Embracing Slow Living: A Relaxing Morning Routine
In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves rushing through our mornings, trying to tick off our to-do lists before the day has even begun.
However, embracing a slow living morning routine can help us start our day in a relaxed and mindful manner.
Introduction to Slow Life
In a world obsessed with speed, efficiency, and productivity, the idea of slow living can seem counterintuitive. But what if slowing down could actually make us more productive and fulfilled?
In this blog post, we explore the nuances of embracing slow living through a relaxing morning routine that prepares you for a more balanced and fulfilling day ahead.
I didn’t always have a morning routine. After I got into intentional living, mindfulness, and meditation, I created a slow morning routine to start my days with more intention.
Your mornings can be stressful, full of hurry and obligations. Those mornings can make you feel tired and miserable.
👉🏻 What if instead of skipping your breakfast and running to your work(tasks), you can feel calmn and focused?
Your special morning routine can help you to get into a good mood and start your day with an energized mind.
The Philosophy Behind Slow Living
Slow living is a lifestyle that prioritizes mindfulness, simplicity, and intentionality. It encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment rather than constantly rushing towards the next task.
Slow living is not just a concept. It's a philosophy that encompasses a variety of practices aimed at decelerating life's pace. It advocates for a balanced approach to work, relationships, and personal well-being.
👉🏻 Slow living is a lifestyle that has gained popularity in recent years as people seek to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
At its core, slow living is about taking a step back from the frenetic pace of daily life and finding joy in the simple things.
Slow living values quality over quantity, and it encourages us to be more mindful, intentional, and present in our everyday lives.
By simplifying our lives, we can reduce stress and make room for the things that truly matter. We can practice mindfulness to be fully engaged in our daily experiences, and we can prioritize spending time with loved ones and participating in activities that bring us joy.
Ultimately, slow living is about finding joy and meaning in the present moment. It's about savoring the little things and living a life that feels true to who we are.
By embracing slow living, we can create a life that is more fulfilling, more peaceful, and more connected.
Slow living is about living intentionally, being present at the moment, and focusing on what truly matters in our lives.
My tips on how to sleep better
Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Create a relaxing sleep environment: Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Use comfortable bedding and try to eliminate distractions.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: These substances can interfere with sleep and should be avoided, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Wind down before bedtime: Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.
Limit screen time: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
Manage stress: Stress can interfere with sleep. Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Why Your Morning Routine Matters
One of the reasons why I love being an entrepreneur is that I can schedule my day like I want to. For me, the slow morning is a perfect way to start an effective workday.
I’m still in the learning phase of my slow living life but one step at the time it gets easier and easier.
Your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. A hurried, chaotic morning often leads to a stressful, unproductive day. On the other hand, a morning routine that promotes slow living not only enhances your mood but also boosts your performance throughout the day.
It’s not always easy to start your day with a slow morning routine. However, I think it’s so important that you have a quiet morning at least a few times a week when you can intentionally pour a cup of coffee, and perhaps read a little, listen to music, or do something else which nourishes your mind and body.
During those still and quiet moments, you can gather your thoughts and be present to yourself.
Our days are filled with information, commitments, and responsibilities. We need to have time to think and slow down, too.
To me, a slow living morning routine means that I live intentionally. I do everything intentionally after I wake up.
There are basically no rules on what your morning routine should contain. As long as your actions are fine to yourself you’re doing great. You absolutely do not have to meditate or journal if you don’t want to.
You do not have to follow any other person’s slow morning routine. Make your own routine and do things that matter to you the most.
However, I like to read other people’s morning routines and get some inspiration from them. That’s why I’m going to tell you about my routines in the morning. But first, few benefits of morning routines.
Benefits of a Slow Living Morning Routine
A morning routine can have numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating a slow living morning routine into your daily life:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
A morning routine can help us start our day in a calm and relaxed manner. By giving ourselves time to ease into the day, we can reduce the stress and anxiety that often come with rushing to get things done.
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus
By practicing mindfulness and taking the time to center ourselves in the morning, we can improve our mental clarity and focus throughout the day. This can help us be more productive, creative, and efficient in our daily tasks.
Increased Productivity
Slowing down in the morning can increase our productivity throughout the day. By starting our day with intentionality and mindfulness, we can set ourselves up for success and accomplish more in less time.
Enhanced Overall Well-Being
By prioritizing self-care and self-reflection in the morning, we can enhance our overall well-being. A slow living morning routine can help us feel more centered, energized, and fulfilled throughout the day.
Greater Appreciation for the Simple Things in Life
A daily routine can help us cultivate a greater appreciation for the small joys in life. By savoring our morning coffee, taking a leisurely walk, or simply spending time with loved ones, we can find joy and meaning in the present moment.
Incorporating some kind of morning routine into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By taking the time to slow down, reflect, and savor the simple things in life, you can start your day on a positive note and set yourself up for a more mindful and fulfilling day.
My Morning Routine
My own everyday morning routine is pretty simple. I like to keep it simple so that I can follow it.
Slow living morning routine is a vital part of my well-being and productivity.
1. I USUALLY WAKE UP BETWEEN 5.30 AND 6.30 AM
I use a phone alarm many days but most of the time I’m already awake when the alarm rings. Or I even get up before the alarm rings. If I want to do something extra, like read more or meditate, I’ll wake up a bit earlier than normally.
