SLOW MORNINGS VS RUSHED ROUTINES: WHY INTENTIONAL LIVING IS HAVING A MOMENT

If everything is going too fast that is probably because you aren't taking the time to slow things down. In a time where you have work, family and friend obligations, and only so many hours to have to yourself - it may feel like you are forever running at an unsustainable pace. Even the concept of 'having something to yourself' feels like most of your life is given up to something beyond your control. Slow Living is a movement and mindset intended to take your agency over your own life back.

Doing Everything the Day Before:

When your mornings are rushed and unplanned, it is likely your day will take on the same shape. Nobody likes rushed mornings. You may not be able to smooth out the chaos of that particular day but you can make the journey a little less rocky with preparation. The night before should be for little things: meal prepping, laying out tomorrow's outfit, writing out a list, creating a schedule that works. The less things you have to worry about, the more you can focus on the things that need your attention the most.

Waking up early:

If you feel like the only time you get for yourself is at the end of the day - wake up earlier. Whether you wake up an hour early, or twenty minutes earlier, having this bit of free space before you really start your day will improve your mental health. Coming at the day in a headspace of 'I have to respond to everything immediately' can make your day feel anxiety-packed - something you have to anticipate rather than just enjoy. Spend this free time setting the tone for the rest of the day. Have a cup of tea. Get some fresh air. Do something for you that feels good.

Having a slow beauty routine: 

Getting in touch with your body helps ground you in the present. If you are the kind of person who forgets to moisturize before doing makeup, or you just can't wait for the setting spray to dry - try this. Focus on how your beauty routine makes you feel. Washing your face. Moisturizing. Applying lip balm. Use this time as if it were meditative. An opportunity to sit down with yourself and just be.

Reduce your screen time:

If you have idle hours - fill them with something meaningful. We all have one or two hours throughout the day that we spend scrolling on our phones or being on our laptops. The things you consume in this time may often be shaped by algorithms and are designed to keep you on the page even longer than you intended. In a dense, busy day this screen time can actually feel cathartic, but it is not great for the attention span in the long run. Spending this time reading or doing something you enjoy (hobbies like knitting, doing puzzles, anything mentally stimulating) can not only give you pleasure but give your brain a break from doing nothing.

Declutter your space:

Your space is sacred and its state will reflect your state of mind. A cluttered space will give you headaches. Make it harder for you to find the things you actually need, and you'll waste time trying to find them. Slow living is about making life easier.  A tidy space will make your day run smoother with everything you need within arm's reach. Organization is a skill that starts with the things around us. If your space is organized so will the rest of your life.

Slow living seems like such an obvious thing but it's a philosophy not everybody takes advantage of. Realistically, we are always pressed for time. But we are not powerless - how we spend that time can make our days pass in wildly different ways. Start with a small gradual change and watch how that ripples out.

Sources:

Fabrica Coffee Roasters via "Slow Living: Simple Habits for a Calmer Morning"

The Slow Year, "How to Create a Slow Morning Routine: 10 Simple Ways to Start Your Day with Intention" via Candis Williams