The Magic of Mornings: Ideas for a slow start that is aligned with our natural rhythms

Diving into the unique and enchanting morning rituals for a slow and mindful start to your day.

I don’t know about you, but I am not part of the “getting up at 5am being the only way to achieve anything in life” crew. I don’t even get it if I am honest, because if I am getting up at 5am I am either going to be mega tired (and that’s not healthy for anyone to maintain) or it’s because my children are probably unwell, and that doesn’t foster a very mindful morning routine either.

So often when I am on the internet I see people suggesting the only way to find “success” (whatever success even is, but that’s another topic entirely…) is to get up early (5am for example) and achieve everything on your list, and I am never convinced. I am not saying a morning routine isn’t a great idea, because it is a great idea, but I don’t believe it needs to be forced or come with restrictions. I also believe it will ebb and flow with the seasons, just like everything else in our lives should as well.

Certainly, if rising early feels aligned with who you are, by all means, embrace it. However, for the majority, waking up at 4 am or 5 am every day, all year round, might not align with our natural rhythms.

Let me shed light on why.

As humans, we are inherently connected to the rhythms of the seasons. Our ancestors lived in sync with the sun, rising with the dawn and retiring with the dusk. While modern society may have attempted to override these natural patterns, our bodies retain this ancestral core memory. Remember that concept in science – the idea that our bodies carry the imprints of experiences from generations past? Well, it applies here too. Our bodies are intrinsically wired to respond to the changing seasons. This is why I am fervent about advocating for seasonal living. Regardless of our contemporary lifestyles, there's immense value in reconnecting with our roots and integrating the wisdom of seasonal living into our lives.

Certainly, I'm not asserting that the past was superior in every aspect. There's much about modern living that I deeply appreciate. The internet and platforms like this that offer incredible avenues to share my passions and connect with like-minded individuals, for which I'm immensely grateful. The convenience of appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine lightens my load considerably, and I'm even inclined to express gratitude for AI in some ways, which streamlines my solopreneurial endeavors. While I value many aspects of modern society, it's crucial to acknowledge the downsides, such as the hustle culture, the constant state of connectivity, and the growing disconnection from our authentic selves.

How do we seamlessly integrate our innate, ancestral selves with the expectations of the modern world? Let's begin by acknowledging that our mornings need not adhere to a rigid routine throughout the year. In fact, it's both normal and crucial for our health and well-being that they don't.

For many, mornings unfold in a chaotic ring of alarm clocks, rushed breakfasts, and frantic dashes out the door to work and/or school. But what if we dared to rethink our mornings? What if, instead of launching headlong into the day, we took inspiration from the principles of slow living, embracing a more tranquil and mindful start? What if we respected the natural rhythm of our bodies and the changing seasons, approaching each morning with a touch of nuance?

Why Mornings Matter

The early hours of the day shape the flow of the rest of our entire day. Our morning routine significantly influences our mood, productivity, and overall wellbeing. From the moment we wake up to the sights, sounds, and foods that we start our days with, these elements possess the power to either propel us towards calmness or leave us feeling drained before the day unfolds.

By crafting a deliberate, unhurried morning ritual, irrespective of our daily schedules, we allow ourselves to start the day with purpose, grounding, and clarity. This intentional buffer between sleep and the demands of the day equips us to face whatever lies ahead with a composed and prepared mindset.

Embracing the changes in the seasons also becomes pivotal. Recognising that our bodies naturally crave more rest in the winter, we should embrace, not resist, this feeling. Rather than criticising ourselves for what we perceive to be lower productivity in winter (or worse, calling it laziness), let's celebrate the uniqueness of each season and our natural capacity to adapt to them as they come.

Embracing the ebb and flow of the seasons isn’t just a trendy concept; it’s a beautiful way to honour how our bodies are naturally hardwired. When we allow our routines to adapt with the changing seasons, we relieve ourselves of the pressure to constantly be “on” and instead create space for rest and renewal as and when it is needed.

It’s about listening to what your body needs and responding — whether that means slowing down in the winter months or embracing more vibrant activity in the spring. When we align with this natural rhythm, we not only honour our own wellbeing but are able to create a more balanced, joyful life that feels authentic and sustainable.

Creating Your Morning Ritual

Crafting a slow morning ritual is highly personal. We all live very different lives, with different jobs, homes, families and demands. What brings one person peace and grounding may not work for another.

Here are a few ideas to help you form a routine that aligns with your lifestyle and values:

1. Wake Up Naturally

I know, I know – the working world doesn’t always allow for that. Between needing to work, getting to an office, getting your and/or your children ready for the day and/school is not alway conducive to waking up naturally in the mornings. But maybe this is something you can prioritise where you are able. I am lucky that our current lifestyle does allow for waking up naturally but I am also aware that this isn’t the case for everyone.

Waking up to the jarring beep of an alarm clock is far from a serene start for any of us. If possible, try to wake up naturally with the sun. This may mean adjusting your bedtime to ensure you’re getting enough sleep, but the gentler awakening is worth the effort. For us it is definitely season dependent. Through the summer months I will naturally wake around 7.30am and that is perfect for me. I feel well rested and the sun brings me out of my slumber. However through the winter months, when the sunrises later I will naturally wake between 8.30 – 9am (and even the latter might feel hard). Our lifestyle does allow for this and for that I am grateful, but give it a test for yourself, see what time you naturally wake and notice how much better you feel when you are able to awake naturally, even if it’s just on the weekend.

