How to Do Morning Pages: A Simple Practice With Real Results

 Ever wake up with your brain racing but no clear idea what to do with all those swirling thoughts? Or maybe you just have a lot on your mind and want a better way to start your day. If that sounds familiar, morning pages might just be the game changer you need. I want to walk you through what morning pages are, why they work, and how you can make them a regular habit to really see the benefits.

What Are Morning Pages?

Let’s start with the basics.

Morning pages are a concept coined by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. The idea is simple but powerful: every morning, you write three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing. That means you just write whatever comes to mind without stopping, judging, editing, or revising. No crossing out or second-guessing. Just let it flow.

It’s basically a brain dump on paper. You get all the clutter out of your head and onto the page. The magic is that this process helps you discover patterns, understand what’s really going on in your mind, and turn those scattered thoughts into something useful instead of letting them bounce around and drive you crazy.

Now, I’ll be honest — writing three full pages every day can feel like a lot, especially if you’re just starting out.

So I usually recommend giving yourself some flexibility. Maybe it’s one page, or a certain word count, or even just writing for a set amount of time.

The key is to build the habit first, then grow it over time.

Why Morning Pages Work

So why bother with morning pages? Here’s what I’ve found and what the practice is known for:

• Clears mental clutter: Morning pages help you unload those bouncing, racing thoughts that can cloud your mind and stress you out.
• Prioritizes your day: Writing down what’s bouncing around in your head helps you identify what really matters and what you should focus on next.
• Builds creativity: By letting your thoughts flow without judgment, you start to see ideas more clearly and generate new creative projects.

For example, if you’re stressed about an upcoming presentation, your brain might be throwing out vague worries like “I’m not ready” or “What if I mess up?” Writing these down helps you specify what’s really bothering you — maybe you haven’t finished your slides or practiced enough. Once you identify the exact source of anxiety, you can take concrete steps to tackle it.

On the creative side, morning pages are a way to move from a general idea to something concrete. Maybe you start with “I want to paint,” then write about the tree outside your window, notice the birds you see there, and suddenly you have a clear idea: paint a bird. It’s that simple unfolding of ideas that makes morning pages so valuable.

Personally, I don’t always do three pages every morning, but I do a brain dump as part of my routine. It helps me get things out on paper — whether it’s what’s on my mind or a record of what’s happened recently. I keep this separate from my usual prompted journaling questions like “What’s going well?” or “What isn’t working?” Morning pages are more free-form, just letting my mind talk.

Getting Started: What You Need to Do Morning Pages

Now, you might be wondering what you actually need to get started. Here’s the lowdown:

Physical vs. Digital

You can do morning pages either on paper or digitally. I recommend starting with physical writing because there’s some solid science behind handwriting helping with memory and creativity. Plus, writing by hand engages your brain differently than typing.

That said, digital is fine too, especially if that’s what you’ll stick with. The important thing is consistency and comfort.

Choosing Your Notebook

Wondering what the “best” notebook is?

Spoiler alert: it’s the one you’ll actually use.

That could mean a tiny notebook you carry in your pocket, like a Field Notes journal, or a larger notebook you keep at your desk. I use a big notebook, for now, for daily priorities and brainstorming, so I have plenty of space for morning pages too.

Don’t get hung up on finding the perfect journal. You could even start with a scrap of paper or a napkin. The habit is the goal, not the fancy tools.

For a list of journals and notebooks and other tools that I like, you can check out this page.

Pick a Writing Tool You Like

Whether it’s a pen, pencil, or even a marker, pick something reliable that you enjoy writing with. I usually go with a simple ballpoint pen because it’s dependable and easy to carry around.

Find Your Quiet Space and Time

Having some quiet time helps, but it doesn’t have to be a big production. I suggest attaching morning pages to a habit you already have — this is called habit stacking. For example, write while you have your morning coffee or tea, or right after you feed your cat. This way, it’s easier to remember and feels natural.

Don’t worry about making it perfect or taking too long — you can do this in five or ten minutes. Setting a timer can be a great way to keep it manageable.

Tips for Writing Morning Pages

What Should You Write About?

One of the biggest questions is what to write. The truth is, you can write about anything. The point is to get your thoughts out, not to craft a polished essay.

If you want a little guidance, here are some prompts that can help you get started:

• What’s on my mind right now?
• What has been on my mind lately?
• What am I worried about?
• What’s making me excited for today?

Keep these prompts handy — maybe write them on a card or the inside cover of your journal. On days when your mind feels blank or you’re stuck, flipping back to these prompts can jumpstart your writing.

Can You Skip Days?

Absolutely. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or two. The key is consistency over perfection.

If you can’t write three pages, try reducing the time or amount you write but keep the habit going. Even two minutes is better than nothing. Think of it like lifting weights — start light, build the habit, and it gets easier over time.

Do You Have to Write Three Pages?

Nope. That’s just the original idea, but you do what works for you. Starting smaller is often better than trying to do too much and burning out.

Try one page or set a timer for five or ten minutes and see how it feels. The goal is to build a sustainable habit, not to check off a box.

Digital Morning Pages: Pros and Cons

If you prefer typing, go for it. Just keep in mind that typing can feel less personal or creative for some people, and you might be less likely to revisit what you wrote.

If you do digital morning pages, I recommend building in some kind of review process. Maybe once a week, skim through what you wrote and see if anything stands out. This “random rediscovery” can be surprisingly insightful.

Wrapping Up: Making Morning Pages Work for You

Morning pages aren’t about perfection or following strict rules — they’re about giving your brain a place to unload and your creativity a place to expand.

Whether you do three pages or just a few minutes, on paper or on a screen, the practice can help you clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and generate new ideas.

Start small, be kind to yourself, and build the habit gradually. Find a notebook and pen you like, pick a time that fits your morning routine, and give it a try. Remember, the best morning pages are the ones you actually do.

If you want to dive deeper, I’ve put together some of my favorite tools and a free seven-day journaling course delivered straight to your inbox — you can get that by clicking here.