I love slow mornings. Most of us, if we take them, get to enjoy slow mornings only on the weekends, or whatever our days off happen to be.
When I first took the Dale Carnegie Human Relations course back in the mid-‘90s, I was surprised to hear that taking breaks actually makes us more productive. I mentioned that fact in my Joy at Work series of columns.
At the time, I was always on the go. I was an energetic 20-something woman who was involved in anything and everything on the evenings and weekends. In fact, now that I’m 55, I still fight the impulse to join everything.
The world supports “busy.” How often do we complain about how busy we are, or hear others saying that word? It seems to be the norm in our society. I’d like to challenge that today.
When I learned that I was a Highly Sensitive Person over 18 years ago, my world shifted. I discovered that I truly need downtime every day to recharge and be my best self. My gut instinct says that it’s probably true for everyone.
One of my friends, Jennifer, told me something I’ve never forgotten. She said that it’s crucial for us all to just take time to … breathe. Not think about the dozens of things we need to do today, tomorrow, or next week. Simply stop, do nothing, and breathe.
Whenever I do this during my slow mornings, I’m amazed at all the creative ideas that float into my mind. Column topics. New ways to approach problems. Solutions to said problems.
Our columnist is never without her tea during her slow mornings. (Photo provided by Amy Shankland)
It turns out that my weekend ritual isn’t a new thing. If you look up “slow mornings” online and on social media, you’ll see that the concept is on numerous blogs and websites. Multiple sites state how this practice can help us stay mindful, manage stress, increase creativity and productivity, and start the day on a calm note.
Last Saturday, I sat out on my deck just watching the sky change as the sun rose. I slowly sipped my matcha tea and listened to the lingering crickets and birds. The rest of my day was busy with one thing after another, but after that slow start to my day doing nothing, I felt like I could accomplish everything. And I did just that with a smile.
I know many of you are busy with so many things … jobs … parenting … taking care of elderly relatives. Right now, look at your calendar, and try to fit in one or two slow mornings a week. Even a half hour can make a huge difference.
Maybe this Labor Day weekend can help. Just remember, if we take the time to do nothing, it will often yield everything!
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.