I never hit the snooze button because I know that it does not help me to get up with energized mind - just the contrary.
2. I’LL START MY DAY WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS
I do not recommend reading news first thing in the morning as they usually contain negative things which will make you feel sad, angry, and most of the time also negative.
Try to focus on happy thoughts when you start your day.
Focus on things that make you happy. Those things can be pretty simple and small, like a light leak from the window casting beautiful shadows, the smell of a fresh flower, the texture of your linen bed sheets.
I turn on my essential oil diffuser when I want to start my morning with really great energy. Then I use fresh peppermint to wake me up.
I also like to write few lines to my gratitude journal if I have not done it before going to bed. Positive thoughts create positive feeling and mood for the day. I highly recommend trying it!
3. I ALWAYS MAKE THE BED IN THE MORNING
Making your bed before you do anything else is a nice habit. It will make your bedroom peaceful and you have a great tidy start for the day.
4. DURING THE DARK MONTHS (WHICH WE HAVE MANY IN FINLAND) I LIGHT CANDLES FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
It will make our house more calm, soft and relaxed. Candles bring extra atmosphere to the house. And I love candles, anyways.
5. I’LL DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AND AFTER THAT, I’LL MAKE A COFFEE OR GREEN TEA
When sipping my drink (coffee or green tea) I read something inspirational. It can vary from an interior magazine to Seth Godin’s book. It really depends on my mood what I want to read during my slow morning moment.
Sometimes I drink coffee with a just plain soothing jazz playing background. That usually happens when I don’t have time to read anything but I still want to have a relaxed slow morning.
This is a moment just for me. I’m creating a time to do just something for me - something that I really like. That way I can enjoy my mornings more. No rush but time to slow down.
6. I PUT ON SOME MUSIC AND WRITE MY TO-DO LIST
My daily to do list contains max three major tasks to complete. I can write smaller tasks too but they always have to go under one of those three major tasks.
If I already have my to-do list written I’ll write my gratitude journal (3 things that I’m feeling thankful for) or pick up a inspiration card for the day.
I can also do a short meditation to really calm my mind. I close my eyes and notice how my breath and body are feeling. Meditation helps me to start my day with more calm and focused mind.
7. BREAKFAST
The last part of my slow morning routine contains a good and healthy breakfast. The best option is a plain nonfat greek yogurt with granola, nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, and raw honey.
When eating my breakfast I love to put some soothing jazz music to the background.
How to Create a Slow Morning Routine for Yourself
When you’re thinking about your own slow morning routine you might want to start with a question of what you’d like to prioritize.
Do you like to sleep more, have a quiet moment, write something, maybe do some meditation…?
Laugh with your kids, go screen-free, maybe do a bit of yoga, or sit in silence for a while.
Decide how much time you’d need for your slow-living morning routine. If you like to meditate before you go to work calculate how much time you need extra so that you can do your meditation without a hurry.
I recommend that you plan your morning routine ahead. It’s so much easier to be slow and take your time when you know what you’re going to do when you wake up.
Make sure that you have the meditation program easily available from your phone if you’re going to use it. If you need to make breakfast for other family members, make it as ready as possible before your slow morning routine starts so that it will not disturb your routine.
Here are some examples that you can take into account when creating a slow morning routine that works for you:
Wake up early - Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. This will give you enough time to enjoy your morning without feeling rushed. Try to avoid rushing, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Start your day without your phone or computer - Try starting your day without checking your phone. Give your mind and body some time to wake up peacefully. Try some meditation or yoga instead.
Practice mindfulness - Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or reading in a calm environment. This will help you stay present and centered throughout the day. Even five minutes of focused breathing can make a difference.
Savor your morning beverage - Whether it's a cup of coffee or tea, take the time to savor your morning beverage. Enjoy the aroma, taste, and warmth of your drink.
Calm and nutritional breakfast - Choose a calm and relaxing environment for breakfast. Try eating your breakfast slowly, savoring each bite instead of rushing through it. Choose a nutritious and healthy breakfast that will give you energy for the day.
Move your body - Exercising in the morning helps to wake up your body and mind. Try doing a short workout session in the morning, such as a walk or yoga, to wake up feeling refreshed and energized. A bit of light exercise can activate your body without putting it into stress mode. Yoga or a leisurely walk are good examples of activities that align with the philosophy of slow living.
Set intentions for the day - Take a few minutes to reflect on your goals and intentions for the day ahead. Write them down in a journal or planner to help you stay focused throughout the day.
Plan your day - Take a few minutes in the morning to plan your day. Write down the most important tasks you need to accomplish today. This will help you focus and achieve your main goals. You can also write down your thoughts, goals, or gratitude can set a positive tone for your day. It’s not just about recording what you're thankful for; it's also a way to work through challenges and set intentions for the day or week ahead.
I also recommend you watch Vishen Lakhiani’s YouTube video about morning rituals. In the video, Vishen reveals his daily biohacking rituals.
Tools and Apps to Help You
There are several apps and tools designed to facilitate a slow, mindful morning.
From meditation apps like Headspace to journaling apps like Day One, technology can be a boon for your journey into slow living.
Tell me your best tips for a slow morning! I would love to hear them!
Here are my other slow-life blog posts that you might also be interested in:
What if You Slow Down - 10 ways to simplify your life
How intentional living can change your life
6 ways to show your gratitude in Thanksgiving
This blog article was updated with the help of AI on 28 October 2023.