Best Morning Routine for Freelancers & Remote Jobs

Ever wonder how some freelancers manage to get so much done in the morning? Or at least, they say they do on social media, making you feel guilty about what you haven’t accomplished yet. Some of them have rock-solid morning routines—good for them!

When I started freelancing full-time in 2013, the first thing to go was my morning routine. I mean, wasn’t that the whole point of working for yourself? No alarms, no office, no strict schedule—I could sleep till 11 a.m. and work till 11 p.m. if I wanted. No one was expecting me to be at my desk, mindlessly scrolling through emails and news headlines.

But after a while, I realized that having no schedule wasn’t doing me any favors. It wasn’t good for my business, my health, or my productivity. Between 2013 and 2017, I took a few part-time in-house jobs, and surprisingly, they helped me build a better freelance routine.

Aside from the steady paycheck (which was nice), those jobs gave my week some structure. I noticed that on the days I wasn’t in the office, I was way more productive. I had to be. Deadlines didn’t wait, and I had to manage my time wisely. Going to bed at a decent hour became a necessity so I could wake up early and get things done.

Now, after freelancing full-time from home for several years, my morning routine is better than it used to be—but let’s be real, there’s still room for improvement.

This Freelance Writer’s Morning Routine ‘

Wake up around 5:30 a.m. (Thanks, kids!)

My mornings are a whirlwind. I take care of the kids, feed the dog, make breakfasts, pack meals and snacks if daycare is on the schedule, attempt to shower, get the kids dressed, and clean up the inevitable mess.

Once the kids are dropped off, I try to start work by 8 a.m. I know I’m at my best when I dive straight into writing—especially an assignment with a looming deadline—even if my first draft isn’t great. But sometimes, I get sucked into responding to emails from the day before. (BTW, if you need help coming up with article ideas, I’ve got you.)

To stay on track, I always review the to-do list I made the night before. This helps me tackle the most important tasks first, like submitting an article, prepping for interviews, or responding to editors. I usually jot down new tasks in my Notes app at night—it’s one of my go-to tools for keeping things organized.

By 10 a.m., I aim to have one assignment done. After that, I send out some freelance marketing emails, follow up on pitches, and clear out my inbox.

I save phone interviews, admin work, and business-related tasks for the afternoon when my energy dips.

Mornings are when a lot of freelancers feel the most productive—some even wake up before their family and “eat the frog” (aka, knock out their hardest task first). I get it. Mornings are one of the few times you can somewhat control—especially if you wake up early and avoid distractions like TV, family, or emails.

Whenever I focus on actual writing in the morning (instead of just emailing), I feel way more energized and productive the rest of the day because it’s no longer hanging over my head.

Since morning routines are something I’m always trying to improve, I asked some freelance writer friends to share their best morning habits for a productive day. (Oh, and if you’re looking for tips on writing a killer pitch;, you’ll want to check this out.)

Also Read: Can you make Passive Income on YouTube?

Successful Freelancer Morning Routines:

Start Your Day Early

“I’m naturally a morning person, so I get most of my work done before spending the rest of the day with my 3-year-old (my 5- and 7-year-old are in school). I try to follow a detailed morning routine, though I’ve fallen off track recently due to a cold. Maybe sharing it here will help me get back into the habit!” — Steph Mickelson, founder of The Practical Pen

Steph’s Morning Routine:

• 3:45-4:30 AM – Wake up, drink raspberry leaf tea with lemon, meditate, stretch, do some push-ups and bicycle crunches.
• 4:30-5:30 AM – Get coffee and start working. I plan my schedule on Sundays and adjust as needed throughout the week.
• 5:30-6:00 AM – My youngest wakes up, so I get her a drink and set her up with a show while I keep working.
• 6:00-6:15 AM – Change into workout clothes and wake up the big kids.
• 6:15-7:00 AM – Make breakfast and get the kids ready for school. The bus arrives at 7:00.
• 7:00-8:00 AM – Work out while my daughter plays or joins in.
• 8:00-9:00 AM – Shower, get dressed, tidy up, and clean the kitchen. On Mondays and Fridays, I do a full house clean.
• 9:00 AM onward – Start the day’s activities—errands, house projects, or just spending time with my daughter.

Also Read: Best Focus Techniques to Work Efficiently

Write Before Checking Emails

“On my best days, I wake up at 6 AM and start writing by 6:30. I resist the urge to check emails and instead focus on creating something—whether it’s a client article or a personal essay. If I can write for one or two hours before looking at my inbox, I consider it a successful day.

My worst days? When I get stuck in email mode and never get to the real work. One of the reasons I became a freelancer was to reclaim commute time and use it productively. Now, I can work when I’m at my sharpest, which benefits both my clients and my personal well-being.” — Laura Vrcek, Freelance Brand Journalist

Start with a Walk

“On my best days, I start with a morning walk. It used to be a quick trip to a coffee shop, but now it’s a longer, peaceful walk through the park.

As a writer, I need time to daydream, absorb life, and just think. I watch dogs play, see babies in strollers, overhear business calls, and soak in nature’s beauty. It’s the perfect mental warm-up.

When I’m ready to work, I make a quick but healthy breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, or scrambled eggs), put on some music, light a candle, and sit at my desk. I love small rituals—they help me focus.

Before diving into work, I check emails and scan the news for about 30 minutes. Then, I block off three to four solid hours to tackle my assignments without distractions. I avoid calls, social media, and emails during this time, which drives my family crazy, but it makes me so much more productive.” — Julie D. Andrews, Copywriter & Creative Strategist at JulesInk.com

Exercise and Meditate

“My morning routine is simple but essential. I wake up at 7 AM, work out at home, then meditate for 20 minutes.

I know you’re not supposed to check emails first thing, but I do—just a quick scan to see if any editors or sources have responded so I can adjust my schedule if needed.

If I don’t work out in the morning, it probably won’t happen at all. And meditation helps me find a little calm before the chaos of the day begins.” — Brittany Risher Englert, Digital Strategist, Editor, & Writer at BrittanyRisher.com

Also Read: Best Freelance Jobs for Beginners in 2025

What’s Your Morning Routine?

How do you structure your mornings to stay productive? Have you made any changes that helped? Share your routine in the comments—I might feature it in a future blog post!

And if you’re ready to take your freelance writing career to the next level, check out my Freelance Writing Weekend Jumpstart course. It’ll help you get started fast!