The Art of Slow Mornings

Creating a Mindful, Intentional Start to Your Day

Let’s be real—the best mornings are the ones that slowly unfold like the pages of a good book, not a frantic sprint through a to-do list while you’re still trying to open your eyes. You rise with the light...or, more realistically, drag yourself out of bed like a grown-up that maybe wants to start the day on a positive note (and not just to hit the snooze button for the tenth time). But, I’ve discovered that slow mornings, while a radical concept in our hyper-speed world, are the key to feeling grounded instead of freaking out before the day’s even begun.

And don’t even try to tell me you don’t savor that first sip of coffee. It's the hug your soul didn’t know it needed. A wave of warmth shoots through your body, and for about 3 minutes, everything is right with the world. Until the toddler asks for waffles and you’re already behind schedule, but that moment is everything.

Next up, time to feed the brain—because it’s not just about waking up the body (shocker, right?). I like to read something to get those mental gears turning—a book, maybe some poetry that resonates, or my to-do list for the day (because, yes, that counts as reading). Just please avoid the rabbit hole of doom-scroll. It’s tempting to slip into the oblivion of TikTok or dive headfirst into conspiracy theories. Trust me: you’ll regret the deep dive into “Top 10 Foods Hamsters Should Never Eat.” Not my best moment.

This is where time-blocking comes into play. Yes, I know it sounds all "productive life guru" like, but it's necessary. A little structure never hurt anyone, and let’s face it, I need all the help I can get with staying on track. I set time blocks that honor the rhythm of my home—sometimes things slow down, and I let them. If I get rolling later than planned, no biggie—I still hit the big priorities: reading, self-care, a dose of slow movement, and—naturally—coffee. If you take coffee out of that equation, we may need to reevaluate.

Now, let’s get into my “rise and grind” morning. My typical workday starts with what I call the sunrise alarm. No, it’s not a beautiful nature-inspired song—it’s my alarm clock that wakes with a gentle increase of light - mimicking the sunrise, “Okay, it's 5 a.m. and time to pretend you’re a responsible adult.” Sometimes I make it, other days I need my dog to roll over me like a small, furry bulldozer to actually get up. The coffee machine is priority number one after dog-walking duties—coffee, meet lifeblood.

And here's the sweet spot—I settle into my loveseat and scroll through my trusty Substack notes. Forget about those flashy distractions or videos trying to drag me into the “7 Ways to Live Like a Nomad While You Do Yoga in a Yurt” vortex. Please. My brain prefers slow, steady (okay, slightly snarky) mornings without the circus act.

After I’ve nourished my mind, I take care of my body. This part? Habits stack like a pro. While I’m light-movements-ing on my vibration plate or basking under a red light or both, like some kind of modern-day warrior (because who doesn't want to unlock hidden superpowers?) I clear my head and jot down my thoughts. Multitasking at its finest. Ten minutes of movement gets the blood flowing while my brain jogs through creative thoughts and perhaps (read: not always) philosophical deep dives. No promises on enlightenment, though.

Now, I get dressed. Because, while I appreciate the idea of wearing something cute, ain’t nobody got time to suffer for fashion—comfort over everything. If it’s cozy, I’m in. No regrets. My day is going to be stressful enough without battling my clothes. For me, it’s usually jeans, a t-shirt, hoodie, and tennies. Practical, comfy, and zero mental energy wasted. If New York Fashion Week is your vibe, no shade— you do you, boo. But that’s not my vibe. Keep your heels and fussy outfits; I’m over here living my best, relaxed, fashion-no-effort life.

Lastly, vitamins. I know, I know—totally riveting. By the time I’ve hit self-care hard, my brain’s like, “What vitamins? We’re busy feeling zen here!” That’s when my travel vitamin case swoops in like a caped superhero, keeping me accountable when life’s about to derail my supplement regimen. Because, let’s face it—missing vitamins is like leaving your house without your phone… it haunts you, and you don't even know why.

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Why Slow Mornings Are Everything (aka the WHY YOU NEED TO TRY THIS)

Still not sold? Here’s a quick rundown of why you need slow mornings in your life:

• Reduced Stress: Ditch the rush and let your morning set the tone.

• Improved Focus: Starting slow = brain power later.

• Better Health: You actually make better choices when you’ve mentally prepped.

• Improved Mood: Honestly, who wouldn’t feel better sipping on coffee in peace?

• Increased Productivity: Intentionality, people. It’s where the magic happens.

So, in a nutshell: slow mornings are anything but a wasted opportunity. Embrace them—don’t worry about perfection. Just start with what feels good. Coffee, self-care, a little you time? You’re already on the right path. Don’t forget the vitamins, though—your future self will thank you... unless, of course, you let the dog eat them. In which case, well, may the force be with you.

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