2. Start with Stillness

Before you reach for your phone or start mentally assembling your to-do list, take a few moments just to be. I know it can be difficult and definitely something that is a constant work in progress for me too. Ideally the first light of the day should be natural sunlight, it is essential for your health and wellbeing. Instead, what most of us do is reach for our phones and surrounding ourselves with forced and detrimental blue light.

Take a moment and just be, this could be as simple as lying in bed for a few extra minutes, focusing on your breath, and grounding yourself in the present. I know the urge is to pull out the phone, but what if you didn’t?

3. Move Mindfully

Incorporate some gentle movement into your morning. This could be yoga, stretching, or a leisurely walk. Again, I know we don’t all have oodles of time in the morning – I don’t either, but a bit of light yoga and stretching can take mere minutes. You don’t need to embrace a full on half an hour yoga routine if that’s not possible. Just do something. My hack for this is to do up to 5 minutes of yoga stretches while I am getting ready. No mat, no routine, just squeezing it in where I can. The aim is to awaken the body slowly, align your mind and body, and boost your circulation and energy for the day.

4. Eat & Do it Mindfully

You’ve heard the quote “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and while that was actually a marketing slogan to sell breakfast cereals there is something to be said for taking time over this meal, and savouring it. When we feel rushed and out of control in the mornings we can tend to rush through breakfast, but there is another way. Choose nourishing, seasonal, simple foods that make you feel good. Sit down at the table, sit outside if the weather allows in the current season, take the time to chew, and truly taste your food. This is called mindful eating and it helps ground and tether you to a moment. When we’re mindful we’re better able to be present (something that isn’t always easy in a busy, modern world) and acknowledge our thoughts. It’s a huge misconception that we’re unable to be mindful, and therefore present, because we have thoughts that interrupt our peace, or our minds wander. I want to reassure you on something: That is the whole point. It’s not possible, at least not at first (and maybe ever for many people) to achieve a completely empty mind. Thoughts will come and go, acknowledge them, embrace them and then bring your mind back to the present. This is mindfulness.

5. Cultivate Gratitude

Starting the day with an attitude of gratitude can have a profound effect on your mood and outlook. No, you don’t have to journal if you can’t/don’t want to, but gratitude is a huge part of starting the day. If you want to journal, by all means do but don’t skip this step because you don’t want to sit down and write or journal. You can absolutely still practice gratitude by taking a few moments to think about what you’re grateful for. Maybe tether it to something, like brushing your teeth, that way every time you brush your teeth in the morning you can run through what you’re grateful for in your mind.

6. Mindful Meditation

I touched on this above but I think it is worth mentioning again. So many people say they can’t meditate or be mindful because their thoughts interrupt it. So they give up, rule it out as something they can’t do and never try again. Thoughts will always cross your mind, this doesn’t mean you are failing at mindfulness or meditation, instead its the whole point of the entire process. When those thoughts cross your mind embrace them, acknowledge them, and then bring your mind back to the present moment.

Even a few minutes of meditation can have a significant impact on your stress levels, focus, and sense of wellbeing. Try to incorporate a short meditation session into your morning routine, focusing on your breath and setting an intention for the day. This might be something you combine with those few moment first thing just to be.

7. Align with Nature

Something that is a non-negotiable for us through Spring, Summer and Early Autumn is getting outside and into the sunlight first thing. It’s not as easy throughout those cold, winter months but something I am going to put more focus into in late autumn and winter. If you are able, spend some time outside first thing. This could be as simple as spending some time in the sunlight, to having your first coffee outside or taking a short walk. Getting sunlight on your face is so important to your health and wellbeing but it also aligns you with the natural world can bring a sense of peace and perspective into your day.

8. Single-Task

Nothing says modern society with a touch of hustle culture like multitasking. Actually, when you think about it, it’s almost glorified in our society that if you’re able to multitask then you’re winning. But what if the opposite is true? What if the simplicity of focusing on single tasks is better? When you’re dressing, just dress. Fully engage with what you’re doing, and you’ll likely find it becomes a more enjoyable, less stressful experience.

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Are you ready to transform your mornings into a time of peace and intention? I’m excited to share my free Mindful Morning Routine Checklist, designed to help you start each day feeling grounded and energised. This checklist is all about creating a morning ritual that sets the tone for a fulfilling day, whether that means enjoying a quiet cup of tea, practising gratitude, or simply taking a few deep breaths to centre yourself before diving into your to-do list. By carving out even a few moments each morning to focus on yourself, you’ll cultivate a sense of calm that can carry you through the day.

Best of all, it’s completely free! You can easily download the checklist and integrate these mindful practices into your daily routine. No matter how busy life gets, taking the time to nurture your mind and spirit each morning can make a world of difference. Let’s embrace the power of a mindful start together and watch how it transforms your days into something truly special. Grab your checklist now and begin your journey to more intentional mornings!

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Remain Flexible

While rituals and rhythms can provide a comforting structure, it’s important to maintain flexibility. Some mornings, your routine might not go as planned, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection but rather intention and mindfulness.

Starting your day with a slow, mindful morning routine won’t just make your mornings more enjoyable; it’ll enhance your whole day. By giving yourself time to wake up gently, to savour, to move, and to align, you set yourself up for a day of calm, intention, and productivity. It’s not about the rush; it’s about the magic of mornings. Embrace the tranquility, and see how it transforms your day.