Choosing Rhythm Over Routine: A Postpartum Morning

There was a time in my life when routines were everything.

My days were carefully structured: a set morning routine, an evening wind‑down, productivity blocks, and checklists that made me feel grounded and in control. Structure gave me safety. It gave my days a sense of purpose and predictability.

And then motherhood arrived. Seven months postpartum, I’m learning that routines don’t survive this season, but rhythm does.

Life Seven Months Postpartum

I’m currently seven months postpartum and on maternity leave here in Canada. This season of life looks nothing like what I once imagined my days would be, and yet it feels deeply aligned in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

Our mornings are no longer dictated by alarms or rigid plans. Instead, they unfold based on my son Taran’s needs. His wake windows, his naps, his curiosity, and his energy dictate my life! Some mornings begin at 5:00 a.m., others offer a little extra rest thanks to my husband stepping in early. No two days look the same, and that used to unsettle me. Now, I’m learning to soften into it.

From Routine to Rhythm

Motherhood gently (and sometimes abruptly) taught me that rigid routines can create unnecessary pressure. Babies don’t operate on schedules the way adults do, and trying to force structure onto an unpredictable season only led to frustration.

So instead of a routine, I follow a rhythm.

A rhythm has a familiar flow without demanding perfection. It’s a loose sequence of intentions rather than a checklist to complete. My mornings often include the same elements: self‑care, a quick tidy, tea, playtime, and movement, but the order and timing shift depending on the day.

That flexibility has been incredibly grounding.

A Gentle Start to the Day

Each morning begins with a few small acts of care. Nothing elaborate, just a quick oral hygiene routine and a two‑minute skincare ritual I adopted postpartum. Even these tiny steps help me feel refreshed and more awake, reminding me that I matter too.

Once we head downstairs, I do a light reset of our living space. Fluffing cushions, clearing surfaces, and tidying up the remnants of the night before creates a calm environment for both of us. I don’t aim for perfection, just enough order to feel supported.

A Grounding Ritual: CCF Tea

One of the most anchoring parts of my morning is making a pot of CCF tea: a simple blend of cumin, coriander, and fennel. I’ve been drinking it for years, but it’s become especially meaningful during postpartum.

This tea is rooted in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India. While I don’t claim deep expertise, many of these remedies have been passed down through generations in my family, from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me.

CCF tea is gentle on digestion, helps with bloating, and feels deeply nourishing first thing in the morning. Sometimes I add turmeric and black pepper for warmth and anti‑inflammatory benefits. The act of boiling the water, letting the spices simmer, and taking a few minutes to slow down creates a pause before the day fully begins.

With a very enthusiastic baby, mornings are busy, loud, and unpredictable, and this ritual feels like a quiet anchor.

Winter, Mental Health, and Slow Living

We’re deep into winter here in Canada, and the cold, grey days can feel heavy. Seasonal depression, low motivation, and mental fog are very real during this time of year, especially postpartum.

There have been days recently where I felt uninspired, burnt out, and emotionally drained. On those days, I chose rest. I napped when my son napped, slowed my expectations, and allowed myself to simply be.

Rest, I’ve learned, is productive.

This season has also reminded me to be mindful of consumption— not just food, but information, social media, and news. When the world feels overwhelming, drawing my energy inward and choosing content that inspires rather than depletes has helped me find my creative flow again.

Finding Meaning in Small Moments

During nap windows, I often reach for my journal or planner. Some mornings, I’ll pull an oracle card from my Green Witches Oracle deck, a gentle practice I use for reflection and intention setting.

One card that recently resonated deeply was rosemary, symbolizing remembrance, loyalty, and faithfulness. It invited me to reflect on what I hold sacred in this season.

The answer came easily: time.

Time with my son. Presence. Quiet mornings on the floor together without distractions. Capturing small moments, his laughter, his curiosity, his growing personality, and allowing myself to be fully there for them.

Motherhood feels sacred to me. And while it’s not without its challenges, choosing gratitude has shaped how I experience it.

Embracing Matrescence

The transition into motherhood — known as matrescence — is profound. It reshapes you physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Some days I barely recognize the version of myself I once was, but I’m learning to meet this new version with compassion.

This season isn’t about optimizing productivity or doing more.

It’s about listening, adapting, and honoring the rhythm of our days.

Closing Thoughts

My mornings don’t look the same every day, but they carry a familiar feeling of steadiness, warmth, and intention. Rhythm allows space for rest, creativity, and grace. It reminds me that flexibility is not failure.

If you’re navigating postpartum, a season of change, or simply feeling disconnected from rigid routines, know this: you’re allowed to adjust. You’re allowed to rest. And whatever you hold sacred deserves to be protected.

Thank you for choosing slowness in a world that constantly rushes us.

— Shivangi