How to Have a Slow Morning Routine That Actually Works

Let’s talk about creating a slow-living morning routine

Are you tired of rushing through your mornings and feeling stressed before the day even starts? If this is the case, it may be time to experiment with a slow morning routine.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the benefits of taking things slowly in the morning. I’ll also offer the best tips and tricks for getting your day off to a calm and relaxing start.

A slow morning can help you feel more centered, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day may bring, whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a stay-at-home parent.

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Let’s talk about how to have a slow morning

1. Choose the right days

It’s important to choose the right days for a slow morning routine based on your schedule and personal needs. Here are some different things to think about when deciding on the best days:

Work schedule. If you have a fixed schedule, try to plan your slow mornings around days off or later start times.

Personal commitments. Consider any personal commitments or appointments you have on a specific day. Choose a day with a little bit more flexibility in your schedule.

Energy levels. Consider your personal energy levels. You can choose any day of the week when you typically feel well-rested and have enough time for a leisurely morning routine.

Intentions and goals. Consider any personal or professional goals you may have. Plan your slow days to set intentions and visualize the little things that you want to achieve.

Stress levels. You can also choose days when you’re stressed or overwhelmed and could benefit from a calming morning routine to help set a positive tone for the day.

Eventually, your individual schedule and needs will determine the best days for your slow morning routine.

You can ensure that you are setting yourself up for a peaceful, productive, and positive day by taking the time to choose the right days for your routine.

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2. Choose a time for waking up

A successful slow morning includes waking up at the appropriate time. It’s important to pick a time when you can wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed, rather than rushed or stressed.

Here are some suggestions for selecting a wake-up time:

Consider your schedule. Consider how early you need to be at work, school, or other obligations. Choose a wake-up time that allows you to have a leisurely morning routine without feeling rushed.

However, when you’ve decided on a certain time, don’t hit the snooze button.

Experiment. Experiment with different waking times to see what works best for you. Some people prefer to wake up early, while others prefer to sleep in.

Aside from deciding on a wake-up time, it’s also beneficial to prepare as much as possible the night before.

You can lay out your clothes, pack your bag, or prepare a nourishing breakfast or lunch.

By getting as much done the night before as possible, you can reduce stress and maximize relaxation during your slow morning.

Keep in mind that the goal of creating your own slow morning routine is to start your day feeling calm, focused, and energized.

You can set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable morning routine by choosing the appropriate wake-up time and preparing as much as possible the night before.

3. Don’t reach for a screen first thing

Starting your day in front of a screen can set the tone for the rest of your day. For the sake of your own mental health, make it a point to avoid screens for the first hour of your morning routine.

Screens emit blue light that can be harsh on your eyes. Besides, checking emails or scrolling through social media can cause stress and anxiety.

Keep your phone or tablet in another room during the night to avoid reaching for a screen first thing in the morning. This way, you won’t be tempted to grab it first thing in the morning.

Instead, use that time to connect with your thoughts and feelings, as well as to attend to your own needs. It’s a game-changer!

Meditation, journaling, stretching, reading a book, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee or tea while watching the sunrise are all excellent screen-free morning activities.

Avoiding screens will not only help you start your day on a positive note, but it will also help you develop a healthy relationship with technology and set limits for yourself.

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4. Choose a focus for your slow morning routine

Having a plan can help you maximize your time and achieve your personal goals. Here are some potential focal points for your slow morning:

Mindfulness. Incorporate meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your morning routine to promote mindfulness and calm.

Gratitude. To foster a positive mindset and increase happiness, start your day with a gratitude practice. You can try writing using journaling prompts or reflecting on what you’re thankful for.

Productivity. To increase productivity throughout the day, use your morning routine to complete smaller tasks that you’ve been putting off, such as paying bills or responding to emails.

Self-care. Incorporate self-care into your slow morning routine by taking a long bath, applying a face mask, or engaging in other activities that relax and refresh you.

Learning. Learn something new during your slow morning, whether it’s by reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a TED talk.

The emphasis of your morning routine should be on your personal goals and values.

By focusing on something that interests you and offers you mental stimulation, you can make the most of your time and start your day feeling energized and fulfilled.

