Mornings can be absolute chaos..

Whether you’re a sleep-deprived student stumbling to your first lecture, a parent juggling cereal bowls and lunch boxes, or someone in their 60s who just wants a quiet cup of tea without being interrupted by the news, mornings have this uncanny ability to overwhelm us. But here’s the thing: they don’t have to.

Enter slow living, a lifestyle that whispers, “Breathe, darling, it’s not that deep.”

And where better to start this transformation than in the morning? You don’t need to be a wellness guru meditating.. l always say this because that’s what l always imagined. You just need a few intentional rituals that suit your life—whether it’s messy, busy, or gloriously uneventful.

What Exactly is Slow Living?

Before you roll your eyes and mutter, “Here comes another trend,” let me stop you right there. Slow living isn’t about quitting your job, buying a cottage in the countryside, and churning butter or baking bread from scratch which I have recently started obviously am still failing !! But l suppose it’s about embracing mindfulness and simplicity in a way that brings joy and balance to your daily life.

And mornings? Well, they set the tone for everything. Rush your morning, and you’re basically setting fire to the rest of your day. But start it slowly and intentionally, and it feels like a warm hug from the universe.

Morning Rituals for All Walks of Life

Here are some slow morning rituals that anyone—and I mean anyone—can adopt, whether you’re twenty and skint or sixty and thriving.

1. Don’t Touch Your Phone – I Dare You

You know that reflex of grabbing your phone the second you wake up? Stop it. Trust me, the group chat drama and emails can wait.

Instead, take a few moments to stretch, breathe, or even just stare at the ceiling and wonder why you’re awake so early.

2. Make Your Cup of Tea (or Coffee) a Ceremony

Tea, coffee, or even a glass of warm water with lemon—whatever your morning beverage of choice is, treat it like a sacred ritual. Boil the kettle, take in the aroma, and sip it slowly. No, not while scrolling Instagram or work emails .

Just sit there like an old soul appreciating life’s little pleasures.

3. Move Your Body (Gently, Please)

This isn’t the time to sprint on a treadmill unless you’re that kind of person (in which case, I would love to admire your energy). For the rest of us, a bit of stretching, yoga, or even a slow stroll around the block will do.

And no, walking to the fridge doesn’t count.

4. Eat Like You Mean It

( A wholesome breakfast as part of a mindful slow living routine. )

Stop wolfing down toast or your oats like you’re in a food-eating contest. Sit down, chew your food, and maybe even enjoy it.

And yes, porridge or a slice of avocado or butter toast is cliché, but clichés are clichés for a reason—they work.

5. A Moment of Quiet

This doesn’t have to be a full-blown meditation session (though, go for it if that’s your jam). It could just be sitting in silence, listening to the birds or doing NOTHING.

But What If I Don’t Have Time?

Uhhh !! the classic excuse.

Look, I get it. Life’s busy. But here’s a little secret: slow living isn’t about spending hours on elaborate rituals. It’s about finding moments of slowness even in the busiest of days.

Running late?

Skip the last one as I myself get anxiety in the morning if l try to have a moment of my time as I have zillions things running on my mind but sip your tea slowly.

Why Slow Living Works for Everyone

It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh out of uni, navigating parenthood, or enjoying retirement. Slow living isn’t a one-size-fits-all lifestyle; it’s a mindset. It’s about finding what brings you joy and making time for it, even if it’s just for 10 minutes a day.

Ready to Give Slow Living a Go?

Start tomorrow morning.

Pick one ritual from this list and give it a try. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference. And if not, well, at least you got to drink your tea while it was still hot.