The Importance of Rest: Why Slowing Down Can Actually Make You More Productive
Let me start by saying— by saying I love my structured weekday mornings.
Getting up between 5:30 and 6 AM, maximizing my day, moving with purpose… it energizes me and is genuinely one of my favorite rhythms of the week.
But if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll also know this:
I equally love my slower mornings. Especially my Slow Saturdays.
They are peaceful. Restful. Intentional.
They’re my time to breathe, soak in the small moments, and most importantly— slow down.
It’s how I reset and step into the new week feeling grounded, refreshed and clear-headed.
I wake up naturally between 7 and 9 AM— with no alarm, letting the sunlight do the job.
No rush or pressure— just presence.
Now you know why I love my slow Saturdays. But…
What about the benefits? Why does intentional rest matter so much— mentally, emotionally and spiritually?
Let’s talk about it!
5 Reasons To Prioritize Restful, Slow Mornings:
You Set The Tone For The Day
A Slow, intentional start tells your body and brain “We’re calm, safe, and good”. As beneficial as structured morning routines are, rushing first thing in the morning can immediately put your mind in stress mode. The energy you get from the start of your day carries into everything else you do.
Lately, my favorite way to ease into the day is with a morning stroll, quality Bible + prayer time, and a nice, big breakfast. Sometimes I’ll even bake some bread!
2. Your mind Needs time to Wake up too!
We often expect ourselves to function at 100% from the moment we open our eyes. But the truth is, your mind needs a gentle transition- just like your body does. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate slow mornings so much. They give my thoughts time to settle, my focus to sharpen naturally, and my heart a moment to breathe.
When your mornings are calm and consistent, you waste less energy on unnecessary decisions. Instead of rushing through, you’re able to move with clarity, which frees up brainpower for the things that matter most during your day!
3. You’re More Present
Slow mornings create space to actually notice things: the smell of your coffee, (or tea if you’re like me!) the way the sunlight hits the wall, or how you feel before the day demands anything of you.
That kind of presence? It builds gratitude. It grounds you. It reminds you to just be— before the noise kicks in.
So take your time. Embrace the quiet. Sniff the flowers. Listen to the birds.
Let your morning be yours before it belongs to anyone (or anything) else.
4. They Help you LISTEN to your Body
Some days, your body is just tired— especially after a late night or a few. Other days, your heart feels heavy and you’re emotionally drained. We all have those days!
This is why slow, restful mornings mater. They give you a chance to pause and ask,
“What do I actually need today?”
Instead of jumping straight into go-mode or forcing yourself into performance, you begin from a place of compassion.
On these slower mornings, I love taking a walk, breathing in fresh air, and and truly slowing down.
No pressure, just peace.
5. They Strengthen Your Faith Rhythm.
The quiet mornings before the day begins are truly my favorite time to connect with God. When I give Him my time first, it’s so much easier to be consistent in my Bible and Prayer life.
Slow mornings make room for that stillness—no rush, no distractions. They’re peaceful. Deep. Intentional. These special moments with God have strengthened my faith in ways I never expected. There’s something so powerful about meeting Him in the quiet!
Slow mornings aren’t about being lazy or unproductive— they’re about being intentional.
In a world that celebrates hustle and constant motion, choosing to begin your day at a slower pace is a simple, yet powerful way to bring purpose into it.
It’s not just about sipping your morning cup of joe in silence or having more time to stretch (even though those things are wonderful!) It’s about building a rhythm of life that honours your body, mind and soul.
Whether it’s 10 extra minutes of quiet, a gentle morning routine, or time to connect with God before the world demands your attention, these moments matter.
So if you’ve been yearning for less chaos and more calm…
Maybe that shift starts first thing in the morning.
Start slowly, softly, and intentionally. And let that sweet peace follow you into the rest of your day.