5. Some morning routine ideas to help you choose a focus

Here are a few short examples of what to do as part of your slow morning routine:

1. Stretch or do some gentle yoga to wake up your body.
2. Meditate for a few minutes to calm your mind and set intentions for the day.
3. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while reading a book or the news.
4. Write in a gratitude journal to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
5. Take a quick walk around your neighborhood or home to get some fresh air.
6. Listen to some soothing music or a guided meditation to get prepared for your daily routine.
7. Water your plants or tend to your garden for a few minutes of mindful activity.
8. Prepare a healthy breakfast with fresh ingredients to nourish your body.
9. Practice some simple breathing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.
10. Spend a few minutes doing a creative activity, such as drawing or painting.
11. Write a to-do list for the day to organize your thoughts and prioritize tasks.
12. Use an essential oil diffuser and diffuse organic essential oils while trying to enjoy these quiet moments.
13. Do some light housekeeping, such as making your bed or tidying up your living space.
14. Take a relaxing bath or a soothing self-care shower to refresh and rejuvenate your body.
15. Practice some positive affirmations or positive self-talk to boost your confidence and mood.
16. Spend some quality time with your pets or loved ones to start the day on a positive note.
17. Drink a glass of water and enjoy the intentional slowness that the morning offers.
18. Cook a new recipe for breakfast and enjoy it mindfully.

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FAQ: What exactly is a slow morning routine?

A slow morning routine is a collection of intentional and mindful practices that can help you start your day on the right foot.

It’s a great way to give yourself a little extra time and space in the morning. You can use that time to focus on your own needs and priorities instead of rushing out the door.

This intentional morning routine can look different for everyone. It can include stretching, journaling, meditation, drinking tea or coffee, reading, or simply sitting quietly and reflecting on the whole day ahead.

The key is to choose activities that will help you feel centered, focused, and energized for the rest of the day.

A calm morning routine moves at a slow and deliberate pace, allowing you to ease into your day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

By taking the time in the morning to care for yourself, you can set a positive mood for the rest of your day.

You’ll also feel more grounded and balanced to face the busy day ahead.

To sum up, having a slow morning ritual can help you prioritize your own well-being and begin each new day with intention and purpose.

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FAQ: Why is it important to have slow mornings?

A slow morning routine can have a great impact on your well-being and productivity. Here are some of the benefits:

Reduced stress

When you wake up rushed and frazzled, it can set the tone for the rest of your day. Slowing down in the morning allows you to ease into the day and reduce your stress levels.

Who doesn’t like starting their day in a good mood?

Improved mental clarity

Slowing down in the morning can help you feel more focused and clear-headed throughout the day.

You give your brain a chance to wake up and prepare for a more productive day ahead by taking time to meditate, journal, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee.

Increased productivity

You’ll be more likely to stay focused and productive throughout the day if you start your day with intention and purpose.

A slow morning routine can help you set goals, prioritize major tasks, and stay on track.

Increased creativity

A mindful morning routine can be the perfect way to engage your creative side.

Taking things slowly can help you connect with your inner creativity, whether you use the time to write, draw, or practice a musical instrument.

Improved well-being

Taking care of yourself during the early hours will increase your chances of feeling happy and content throughout the day.

It helps you prioritize self-care, whether it’s stretching, reading, or simply enjoying some quiet time. Overall, a slow morning routine can be an excellent way to start your day.

By taking the time to prioritize your own needs and set yourself up for success, you’ll be more likely to have a happy and productive day.

FAQ: How often should you have a slow morning routine?

The frequency of this kind of morning routine is entirely dependent on your individual needs and schedule.

Some people believe that having a slow morning routine every day is necessary for their well-being. Others believe that having this kind of morning routine once or twice a week is enough.

It’s fine to start small if you have a particularly hectic schedule or find it difficult to carve out extra time in the mornings.

Even 10–15 minutes of quiet, intentional time in the morning can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day.

What matters most is that you listen to your body and do what feels right for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s time to prioritize a slow morning.

If you’re feeling energized and ready to tackle the day, you can skip this morning routine and get right to work.

Keep in mind that the goal of a slow morning routine is to set yourself up for success and to prioritize your own well-being.

So, whether you do it every day or once a week, make sure it feels right for you.

Creating your own slow morning routine doesn’t have to be hard

What does your ideal morning look like? Are you a morning person? What’s your favorite way to start your mornings? Do you have your own routine that you would like to share with us? I’d love to hear your thoughts!