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12 Slow Morning Rituals for Less Stress

By Ethan Boldt

April 25, 2025

Some days (such as a weekend day), you simply want to have a slow morning routine, which is becoming a wellness trend because it’s so effective for resetting your body and mind for an often-challenging week ahead.

So rather than a hyper productive morning, the idea is to embrace some slow morning rituals. You’ll intentionally take time to start your day in both a calm and mindful way, emphasizing activities that support your mind and body — and that ultimately help you get as far away from stress as possible.

Benefits of a slow morning can be reduced stress, increased focus, better creativity, mindfulness so you’re more aware of your thoughts and feelings and simply starting the day with an overwhelming positive (and healthy) tone.

1. Have a glass of water

First thing, maybe with it on your nightstand, drink down a glass of water. It can help you replenish water lost during sleep and may help increase your metabolism for a few hours after getting up.

2. Go screen-free

Rather than immediately grab your smartphone or tablet, go screen-free this morning. It can help de-stress and help put you in a more meditative state.

3. Spend some time in silence or listening to gentle music

In your bedroom or in your kitchen, enjoy the silence or put on some gentle music to continue your relaxation vibe.

4. Morning skin care routine

Wash your face and maybe do a little exfoliation before putting on your moisturizer and perhaps some sunscreen if you’re going to go outside.

5. Make a health-minded cup of coffee or tea

Rather than that coffee with milk and sugar, so in a health-minded direction by adding some collagen or bone broth protein powder for a boost. See how to make a collagen coffee.

Otherwise, get a cup of herbal tea with some lemon, or maybe try Ancient Nutrition’s collagen matcha. Perhaps whip up a matcha latte.

6. Get sunshine first thing for 10-15 minutes

Take that coffee or tea outside and get some sun early in the day. Early morning sunlight exposure, such as within the first hour of waking, can help regulate your circadian rhythm, boost vitamin D levels, help your mood and even enhance cognitive function.

7. Stretch or get some exercise outside

Go for a walk or bike ride. Or do some stretches or a yoga routine outside.

8. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for

Gratitude helps focus your mind on the right things. It’s been shown to increase happiness, decrease stress and even boost relationships.

9. Take your supplements with a nourishing breakfast

Breakfast time! Make a nutrient-filled breakfast with all three macros (carbs, fats and protein) represented. Try a protein smoothie (with whey or collagen protein, or both), a breakfast bowl or have overnight oats ready to go. Have your probiotic, multivitamin and whatever other supplements you take with that breakfast.

10. Do a small chore

Tackle a quick chore, like tidying up your bedroom or cleaning your kitchen or doing a little gardening, to get a sense of accomplishment.

11. Spend some time on a creative project that feeds your soul

Speaking of accomplishment, do you have any creative desires inside that are waiting to come out? Rather than chasing a revenue stream, take half an hour or so to work on some creative outlet. Maybe it’s knitting, writing an essay, doing some music or painting.

12. Plan ahead

Write a to-do list for your week on a piece of paper or notebook and aim to make it realistic. This practice not only can help organize your mind for the week, but it actually has also been shown to reduce stress.