"Mellow Mornings": A Softer Approach to the Early-Riser Productivity Movement
In the pursuit of productivity and success, many have adopted the 5 AM hustle, a practice that emphasises an early rise for increased output. However, a new approach is gaining traction: Soft Mornings. This concept, centred around starting the day gently and mindfully, offers a refreshing alternative to the relentless pace of hustle culture.
Soft Mornings are all about slower, less rigid routines designed to foster calmness, reflection, and self-awareness rather than rushing into productivity at full speed. The first hour of Soft Mornings is reserved for quiet activities such as journaling, stretching, or watching the light shift. Even 20 minutes of softness can influence the tone of the entire day.
Unlike the 5 AM hustle, which emphasises productivity, discipline, and early starts, Soft Mornings cultivate self-awareness, calmness, and mental space. They reduce stress by avoiding the pressure of rigid routines and encourage vulnerability and courage. Soft Mornings support sustainable productivity by fostering mental clarity and emotional well-being, as opposed to boosting productivity short-term through extra hours but risking fatigue.
Moreover, Soft Mornings are beneficial for people recovering from burnout, neurodivergent individuals, creative minds, and anyone feeling overwhelmed. They are a gentle rebellion against hustle culture, offering a more balanced and intentional way to start the day.
The benefits of Soft Mornings compared to the 5 AM hustle are evident when we look at focus, mental health, productivity, connection with body and mind, and use of natural rhythms. While the 5 AM hustle may increase stress or burnout if not balanced well, Soft Mornings help reduce stress by avoiding pressure, encouraging vulnerability, and fostering mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Exposure to bright morning sunlight is a key shared benefit that can be integrated into either approach. It suppresses residual melatonin, signalling the body to be alert, and helps synchronise circadian clocks which regulate many bodily processes including sleep. This leads to feeling sharper, improved mood, faster sleep onset at night, and longer sleep duration. Both soft mornings and 5 AM routines can benefit from morning light, but soft mornings often pair this with a gentle, mindful start rather than immediate busyness.
In conclusion, while the 5 AM hustle mindset champions early rising for increased output, the soft mornings approach promotes a more balanced, mindful start to the day that nurtures mental health and sustainable productivity. Soft mornings emphasise slow, gentle beginnings that foster courage, reflection, and connection with oneself, potentially reducing stress and preventing burnout. This approach aligns well with evidence on the benefits of morning light for mood and circadian health, supporting improved sleep and overall well-being.
- Soft Mornings, unlike the 5 AM hustle, offer a more intentional and mindful start to the day, focusing on creating a calm and self-aware environment with activities such as journaling and stretching, thereby promoting mental health and sustainable productivity.
- Soft Mornings are beneficial for individuals recovering from burnout, neurodivergent individuals, creative minds, and anyone feeling overwhelmed as they provide a gentle rebellion against the rigidity and pressure of hustle culture, encouraging vulnerability and mental clarity.
- Both Soft Mornings and the 5 AM hustle can benefit from exposure to bright morning sunlight, as this natural light helps synchronize circadian clocks, leading to improved sleep, mood, and overall well-being, but Soft Mornings often pair this with a gentle, mindful start, rather than immediate busyness.
