What Are Morning Pages? A Gentle Guide to Starting Your Daily Journaling Practice

If you’ve ever wished for more clarity, creativity, or calm in your mornings, there’s a simple yet powerful practice that might change the way you start your day: Morning Pages.

Made popular by Julia Cameron in her bestselling book The Artist’s Way, Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. But they aren’t just for writers or artists—anyone can use them to clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and spark new ideas.

What Exactly Are Morning Pages?

Morning Pages are daily writing exercises—three pages, handwritten, with no rules. Think of them as a “brain dump” where you pour out whatever is on your mind: worries, to-do lists, dreams, frustrations, random thoughts, or even complaints.

The purpose isn’t polished writing or perfect grammar. In fact, no one needs to read your Morning Pages—not even you. They’re for your eyes only, making them a safe space for honesty, exploration, and self-reflection.

Why Morning Pages Work

• Clear Mental Clutter - Writing down your thoughts first thing in the morning frees up mental energy, allowing you to focus better throughout the day.

• Boost Creativity - By putting messy thoughts on paper, you quiet your inner critic and make space for new ideas to flow.

• Reduce Stress & Anxiety - Getting worries out of your head and onto the page helps you process emotions and gain perspective.

• Cultivate Mindfulness - Morning Pages gently slow you down, grounding you in the present moment before the rush of daily tasks begins.

How to Start Your Morning Pages Practice

1. Choose Your Journal & Pen - Pick a notebook that feels good in your hands and a pen you enjoy writing with. Many people prefer a simple lined journal—no pressure, just paper.

2. Set Aside Time in the Morning - The key is to write as soon as you wake up, before emails, social media, or distractions. Even if you only have 20–30 minutes, make it part of your routine.

3. Write Three Pages by Hand - Longhand writing slows your thoughts, helping you connect more deeply. Don’t censor or edit—just keep the pen moving. If you run out of things to say, write “I don’t know what to write” until something else surfaces.

4. Don’t Overthink It - Spelling, grammar, and neatness don’t matter. What matters is showing up, every morning, and letting your thoughts spill out.

5. Keep Them Private - Remember, Morning Pages are not meant to be shared. This privacy gives you permission to be raw, messy, and completely yourself.

Tips for Success

• Be Consistent: The benefits build over time. Try committing to at least a week and notice how you feel.

• Create a Ritual: Pair Morning Pages with coffee, tea, or a candle to make it enjoyable.

• Stay Flexible: If three pages feel overwhelming at first, start with one and gradually build up.

• Don’t Judge the Content: Some days your pages may feel insightful, other days repetitive or dull—that’s normal. Every page has value.

Final Thoughts

Morning Pages are more than just journaling—they’re a daily act of self-care. By giving your thoughts a home on paper, you create space for creativity, focus, and peace of mind.

So tomorrow morning, grab a notebook, pour your coffee, and give it a try. Your first three pages might just become the most important part of your day.