Happy Wednesday, friends!
Today’s WELLNESS WEDNESDAY post is short and sweet.
In May, I decided one morning to stop looking at my phone for at least the first hour of my day…and well, I’ve loved it, so I thought I’d share with the group in case you want to try it too.
Plus, last week, I was listening to a podcast episode of The School of Self-Image and the host said she enjoys having “soft mornings”. She defined a “soft morning” as no phone, no TV, no tech.
I just loved that phrase “soft morning”. Who doesn’t want a soft morning? I certainly don’t want a “hard morning”.
Like probably most of you, I use my phone for my alarm, but after I turn it off each morning, I try really hard not to look at it. I mean, I take a glance to make sure I don’t have 37 missed calls from overnight (that would alert me to some sort of emergency), but other than that, I stick it in my robe pocket and leave it alone until I’ve had my coffee, my time outside with my dogs, read my Bible, read a few pages from a book and done my Sudoku.
And when I do pick it up after all of that, I just check for the basics. I have really tried to be intentional about just aimlessly scrolling social media and/or checking my email first thing in the morning. I give my morning time to unfold before jumping into “all the things” my phone makes me think about.
So, that’s it. I’m focusing on having “soft mornings” over here and wanted to share with the group.
Let me know your thoughts…I imagine several of you are going to like this concept too 🙂 .
One last thing, I saw this quote earlier this week and had to share…
…I really love this.
Romanticize your life, friends. We only get one, so let’s make sure we’re enjoying every single minute.
One last thing, today, I also have my mom’s THREE INGREDIENT LEMONADE PIE recipe to share too!
Have the BEST Wednesday!
I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Kim B says
My soft morning includes reading your and Emily Henderson’s blog 😊
Maria says
Shay, I agree I love that phrase “soft morning”. Thank you for introducing it to me!
Have you considered switching to a sunrise alarm clock? It would complete your wellness makeover. I switched several years ago and it was the best thing ever. No more jarring alarm. Now I wake up to the soft glow of the sunrise each morning. I keep my clock on silent light only- and the light is enough to wake me up. The full brightness is quite bright but I never let it get that far. I usually turn it off before then. I highly recommend trying it. I purchased this Amazon clock for $30 to try before investing in the Hatch 3 which I like since you can control it by App (I do not pay for the additional membership features).
https://a.co/d/3OBhadF
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so intrigued! Looking it up right now. Thank you, Maria!
Erin says
Thank you for sharing this! I hate the sound of an alarm clock.
Shelby Echelbarger says
Love this! I need to look into a sunrise clock! Sounds like such a gentler way to bring on the day!
Erin says
I use one, and it’s great. It’s by Phillips.
Sharon H says
I love my Hatch. Have had it for four years and use it for both my evening routine and morning routine.
Emma says
Hey Shay! Love the wellness Wednesday posts and will be incorporating this into my own routine. Curious if on your wellness journey you have dabbled into switching out cleaning/household products to non-toxic options? Would love a post on this!!
Mix and Match Mama says
A little bit! This is certainly on my “to blog” list!
Susy says
One of the most important things you can do. Love my Puracy laundry products—the best!
Jami Romano says
Love this!!!
Beth Knecht says
Yes, enjoy the simple things!
They believe I pulled a muscle or more sneezing after my C-section. I am in pain and have a hard time walking as I have a hard lump above part of my incision. I can’t explain how much the ordinary simple days sound so appealing! So much goodness is simple days!
Jennifer C. says
In my own version of a soft morning, I read your blog post from bed each morning. It’s truly a sweet start to my day! However, I LOVE this idea you shared about delaying phone use, so might be bumping you to lunch time! 🤣💕 Meet you at noon, mkay?! Thanks for spreading so much joy, Shay! You are a bright spot in my days!
Mix and Match Mama says
You meet me here whenever it works best for YOU! I am certainly very grateful. 🙂
Karen says
By just calling it a soft morning, the mood changes! I am inspired hby how you are really focused on being intentional in many areas of life! Sending love from your friend in OK 😀. Karen
Reba says
I love the idea of soft mornings! I’m definitely going to incorporate that into my routine!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love this! I always try to do my reading and word search before i go on my phone in mornings! My days start out calmer too!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Dana P says
Oh, man. I love the idea of this, but the implementation is so hard! Especially here in Europe where we wake up to all kinds of missed texts, breaking news while we were sleeping, etc. Having to confess that makes me really want to have the self-control to do it though! Seeing your dogs all snuggled up in that peaceful scene makes me really want that. I 100% prefer a slow wakeup snuggled on the couch and reading vs. lying in bed for too long checking email, reading texts, etc. I think this was just the nudge that I needed!
Sheaffer says
Soft mornings! I like it!
