The SAVERS Routine Explained — Transform Your Mornings with “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod

I read a book last year — The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. But even before reading it, I already had a vague idea about the morning routine it talks about. I had come across it in a YouTube video and decided to try it out. Later, I wanted to understand the why behind each element of that routine, so I ended up reading the book — and it completely changed how I view mornings.

I’ve always been a morning bird. I love having some me-time before rushing to the hospital — just to breathe, slow down, and savor the calm. So, it wasn’t hard for me to wake up early and try out this routine.

To me, the SAVERS routine feels wholesome — it touches every aspect of wellness, from mental clarity to emotional peace and physical health. If you love the idea of living a mindful, slow, and intentional life, this routine fits perfectly.

According to the author, the entire practice can take an hour or more. But honestly, the key is consistency. Even a shorter version, if done regularly, can bring wonderful results over time.

For me, mornings are sacred. If I start my morning right, everything else falls into place — life feels smooth and slow. But if I start the day wrong, the entire day feels off-balance. That’s my personal truth.

So, let’s get into the SAVERS routine.




S – Silence

Silence means meditation — or simply sitting quietly with yourself. It’s something most of us avoid, constantly filling our minds with noise — the phone, emails, messages, or endless thoughts looping about the past and future.

Taking even five minutes each morning to sit in silence can ground you deeply. It’s about tuning into yourself and letting go of to-do lists, regrets, and worries about what’s next.

You can use an app to track your progress or maintain a streak — it helps you stay consistent. I personally use a simple timer on the app Insight Timer.


A – Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements you tell yourself — silently, aloud, or in front of a mirror. At first, they might feel awkward or untrue, but over time, they start reshaping how you think.

When you consistently affirm who you want to be, you gradually start believing it — and eventually, living it. Change your thoughts, and your circumstances will follow.

Examples of affirmations:

  • I am strong.

  • I am brave.

  • I am a productive person.

  • I am a morning person.

  • I live a slow and mindful life.

  • I am successful.

If you’re new to this, try searching for guided affirmations on YouTube — there are countless options. With practice, you’ll find what resonates most with you.


V – Visualization

Visualization is the art of imagining your ideal outcomes — almost like daydreaming, but with focus and intention.

Spend about 10 minutes sitting comfortably, breathing deeply, and picturing the day ahead exactly how you want it to go. See yourself moving through your routine calmly and confidently, finishing your tasks, and feeling satisfied.

You can also visualize your long-term goals — your dream career, lifestyle, or the person you want to become.

There’s fascinating science behind this. In one famous study, athletes were split into two groups — one practiced physically, while the other only visualized their training in detail. When tested later, the visualization group improved almost as much as those who physically practiced.

Neuroscientists explain that when we vividly imagine an action, the same brain regions that control movement are activated, creating real neural changes. This means mental rehearsal literally trains the brain just like physical practice trains the body.

That’s why elite athletes — from Olympians to professional basketball players — use visualization before every performance. They’re not merely imagining success; they’re wiring their brains to make it possible.


E – Exercise

Exercise can be anything that gets your heart pumping. Physical health and mental health are deeply connected — nurturing one supports the other.

For me, yoga is my go-to. It brings peace and mindfulness, helping me feel centered before the day begins. But your choice could be anything — walking, jogging, gym workouts, HIIT, or even taking your dog for a walk.

Even 10–15 minutes of movement in the morning can energize your body and clear your mind.


R – Reading

Reading — whether fiction or nonfiction — nourishes your mind. It’s one of the best ways to learn, grow, and find inspiration.

It doesn’t matter what genre you prefer; reading is always better than mindlessly scrolling through social media. Replace a few minutes of screen time with a few pages of a book.

Keep a book beside you, carry a Kindle instead of your phone, or join a book club to stay consistent. (I also have a blog post on the benefits of reading if you want to dive deeper into this!)


S – Scribing

Scribing simply means journaling. There are many ways to do it — gratitude journaling, mind-dumping, dream journaling, or daily reflections.

Gratitude journaling involves writing three things you’re grateful for — big or small — either in the morning or before bed. It shifts your mindset toward positivity and abundance. I personally use this

Mind-dumping is writing whatever comes to your mind — uncensored and unfiltered. Sometimes it’s a page of random thoughts; sometimes it’s emotional and raw. It’s a way to clear mental clutter and release suppressed emotions.

A dear friend once told me,

“When your mind is full, write. And when you are alone, read.”

That line will stay with me forever — it perfectly captures the healing power of journaling.


Final Thoughts

This, in essence, is the SAVERS routine. You can modify it however you like. Maybe you want to exercise for an hour — do it. Maybe you want to read longer — go ahead.

The idea isn’t perfection; it’s consistency.

Even if you spend just 10 minutes on each activity, the whole routine takes only about an hour — and that one hour can truly transform the quality of your day, your mindset, and your life.


Link to The Miracle Morning

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