By: Thaleetha Wambeck
Mornings are like blank canvases, waiting to be painted with the brushstrokes of our habits. For some, it’s a race against time; for others, it’s a slow bloom into the day. Here are five morning routines crafted for different lifestyles, inspired by the rhythm of Sri Lanka’s uniquely
beautiful mornings. These routines aren’t about perfection, they’re about finding small pleasures in the mundane, making them snug and meaningful.
The Island Dreamer
For those who crave connection with nature, simplicity, and slow mornings.
- Wake-Up Ritual: Begin your day as the sun kisses the horizon. Open your windows to invite in the cool morning breeze, infused with the earthy scent of dew-kissed gardenias. Let the distant call of a koel bird be your alarm.
- Tea Ceremony: Brew a cup of freshly made Ceylon tea. Choose lemongrass for its calming aroma or spiced chai for a kick of warmth. Sip slowly on the verandah, letting the tea’s steam curl into the air.
- Stretch and Reflect: Unroll a straw mat and perform five minutes of simple yoga or stretching. If you’re by the coast, let the sound of waves guide your breathing. If not, close your eyes and imagine it.
- Breakfast: Create a plate as vibrant as the island itself: ripe mango slices, a handful of cashews, and freshly griddled pol roti with a dollop of katta sambol.
- The Crafty Pause: Spend ten minutes doodling, journaling, or arranging wildflowers in a jam jar. Let your creativity seep into the rest of your day.
The Hustling Urbanite
For those navigating Colombo’s bustling streets and racing the clock.
- Jump-Start: Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from your small kitchen counter. Keep a playlist of upbeat Sri Lankan hits ready to set the tone; Baila beats, anyone?
- Quick Refresh: Opt for a refreshing head shower, the kind that lets you reset your energy in five minutes. Follow with light coconut oil on your skin to lock in that glow.
- Grab-and-Go Breakfast: Toast a slice of paan, slathered with lunu miris and a perfectly fried egg. Wrap it in parchment paper for the road if you’re running late.
- Traffic Zen: Whether you're taking the train from Fort or squeezing into a three-wheeler, use the commute as “me-time.” Listen to an audiobook or daydream as you watch the city awaken.
- Desk Prep: At your desk, light a small stick of sandalwood incense or keep a tiny clay elephant as your desk charm. Let it ground you amidst the hustle.
The Creative Soul
For those who live for the whimsical, the poetic, and the quiet.
- Wake Up with the Rain: Let the sound of falling rain, or a Spotify playlist of it, be your morning soundtrack. Lie in bed for a moment, letting your dreams dissolve into the soft grey light.
- Gentle Start: Brew a cup of cinnamon and turmeric-infused milk, sweetened with kithul treacle. Wrap yourself in a shawl and sit by the window, where the morning light filters through.
- Artistic Breakfast: Prepare avocado toast topped with a drizzle of kurakkan flour honey. Arrange it on a handmade clay plate, pairing it with a handful of freshly plucked guava slices.
- Expression Time: Dedicate half an hour to your art, whether it’s writing poetry, sketching the rooftops of your neighbourhood, or strumming your guitar. Let your creativity flow with the morning’s energy.
- Step Outside: Walk barefoot in your garden or terrace, feeling the dampness of the earth under your feet. Pick a marigold or hibiscus to place on your workspace, a reminder of nature’s artistry.
The Wellness Seeker
For those who prioritize health, mindfulness, and holistic living.
- Wake-Up Flow: Start your day with five minutes of deep breathing. Place your hands on your chest, feeling your heartbeat, and set an intention for the day.
- Superfood Start: Blend a smoothie with local superfoods; gotukola, banana, and coconut water. Add a spoonful of bee honey for sweetness and a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
- Active Morning: Go for a brisk walk around your neighbourhood or jog through a nearby park. Let the golden morning sun energize you. If you’re by the paddy fields, enjoy the sight of farmers beginning their day.
- Mindful Moments: Sit cross-legged on the floor and meditate for 10 minutes. Visualize the vibrant greens of Sri Lanka’s tea estates or the calming blues of its oceans.
- Breakfast and Balance: Make a bowl of kiribath with sambol and garnish it with a few curry leaves for aroma. Pair it with warm herbal tea for a balanced and grounding start.
The Family Maven
For those juggling the chaos of a full household with grace and love.
- Early Bird Call: Rise before everyone else to steal a few moments of solitude. Watch the first rays of light touch the rooftops while sipping warm plain tea.
- Family Feast Prep: Begin the day by preparing a hearty breakfast for everyone. Whip up hoppers or string hoppers with lunu miris and coconut milk, or parippu curry with crusty paan.
- Kitchen Chats: Use this time to connect with your family as they shuffle in one by one. Share stories from the night before or talk about plans for the day.
- Mini Timeout: Amid the bustle, carve out five minutes to yourself. Light a small oil lamp in your home’s shrine or prayer space, letting the scent of burning oil and incense centre you.
- The Morning Send-Off: Help your loved ones get ready, whether it’s packing a lunchbox or tying a school tie. Then, walk them to the gate, waving goodbye as they set off into the world.
No matter which type you are, every morning holds an opportunity for quiet magic. It’s the little moments, the warmth of a cup of tea, the laughter shared over breakfast, or the stillness before the day begins; that make mornings a treasure. So, what’s your morning story? Let it unfold, steadily, as the day begins.
