In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the day and forget to take time for ourselves. But incorporating slow morning routine habits can be a great way to start out on the right foot. It can set the tone for a more relaxed and intentional day.
Here are 9 great habits for your slow morning routine.
Your new slow morning routine should includes habits that make you feel good. They should be gentle on your mind and body, and help set you up for a stress-free and calm day. While you can include any habits you want, these are great to consider for a slower morning routine.
1. Adjust How You Wake up in the Morning
If you want to incorporate slow mornings into your routine, you first need to change how you get up in the morning. To start with, going to sleep earlier might be necessary. In order to go at your own pace in the morning, you may need to wake up a little earlier. Waking up early gives you more time to ease into your day and set a peaceful tone for the rest of your morning.
If you are someone who likes to keep hitting the snooze button, this is the first habit you should break. Try to get out of the habit of hitting that snoozer button even once. Instead start getting used to getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off. It helps if you keep your phone or alarm far enough away from where you have to get up and out of bed to turn it off, such as on top of your dresser.
2. Get Sunlight Immediately
Getting sunlight is a quick and easy habit that benefits you in more ways than one. For one thing, sunlight allows you to absorb more vitamin D, thanks to the sun’s UV rays. This can give you more energy and boost your mood in the morning. Sunlight also, in general, makes you feel more awake and ready to take on the day. If you struggle with how fatigued you are in the morning, you could consider taking your breakfast or journal outside with you to enjoy a little morning sunlight.
3. Hydrate and Hygiene
Even a slow morning has room for these two very important habits: hydrating and hygiene. Try to drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning, before you drink anything else. You are likely dehydrated from sleeping all night, and when you go straight for coffee, it tends to make you even more dehydrated. It is best to start with water.
It is also a good time to decide which hygiene practices fit in your slow morning routine. Or would you prefer brushing your teeth and showering after the first start of your morning routine.
4. Stretch, or do Yoga
Stretching or practicing yoga in the morning can help wake up your body and get your blood flowing. You can start with some simple stretches like reaching up to the sky or touching your toes, or you can follow a guided yoga practice. Even just a few minutes of stretching can help you feel more energized and ready for the day.
5. Have a Slow Breakfast
Instead of rushing through breakfast or skipping it altogether, take the time to enjoy a slow and nourishing meal. You can prepare something simple like toast with avocado and eggs or a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and nuts. Take the time to savour each bite and enjoy the flavours and textures of your food.
6. Habits for Your Mind
Now let’s get into some of the other habits you can include in your morning routine, starting with mind habits. These are habits that help with your anxiety, stress, emotional and mental health. These can include reading, listening to a podcast, writing in a journal, meditating, practicing mindfulness, doing breathing exercises, or saying affirmations. You can practice mindfulness by simply paying attention to your breath or focusing on the present moment. Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly and focusing on your breath or using a guided meditation app or video.
7. Habits for Your Creativity
Next, think about some creative habits you might be able to fit into your slow morning routine. While many slow mornings don’t include a lot of activities, if you are someone who feels better when you can be creative early in the morning, this one is for you.
It might include drawing and painting, just sketching in your journal, or any creative hobby you happen to enjoy. But don’t worry if this makes it feel too much like a regular morning routine – it is only for people who like to use creative pursuits as self-care.
8. Habits for Your Productivity
If you are doing your slow morning routine every day, as opposed to just weekends, or when you feel you need it, then you might want to fit in a short habit for productivity as well. This doesn’t have to be anything extreme or that takes a long time. Some people find just writing in a journal or their daily planner is enough to feel more productive in the morning. Others like to go for a walk to clear their mind, or listen to energetic music.
9. Habits for Self-Care
Lastly, you can choose a habit for your self-care. Keep in mind this might also be included in some of these other categories, such as reading, using a journal, meditating, or doing your morning skincare. For a slow morning, self-care is usually something you can do while relaxing, so that it doesn’t feel like a busy morning routine. The point here is to be fully calm and relaxed, with no worries or stress.
Incorporating slow morning routine habits into your daily routine can help you feel more grounded, centered, and focused as you start your day. By taking the time to practice some of these habits, you can set the tone for a more intentional and peaceful day.
For more slow morning routine posts you could read
8 ways to create a slow morning routine
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