Week 2: Mindful Mornings

Studies show that embracing simplicity and incorporating slower routines might result in living a slower-paced, happier and more fulfilling life. BUT WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR IT.

I’ve read countless articles about waking up an hour earlier, being more intentional with my yoga practise, and leaving my phone at home when walking the dog. But if you’re anything like me, you know that a pedicure is the PERFECT place to answer emails and finally get to those unanswered texts. Also, I create my entire shopping list and book my family’s appointments while walking the dog. Honestly, it’s very difficult to be mindful when we’re so damn busy.

However, making time for ‘slow’ is important in a fast-paced world. Our lives are already filled with information overload, commitments, responsibilities and hardly any time to think.

To start off, let’s be realistic. The slow living movement isn’t within reach to most people every day of the week. We have enough on our plate without forcing ourselves awake an hour early for the quiet.

Consider incorporating a slow morning routine specifically on quiet days.

Days when you know you don’t have much on your plate or if you’re already stressed out about the going-ons in your household, the last thing you’re going to be thinking about is how you’re going to intentionally make a cup of coffee. Do what you gotta do but try planning ahead for your quiet days, it’ll help you get into the mindset more easily.

These planned out slow mornings can give you the breathing space to take stock, chill and recharge for those much more busy mornings.

Next: Let’s ignore all the pushy advice telling you to meditate or journal.

Create a routine that’s yours.

Ask yourself:

What will you prioritize?
When will you wake up?
What aspects of your morning do you want to do slowly?
Is there one thing you’d like to do that you usually don’t have time for on busy days?

Once you’ve answered these questions you can create a routine for self care that speaks to you.

Are you prioritizing sleep or movement? Will you wake up later to fit in more sleep or wake up early to slow down and enjoy your movement?

There may be certain aspects of your morning you're yearning to spend time on. Is it a 10-step Korean skin care routine? (Yes, please!).

It could be walking the dog (sans phone), making breakfast, or taking the time to make the bed just the way you like it; with everyone of those itty, bitty pillows in just the right place.

The final question is a simple reminder that on slow mornings, you have more time for the things you usually rush or don’t have time for.

What would you love to incorporate into a morning routine but you know, realistically, you don’t ordinarily have time for? This could be anything, from styling your hair to styling your kid’s hair, or just opening up some windows for fresh air.

You might find that you’re able to do some of these things more often than you’d thought possible.

Similarly, you can adopt some of these routines into your evenings as well. Maybe you add a 10 minute gua sha lymphatic face massage after your shower and before your brush your teeth — treat yo' self!

Whatever you have going on in your life right now, it’s so important to take care of yourself.

Slow mornings are precious and depending on your circumstance, they can look very different from mine or anyone else’s. That doesn’t matter. The important thing is to find a slow morning routine that works for you and schedule it in!