Finding the right morning routine can be a bit challenging for anyone who struggles with organization, intentionality, and productivity. On the bright side, you have plenty of time to perfect your morning rituals to find what works best for you and your lifestyle!
Below, I’ve come up with 7 ways to really incorporate a slow morning into your daily routine. This focuses on intentionality and productivity to help you have a healthy mindset in order to tackle your day!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Wake up early
Waking up early is one of the ways in which I can implement intention and simplicity in my day. By waking up early, or earlier than you already do, you allow yourself more time to relax and take things slow in your morning routine.
I used to wake up twenty minutes before I had to leave the house. This meant that I couldn’t dawdle or linger too long on any one task. I often skipped breakfast (or ate it on the way out the door) and I hardly had time to dress properly.
By waking up and giving myself at least two hours for my morning routine, I’ve found that I am calmer and can relax knowing there is no rush. I have the time to linger over my coffee just a little longer or to apply makeup and a nice outfit before I leave the house.
It’s the little things that make a difference and I’m able to do them because I woke up early to give myself more time.
Make tea or coffee
I am a coffee lover, but I know not everyone shares my opinion. The goal for this step is actually to drink something warm. Of course, you should always drink room temperature water upon waking up in the morning because it has a number of health benefits.
But when all is said and done, I’ve found that drinking a warm beverage in the morning, whether it be tea, coffee, hot cocoa, hot cider, or even warm milk, the morning feels much more calm and collected.
Even in the summer, I indulge myself and drink a warm coffee. I love the feeling of the warm mug in my hands as I snuggle up on the couch or sit outside listening to the morning birds. It’s really lovely to relax and enjoy the simplicity of the morning with a nice warm drink.
Stretch/ exercise
One of my favorite activities in the morning is exercising. I actually hate exercising…but I love it too. It’s like having a sibling. I love stretching before and after each workout and even on my off-days, I will stretch because it makes my body feel good.
I think a big part of a healthy and slow morning routine is about looking after your body and giving it the treatment and love that it needs. Exercising can sometimes feel hasty and energetic in the mornings, but for me, it helps me to wake up and feel motivated.
If you’d rather take things slow, I highly suggest at least stretching or going for a morning walk. Both are relaxing and good for your body.
Meditate
Meditation is something that I wish I had started doing sooner. I love meditating for about 5-10 minutes every morning and about 10 minutes every night.
For this post, I’ll be exclusively discussing why meditation is beneficial for the morning.
Meditation in the morning allows your mind to fully wake up and it helps you to center yourself and become present. Nothing is better than really living in the moment and truly feeling every inch of your body wake up.
I’ve found that grounding meditation is one of my favorite activities because it allows me to truly connect with my environment. In the summer, I love to go outside and sit amidst the trees as I meditate on my vision for the day.
Meditation is a great way to set yourself up for success by envisioning how you want your day to go and what it is you wish to manifest. Personally, I love to follow-up my morning meditations with some journaling. I find that writing down everything I’ve observed can truly help me find peace and understanding within myself.
Read
I’ve said it a thousand times but reading is one of the best activities for each morning. Like meditation, this is an activity that I also enjoy before bed.
In the mornings, I like to read informational and nonfiction texts. I like to start my morning off with learning, which is why I also enjoy informational podcasts during breakfast! I find that nourishing my mind with something new or something to learn is more beneficial than reading fiction.
Consuming entertainment is soothing, but in the mornings, that’s a surefire way to convince myself to go back to sleep! So, while I enjoy fiction and other entertainment in the evening, mornings are meant for educational resources.
Go outside
This step can be hard to accomplish during the colder weather. Although, it still remains beneficial! Stepping outside during the mornings to get some fresh air and sunshine are extraordinarily helpful for our health.
According to Forbes research, going outside for at least 20 minutes every day can reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and provide you with better sleep at night. Our bodies are naturally attuned to nature and the solar cycle. By going outside, we maintain this connection with the sun and help to balance out our hormones.
During warmer weather, I like to take paints, a book, or my journal with me outside. I’ll meditate and relax without technology to help ease my mind and feel more connected with myself. During the winter, while I stay inside most of the day, I will oftentimes try to take a walk with Matt or dedicate a whole day to fun in the snow!
Since I work from home, going outside is crucial for my mental health and overall equilibrium. So, I try to venture into nature as often as I can throughout the year.
Write in a journal
Lastly, journaling. Journaling is such a great way to be in tune with your thoughts and yourself. I like to do a small, 5-minute journal in the mornings and then a longer journaling session in the evenings.
The morning journaling sessions allow me to think clearly and really find a rhythm to my life. Not only that, but thanks to my journaling, I’m able to pinpoint patterns in my hormonal fluctuations and mood throughout the month and years.
Journaling has helped me to really ground myself, find intentionality, and teach me the language of my thoughts and soul. I highly encourage you to begin journaling every morning. If you’re in need of some inspiration, I’ll list my favorite 5-minute journals below:
- 5 minute journal by Intelligent Change
- 5 minute journal by rockbridge
- Let that Sh*t Go by creator of Zen as F*ck
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below!
Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how you implement a slow lifestyle into your routines!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
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Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again