Mornings set the tone for the day, yet so often, they feel rushed and chaotic. But what if, instead of hitting snooze or jumping straight into the busyness, you carved out just ten extra minutes for yourself? A slow morning doesn’t have to mean an elaborate routine, it’s about creating a moment of stillness before the day begins.
Here’s how to embrace a slower, more intentional start to your mornings with just ten extra minutes:
1. Wake Up 10 Minutes Earlier
This doesn’t mean sacrificing sleep, it simply means giving yourself the gift of a few extra minutes to ease into the day. Try setting your alarm just a bit earlier and resisting the urge to scroll on your phone first thing. Instead, use this time with purpose.
2. Stretch & Breathe
Before rushing out of bed, take a moment to stretch. A few simple movements — rolling your shoulders, stretching your arms overhead, or a gentle forward fold — can help wake up your body and mind. Deep breathing can also bring a sense of calm before the day fully begins.
3. Savor a Moment of Quiet
Before the demands of the day take over, enjoy a few peaceful moments. This could be sipping your coffee without distractions, lighting a candle, or simply sitting in stillness. The world moves fast, give yourself permission to pause.
4. Read Something That Fills You Up
Whether it’s a passage from a book, a devotional, or a few lines of poetry, reading something meaningful can set a positive tone for the day. Choose something that inspires, encourages, or grounds you before stepping into the day ahead.
5. Set a Gentle Intention
Instead of diving into a mental to-do list, take a moment to set an intention for the day. It could be as simple as “stay present,” “choose joy,” or “move through the day with grace.” A small mindset shift in the morning can shape how the entire day unfolds.
A slow morning doesn’t mean you need to change your entire routine. It’s about making space for little rituals that help you feel grounded before the day sweeps you away. Just ten minutes can be the difference between feeling frazzled and feeling refreshed.
What’s one thing you’d love to add to your mornings? Let’s romanticize the start of the day together!