The Soft Start

Slow Mornings (or Evenings… or Both)

I used to think I had to get everything done in the morning, otherwise it wouldn’t happen. Exercise, meditation, journaling, a meal full of superfoods. And to be honest, it used to exhaust me. I was performing someone else’s version of wellness. It felt like I was running on adrenaline — which really meant my nervous system didn’t feel safe. Rather than setting me up for success, that routine was slowly depleting me.

Over the last few years, I’ve softened into slower mornings. They give me time to embody who I am that day — what actually matters to me, and how my body is really feeling.

You might read this and think, “But I have so much to do! There’s no way I can have a slow morning!”

And I completely get that.

But ask yourself…

• Is all this stuff on my list really mine? Or am I doing a lot of it for others?

• Am I performing someone else’s beauty routine or wellness protocol? Is it actually benefiting me?

• Why do I feel guilty for resting? Is that society’s expectations — or my family of origin?

• Who is really benefiting from me rushing around in the morning?

Here are five reasons your nervous system will love slow mornings:

It signals safety to your nervous system

Moving slowly first thing reduces the “alarm” response triggered by rushing, noise, or screens. This helps shift you out of fight-or-flight and into a calmer, more regulated state.

It supports steadier stress hormones

A gentle morning allows cortisol to rise more gradually rather than spiking sharply. This can mean less jitteriness, anxiety, or emotional reactivity later in the day.

It improves body awareness and interoception

Slowing down makes it easier to notice sensations like hunger, tension, fatigue, or comfort. This awareness is foundational for feeling embodied and responding to your body with care.

It reduces nervous system overload before it begins

When the day starts fast, the nervous system is already playing catch-up. A slow morning creates a buffer, making it easier to tolerate stress, decisions, and sensory input as the day unfolds.

It builds trust between you and your body

Choosing slowness communicates, “I’m listening.” Over time, this consistency teaches your nervous system that it doesn’t need to stay on high alert to be safe or productive.

I’m not saying you need a slow morning every day. But what might change if you tried it once or twice a week? Even today?

(P.S. If your busiest, most frantic time is actually at night — trying to get everything done before bed — you can flip all of this into the evening instead.)

Today’s Practice:

Go back to bed, even for ten minutes, with a book, a podcast, your current craft project, or simply to gaze out the window.

Today’s Reflection:

Spend some time with the questions above. Journal, or simply ponder.