Paula Hobbs says
I have incorporated this habit myself over the past few months and I love it! I arrive to work about 15 minutes early each day and use that time to scroll, catch up etc but before that I only use my phone as my alarm. I love the “soft morning” vibe! Have a great day, everyone!!
Kelly Bonner says
I love this! I have started incorporating little things that bring happiness into my day as you’ve talked before. I love it!
Nichole says
My soft morning routine includes reading mixandmatchma, so I’ll put the phone down after that 😉 because you know I’m not giving that up!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww, well THANK YOU so so much. xx
Patty says
I started doing this three years ago when I heard an interview with Beth Moore who said “I want the first voice I hear in the morning to be the voice of God.” I didn’t want social media or the internet to be those first voices! I do use the bible app on my phone because it’s easier for me to see as I like to keep the house dark. It has become my most favorite time of day. Any scripture that speaks to me through my prayer time or study I do highlight in my actual bible so I can keep track. The Daily Refresh on the bible app is the best!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this so much, Patty!
Natalie says
Yes to all of this! Upon waking, I light a candle, turn on soft (read: instrumental) music and enjoy a cup of coffee and read my daily/inspirational/bible readings. It is the loveliest way to start the day and puts me in an easy state of mind in which to start my day.
Leslie Wilcox says
I adore this post and shall incorporate “soft mornings” as well. 🙂
sc says
Love this! I enjoy being in my garden first thing in the morning, with a cup of coffee and just talk to God!
Tish says
I love this idea of soft mornings! I’m bad about clearing off my phone from emails etc and then getting distracted early. Curious, what time do your mornings start in the summer? I remember you saying you were going to sleep in a little in Nantucket. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
They start more around 5:30 (this morning it was 6:00!) which has been really nice.
Beth Valenta says
I adore this concept. I try to incorporate this when I go back to school as well by getting there early with my coffee and just prepare my day. Soft mornings in quiet with a candle lit and I list off my to dos for my day make me feel ready to get started.
Michelle Etheridge says
Love this. Somehow I have developed bad habits including looking at my phone first thing. Going to try a reset and participate in soft mornings
Valerie says
I love the intention in this Shay! Really thinking about how we want to spend those 1st moments of our day and not letting technology drive it. I also love the quote you included!! I’m going to put it on my fridge as a reminder. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!!
Robin says
I love the “soft morning” idea. It even sounds cozy! I am definitely going to start implementing this into my routine.
Tabitha says
Hi Shay! Thanks for sharing. I love your love for your mornings. ☺️ With two littles in our home now, I have come to love that morning “softness” too. I see someone else mentioned it, but in the New Year, my husband and I set a small goal to keep our phones outside of our room. We invested in the Hatch Restore for our alarm and have really loved it. It makes those mornings a tad easier with a gentler alarm and no phone beside our bed. Just had to share. Thanks for sharing your life and thoughts with us! Always a blessing ❤️
Elizabeth S says
Before I retired I had a rule to not look at my computer until at least 8 am. Now that I am fully retired, I think not looking at my phone for the first hour is a wonderful concept. I do my walk and then I do my Bible Recap and my other Bible reading. I can postpone social media and email!
Courtney Darnell says
I absolutely love this idea!!! Thank you so much for sharing ❤️
Kay says
I do this too and it has really changed things for the better. I am not, by nature, an early morning person. But around 2020 I read ‘The Miracle Morning’ and dedicated myself to getting up earlier than I ever had. With that extra time in the morning, I am much more able to have a soft morning and it is so worth it! If you get up early enough (whatever that means for each individual, for me 6 am), you know that no one is going to possibly need you during that time. And that’s what helps me not even look at my phone for the first hour I’m up! I think it’s hard to do this if you wake up later and are panicked about missing work texts, etc.
Thanks for these wellness tips-I love this new theme of posts!
Lori R says
I recently stopped all tech an hour before bed and it’s fabulous, this sounds wonderful as well!
Erinn L says
Two random questions (sorry if you’ve addressed this before and I missed it!) Is that some type of bag you keep all of your morning routine stuff in? Is that just when you’re on Nantucket? I love that idea! Link? Also…do you just like soduko? Or is there a “deeper” reason you do that? Is it supposed to be good for the brain? Sorry if that’s a dumb question haha just curious!
Mix and Match Mama says
Great questions! I used that packing cube to move all of my “morning things” from McKinney to Nantucket and then realized that it actually keeps it all super organized, so I just continue to use it. When I’m done each morning, I zip it all up and can easily tuck it away (and not lose anything like my markers or pencils, etc). I started doing Sudoku years ago and just love it. I could sit and do it for hours. I added it to my morning routine because one day I realized that I love it so much so I should carve a few minutes into my day to make sure I do it. It’s always the last thing I do before I get up and work out.
