Though the rise-and-grind lifestyle has gained popularity, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
The 5 a.m. wake-up trend has become a bona fide phenomenon on social media as individuals flaunt early morning routines consisting of workouts, self-affirmation journaling, and cooking nutritious meals to kickstart their day.
But if this isn’t for you, embracing a slow morning could be essential in paving the way for a productive day.
A 2018 study found that when we start the morning believing the day is going to be stressful, it tends to manifest. Researchers discovered our morning mindset significantly impacts our focus, memory, and creativity throughout the day.
The magic of slow mornings is about disconnecting from societal pressures and taking a step away from being on autopilot. Brooke McAlary, author of Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World and acclaimed host of The Slow Home podcast, emphasizes a slow morning is about creating time and space for the things that truly matter to you.
This may include time with family and friends, scheduling time for your hobbies, or simply spending time alone. According to McAlary, benefits of slow mornings include a clearer mindset, a peaceful start to the day, increased energy, improved focus, and the alleviation of anxieties about the day ahead.
Setting the stage for a good morning starts the previous night. Begin by implementing small changes or additions to your routine to make the next morning more seamless. For example, prepare your outfit for the next day or prep your lunch before bed.
Though it may be second nature, resisting the urge to reach for your phone as soon as morning light shines through is imperative. Engaging with technology and the internet right away hinders us from taking the time to meaningfully think about our intentions for the day. Instead, lie in bed and reflect on your thoughts before starting your morning.
Productivity doesn’t mean trying to accomplish everything the moment you wake up and rushing through your entire day’s tasks. This approach will lead to heightened stress, overwhelming feelings, and a quicker path to burnout.
Self-care is frequently emphasized as a crucial part of a nighttime routine, but it holds equal importance in your morning routine as well. By taking a moment to do something you enjoy—whether that be as simple as washing your face, reading a few pages of a book, journaling, or making your bed—you’re better able to start the day in the right frame of mind.
By taking the morning to ease into the day you can savour the simple pleasures of a leisurely breakfast, relish the warmth of a cup of coffee, and embrace the unhurried moments that set a tranquil tone for the hours ahead.
, everyone has different needs, and there may be moments when it’s necessary for you to slow down and allow yourself to relax.
Tags
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].