I remember sitting at a cafe during my lunch break, talking with a work colleague about creativity and the things that inspired us. She mentioned Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and the Morning Pages practice it describes.

As a graphic designer, I didn’t see myself as an artist. I wondered whether the practice could be relevant to me, but the stories from people working in different creative fields made me curious.

My friend and I were both in creative ruts with our jobs and needed to try something new. From then on, each day (most days!), we started doing our morning pages and reporting back to each other.

Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. You write whatever comes to mind without editing as you go.

Three pages every morning can feel like a commitment. For me, the practice has offered space to think and reconnect with my creativity.

My colleague and I would talk about how we were finding the process and what we were noticing about ourselves. Writing can be a helpful way to make space for thoughts you might otherwise overlook.

If you’re curious, here’s how Morning Pages work and some ideas for fitting writing into your day.

What Are Morning Pages?

Julia Cameron describes Morning Pages as three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. They’re not meant to be polished or shared; they’re a place to put down whatever is on your mind.

Where Did the Concept of Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages Come From?

Morning Pages are a practice from Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way, which explores ways to reconnect with creativity. Cameron also introduces the Artist Date: time set aside to explore something that interests or inspires you.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

The book includes exercises and activities alongside Morning Pages and Artist Dates for readers who want to explore the approach further.

The Purpose of Morning Pages

Cameron presents Morning Pages as a tool for creative recovery. Writing can also provide a little space to notice what’s on your mind, from everyday tasks to bigger questions.

What to Write in Morning Pages

Write whatever crosses your mind: a list of things to do, something that’s bothering you, a memory or a thought you can’t quite explain. The pages are for you, so there’s no need to make them sound polished or assign a special topic to any page.

How to Do Morning Pages

If you’d like to try Cameron’s approach, here’s what you’ll need and how to begin.

Materials Needed for Morning Pages

All you need is a pen or pencil and paper. A notebook or journal works well. Cameron’s original practice uses writing by hand, rather than typing.

When to Write Morning Pages

Cameron recommends writing first thing in the morning. If that timing doesn’t fit your life, you can still make space for free-flowing writing at another time.

Tips for Making Morning Pages a Habit

Keep your notebook somewhere easy to reach, or use a habit tracker if that helps. Cameron suggests three pages each morning, but if a shorter writing session is what you can manage, it’s still a way to begin.

Benefits of Writing Morning Pages

I’ve returned to Morning Pages over the years. Here are a few reasons someone might find the practice useful:

Clearing Your Mind

Putting worries, tasks or passing thoughts on paper can give you a chance to pause and see what’s on your mind.

Boosting Creativity

Morning Pages are one of Cameron’s tools for exploring creativity. For me, writing has helped me reconnect with my creative side.

Improving Self-Awareness

Writing can give you space to notice your feelings and reflect on what matters to you.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Some people find writing about worries helpful, although everyone’s experience is different. If anxiety or stress is affecting your daily life, consider talking with a qualified health professional; journaling isn’t a substitute for care.

Key Thought:

Morning Pages are three handwritten pages of whatever comes to mind. They can be a quiet way to reflect, but there’s no need to expect a particular result.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Finding time for three pages can be difficult, especially when you’re starting. Try setting your notebook out the night before or choosing a realistic time to write.

If you’re unsure what to write, you can start with “I don’t know what to write” and see where your thoughts go. There’s no need for a polished entry.

Difficult feelings or self-critical thoughts may come up on the page. You can acknowledge them with curiosity and compassion, without judging yourself for having them.

If writing becomes overwhelming, it’s okay to pause, choose a gentler topic or seek support from someone you trust.

Cameron recommends writing daily. If you miss a day, you can simply return to the practice when you’re ready.

Staying Consistent

Keeping a new habit going can be hard when life gets busy. It may help to leave your notebook somewhere visible and choose a time that works for you.

You could connect writing with an existing routine, such as making a morning coffee. A familiar cue can be a useful reminder.

If you miss a day or need a shorter session, be kind to yourself and pick it up again when you can.

Incorporating Morning Pages into Your Daily Routine

A few small adjustments can make it easier to find time and space for writing.

Creating a Conducive Writing Environment

Choose somewhere comfortable, whether that’s a quiet corner or a spot at the kitchen table. It doesn’t need to be elaborate.

Choose a place you feel comfortable, and keep a notebook and pen within reach. You could set them out the night before if that makes it easier to start.

If you like, add a small touch that helps you settle in, such as a favorite mug or a comfortable chair.

Combining Morning Pages with Other Practices

In Atomic Habits, James Clear describes habit stacking: linking a new habit to something you already do. You could try pairing your writing with another part of your morning.

I try to pair my Morning Pages with yoga or a walk as part of my morning routine. It’s a simple way to bring a little movement and writing into the same part of my day.

Your routine can be as simple as opening a notebook and beginning to write.

Making Morning Pages a Non-Negotiable Habit

A habit tracker can be as simple as marking the days you write on a calendar. Use it if it helps, but give yourself room for busy mornings and missed days. The aim is to make space for writing, not turn it into another source of pressure.

Key Thought: 

Keep a notebook and pen handy, write whatever comes to mind and return to the practice when you can.

FAQs

What do you write in Morning Pages?

Write whatever comes to mind: worries, dreams, a to-do list or even the fact that you don’t know what to write.

Do Morning Pages have to be 3 pages?

Cameron’s original practice calls for three handwritten pages each morning. If you write less, you can still use free-flowing journaling in a way that suits your time and needs.

What is the psychology behind Morning Pages?

Writing can give you a chance to notice and reflect on your thoughts. People respond differently, so it’s best not to assume a particular psychological or mental health outcome.

What is the difference between Morning Pages and journaling?

Morning Pages are a specific form of journaling: Cameron recommends three handwritten, stream-of-consciousness pages first thing in the morning. Journaling is a broader term that includes many styles and schedules.

Conclusion

I’ve drifted in and out of Morning Pages over the years, but when I’m struggling with something personally or professionally, it’s a useful practice to come back to.

If you’re curious, try setting aside some time in the morning to put your thoughts on paper. It may take longer than you expect to fill three pages, and that’s okay.

There’s no need to edit or judge what you write. Start where you are and see what comes up.

After years of running an ecommerce business and juggling full-time work, Jen now writes about burnout, meditation, yoga and her new found mission of finding more zen every day! When not behind a screen, you’ll find her doing yoga, scribbling in her notebook, going for bushwalks and nerding out on sleep and meditation hacks.