How to Slow Down

Although I follow my regimented morning routine, which you can learn more about in my latest post, there are often mornings where I still feel the tense, pressure of the hustle and bustle of the day, which can make it hard to really center myself & enjoy my mornings through and through.

And though a “bad” morning or “bad” day, is only dictated when you categorize one as such, and a "bad" day is not necessarily the equivalent to a bad life, I try my best to do what I can to make getting through mornings when I just can’t seem to pull myself together, less stressful than they initially are.

So, here are a few things I keep in mind during tough mornings like this one!

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Meditate

This suggestion might go without saying, but it can be a very effective tool in slowly down not only your physical body, but your psyche as well.

I try to create a comfortable space away from all the chaos of work and any other morning activities I usually have planned for the day, so I can escape to a meditative retreat of my own. In these times, I try not to limit myself to a certain allotted time that I can mediate, as that will only add onto the pressure you already have rather than relieving it.

However, if you find that you are short one time, my recommendation is to get all your morning does done (if what you have left are simply activities like getting dressed or making a phone call) and once you have knocked all the pins out of the lane, take the time you have left to sit with yourself, close your eyes and just let go of every little thing.

Writing/Journaling

I have mentioned in a previous blog post that I keep a journal every morning and every night. However, some mornings, I find that I need to extend this allotted journaling time, and really dedicate some time, space, and energy to writing whatever it is that is weighing on my mind and body on paper.

During these times, it is often like my nightly journaling routine where I free write whatever is on my mind. Here, I will be completely honest with myself about what I’m feeling and why, without including any biases or I think statements.

This happened…

I feel...

And statements of the same nature!

Music

Listening to music is always an easy way to get yourself into any mood almost automatically.

So, when it comes to mornings when I am caught in an endless panic of what if's and worries, I find it soothing to listen to slower ballads that really bring me back into the present moment.

If I am in need of a little pick me up, I go for some tunes that make me want to get up and dance. But the genre is really up to you, and don’t be afraid to explore others as well! You never know what you might find!

Some of my recent favorites for the mornings are “Let’s Stay Together,” By Al Green, “Dancing in the Kitchen,” By LANY, and “Figured Out,” by Lacy Cavalier.

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So, there we have it folks! Just a few quick tips to get your mind out of the gutter and into the moment, living, breathing, and feeling like your best self, once again!

If you have any tips of your own that help you cope with busy mornings stresses, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Best,

Celina 🤍