What if you try “slow morning”? Instead of doing a thousand tasks at once and running around in the morning, the idea is to take some time to reflect and relax before starting the day. This method would allow you to better manage your stress and emotions on a daily basis.
Starting the day off right isn't always an easy task for many of us. We often rush to complete our tasks quickly in order to be as productive as possible. On TikTok, a new trend is emerging that transforms mornings into wellness-focused rituals known as “slow mornings.” This approach aims to incorporate relaxing activities to soothe the nervous system at the start of the day, providing a better way to start the day, according to its fans.
Take the time to listen to your body's needs
This method of personal development was conceptualized by the American author Hal Elrod in his book “Miracle Morning”, published in 2012. It is inspired by the philosophy of “Slow Living”, a movement advocating disconnection social pressures and full awareness of the present moment. The success of Slow Living is largely based on its benefits for mental health.
Indeed, adopting a slower pace of life can reduce stress and increase the pleasure we take in the little things of daily life, thus offering a moment of respite from the hectic pace of everyday life. By 2023, a similar trend on TikTok, called “soft evening”, had also emerged, encouraging a return to calm in the evening through relaxing activities, such as reading, gardening or taking walks.
Unlike trends such as the '5-9 morning routine', where every action is carefully planned from the moment you wake up, the goal of slow morning is to listen to your body's needs and cultivate positive energy for the rest of the day.
A trend inherited from mindfulness
The advantage of “Slow Morning” lies in its ability to adapt the rituals according to one's preferences. Possible activities include temporarily disconnecting from social networks, meditation, writing, breathing exercises, stretching, listening to relaxing music or even a long, soothing shower. Overall, slow morning emphasizes stimulation of the mind, reflection, meditation, solitude and calm. According to a 2020 study from the University of Michigan (United States), letting your mind wander freely, particularly through mindfulness practices often associated with slow mornings, can have a positive impact on creativity.
“Slow mornings have an air of mindfulness, because they are not concerned with what comes next (in your day), but simply with what is happening now and doing something that makes you feel good“, explains Shani A. Gardner, an American therapist, in an article in Women's Health. Olivia Verhulst, a licensed psychotherapist in New York, also contacted by the media, adds: “Relaxing in the morning helps with self-awareness and gives time to reflect and analyze your emotions“.
Establish a calming routine
If you are a sports lover, it is also possible to do some light physical exercises during the slow morning. Among these exercises, we can cite the tailor's position, which helps tone the muscles of the legs, arms and abdominals. To practice it, simply sit on the bed with your legs extended, bring your feet towards your buttocks, keep your head and back straight, then turn your torso and head to the left and right. .
Of course, you may not be able to practice slow morning every day due to personal constraints. Nonetheless, the idea is to gradually develop a calming routine that suits you and find time for yourself in the future, especially in the morning, to recharge.