Routine
Marie Kondo's daily routine reflects her philosophy that our environments and habits significantly impact our wellbeing. By creating intentional bookends to her day, she maintains the clear energy she's famous for cultivating in spaces.
The beauty of Marie's routine lies in its simplicity and transferability. You don't need special equipment or hours of free time—just intention and consistency. As Marie notes, "During busy or stressful periods when I don't prioritise self-care, I tend to doubt myself and feel anxious." Her routine serves as protective scaffolding that helps her "show up as my best self in all aspects of life."
Why not try incorporating elements of Marie's routine into your own morning? Start small—perhaps with opening your curtains mindfully or taking five minutes for gratitude before checking your phone. As Marie would say, keep what sparks joy and aligns with your current life priorities. Your perfect routine, like a well-organised home, should reflect who you are and what matters most to you right now.
What part of Marie Kondo's routine might you try tomorrow morning?