Erinn L says
Thanks so much for the response 🙂 all makes perfect sense! I appreciate the info
Kristin says
Love this! Thanks for inspiring me to incorporate some of these ideas into my morning routine
Jill L says
I now use a Hatch. I really thought this is just too extra and why? But it is so wonderful. And I set it to birds chirping after having it a bit and I can say my nervous system is benefiting from this change is alarm! I also changed the ring tones on my phone, it’s been surprisingly good. I just didn’t think these sounds equaled much, best surprise.
Patty Anderson says
Shay, check out the book Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker. Easy, fun read but really left an impact on me about screen time. I love your idea about “soft” mornings and think I’ll give it a try!
https://www.amazon.com/Reconnected-Screen-Free-Farmers-Helped-Recover-ebook/dp/B0D5QFBDPH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SR6B2C94HB4D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lfn-dk5SpmmpxMpD1kXSGUf3VdU3mBpbI45JUznZUW5qndFagXzE4dTkdjDDH_NlW3WXBTnwMJK6aJ-Mmnbi_Ij1bsIc1HKQ20nAJWywqXwFtCcPQGNd_rVZPtrAT1yiDI47l-EAmYfZutVoJgKJ5aHrT3Pd6uDA96dX_KTbSLC97_GPB_EnmFtlVpX8rHFcb-5RW1Lc_D01LQyD9pFr82xef_wW7waML-yCt2qAzsQ.rKa5iq52TPNjaKISDKMBt62zLxkcCi1QuDXSzKd8A9E&dib_tag=se&keywords=reconnected+carlos+whittaker&qid=1752682547&sprefix=reconnected%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1
Christine says
I enjoyed that book as well and it had lots of good food for thought!
K.K. says
Love it… And I NEED to do this. 🙂
Hope says
No alarm needed for me as I have a dog that demands breakfast @5 am, sometimes starting even earlier but I refuse to get up until 5. I have the coffee pot set to brew at 5 am and after feeding
the dog and letting her outside for a bit I sit quietly and enjoy the morning with my coffee. Hubby will get up later and wants the tv on and checks all his emails so I usually head to the shower then.
kristine G. says
I love this! Some of the classroom teachers at my school have a “soft start” where the kids can play games/puzzles in the morning. I love my mornings when I get up early! I’m guilty of using my phone but I use the Peloton app to do a 10 minute guided meditation while using my lume box. It’s so important to get red light or better yet, natural light first thing in the morning! It’s a mood booster especially in the winter and it helps with wrinkles/acne and so much more!
Marisa Patel says
I am going to give this a try!
Kristin A Lyngaas says
Perfect post. Thank you 💙 Have a beautiful day on the island!
Emily North says
I saw the comment about the sunrise clock radio
I bought my husband the hatch for Christmas from Nordstrom (may be on sale) and he loves it, we’ve started using the sound machine as well
Tish says
Shay, have you shared your morning routine on Nantucket? Just wondered what the setting and time frame looked like compared to back home in McKinney routine. Summers are hard for me to find the sweet spot!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t created one specific post, but in my most recent Day in the Life, you can pretty much see it :). It’s here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2025/06/a-day-in-the-life-06-25-25-on-nantucket/
Bev says
I love that last line, live like you’re the main character of your own story. 😊
Erika Slaughter says
When you put it that way, who’d ever want a hard morning?! It sounds terrible!! 😂😂
Ana says
I love this, Shay! My soft morning consists of drinking lemon water on my patio as I wake up with the sun and listen to my Bible plan and my morning podcast, Revive Our Hearts. It centers me but also energizes me and helps me tackle the morning with a positive attitude. 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
This sounds LOVELY!
Kristy says
A while ago, we implemented the no phones in bedrooms rule. I have the Hatch alarm clock and really like it too. I wake up to bird song and sunrise. Then I do my morning time. It’s really nice. I’ve also implemented the rule for my kids. We call it a rule of life.
Sharon H. says
I love this idea, but realistically, I check the local news in the morning as hiccups in Houston traffic can impact my commute to work! But certainly can incorporate it in smaller ways.
Kim says
I love that quote Shay! Thank you for sharing! I enjoy Wordle and Connections but had to give up on Sudoku, it was giving me anxiety and rage issues lol.
Deb says
Love the idea of both the soft mornings and the romanticize your life – new goals for me. I usually don’t have soft mornings – email, news, etc and I think when I don’t get on the phone first thing, I am happier and more productive. And romanticizing my life is something I am going to try to build into my everyday.
jennibell says
“Live like you are the main character in your own story” – I love that!! Thanks for sharing 🙂