The Unexpected Joy of Slow Mornings

For the longest time, I was one of those people who jumped out of bed, rushed through breakfast (if I even had time for it), and sped out the door, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. Mornings were a blur of activity, and I wore my busyness like a badge of honor. But that constant rush was also exhausting. I didn't realize how much I was missing by speeding through the beginning of my day until I started experimenting with slower, more intentional mornings.

It all began when I started working remotely and had a bit more flexibility with my schedule. I no longer had to fight traffic or rush to catch the train, so I decided to slow things down. At first, it was just a small adjustment—waking up fifteen minutes earlier to sip my coffee without distractions. I wasn’t trying to achieve anything during that time, just allowing myself a few moments of stillness. That simple change was a game-changer. I noticed I felt less stressed and more centered by the time I sat down to start my workday.

Encouraged by this small shift, I expanded my slow morning routine. I started incorporating other activities that I enjoyed but often neglected because of time constraints. Some days I’d spend a few minutes reading a book, journaling, or stretching. Other mornings, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood, soaking in the quiet before the hustle of the day began. These small practices made a world of difference in how I felt, both mentally and physically. Instead of feeling frazzled and hurried, I felt grounded and ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

What surprised me most was how much this new approach to mornings changed my overall outlook. By starting my day with intention and calm, I found that I was more patient, more focused, and generally in a better mood throughout the day. It wasn’t just about the extra time; it was about the mindset shift that came with slowing down. I started to appreciate the little moments more, like the sound of birds outside my window or the way the light changed as the sun rose. These were things I had been missing out on in my rush to "get things done."

Of course, there are still mornings when life gets hectic, and I have to return to the old, rushed routine. But even on those days, I try to carry the lessons of slow mornings with me. I’ve learned that how we start our day can set the tone for everything that follows, and by giving myself the gift of a calm, intentional morning, I’m better equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way.

If you’ve never tried slowing down your mornings, I encourage you to give it a shot. You don’t need hours of free time—just a few moments to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the start of a new day. You might be surprised at how much joy and peace those moments can bring.