We live in a culture that glorifies speed. From the moment we wake up, we’re encouraged to move fast — check our phones, gulp our coffee, rush through breakfast, and dive straight into emails. Productivity, we’re told, is about doing more in less time.
But what if the secret to real productivity lies in slowing down?
The Power of a Slow Start
A few years ago, I started experimenting with slower mornings. Instead of rolling out of bed and diving straight into work, I gave myself 30 minutes just to exist — no phone, no laptop, no agenda. I made tea, sat by the window, and let my thoughts wander.
The result? I started feeling calmer, clearer, and far more focused once I actually began my workday. My mind wasn’t racing anymore — it was ready.
What a Slow Morning Looks Like
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but here’s what’s worked for me:
- Wake up without a screen. Resist the urge to scroll. Let your brain wake up naturally.
- Move a little. Stretching, walking, or yoga helps shake off that mental fog.
- Make something by hand. Brew coffee, cook breakfast, or journal — something tactile and grounding.
- Set one key intention. Instead of a long to-do list, ask: “What one thing would make today feel meaningful?”
Why It Works
Slowing down in the morning isn’t about laziness — it’s about alignment. When you start your day from a grounded place, you make better decisions, handle stress more gracefully, and move through tasks with greater purpose.
As the saying goes: “If you don’t take the first hour of the day, the day will take you.”
Try It Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, before the noise of the world rushes in, give yourself just ten minutes. Sit in stillness. Breathe. Notice the quiet.
You might be surprised how much faster your day flows once you stop rushing through it.
