What’s Working in My House Right Now: Slow Rhythms
I’ve been settling into a slower rhythm at home—one that feels peaceful, purposeful, and just right for this season.
If Christmas time wasn’t my favorite time of the year, springtime definitely would be. Longer days, warmer weather, and fresh blooms always seem to cheer everything up and bring new life into my home—and into my routines. Lately, I’ve been leaning into slower mornings, gentle rhythms, and doing the next right thing instead of trying to do everything.
I thought it might be helpful (and maybe encouraging) to share what’s actually working in my home right now—nothing fancy, just simple routines that are helping me stay grounded and enjoy this season.
#1 Slow Mornings and Simple Starts
These days, I don’t wake up before the sun or jump into a flurry of activity. My mornings start slow, and honestly, that’s been a gift. For years I woke up early to start my day. As a homeschool mom of five, I would wake up early to spend time in prayer and reading my Bible before waking up my children to start the day (and yes I actually woke them up). Then later, when my youngest two girls were teens, my daughter Hannah was a figure skater and we had really early mornings for several years.
After years of doing so much and being on the go so much, it’s been nice to enjoy slower days. When I first became an empty nester last year, I really struggled. I cried a lot. I didn’t know what to do with all my free time.
It’s still hard some days but the emotions have gotten easier and I’ve figured out what to do with myself during the day. My days look different now that I’m not taking care of a large family day in and day out. But my days are still full and I stay busy – but not too busy. It’s been a nice change of pace.
In the mornings, I like to read, make a healthy late breakfast, and sit down with my devotional book. I like to have my devotion and prayer time while I eat, and let the quiet help me settle into the day.
I’ve had different routines over the years, especially when my kids were younger, but right now, slow mornings feel like what my soul needs. I’ve also started journaling again in the evenings and I try to read some of whatever book I’m currently reading too – which helps me end the day with peace instead of just scrolling on my phone.
3 Tips for Slow Mornings (Even with Kids)
- Skip the screens – Start with quiet music or a read-aloud.
- Keep a simple routine – Use a checklist or morning menu.
- Prep at night – Lay out clothes and prep breakfast early.
What’s been most grounding lately? Doing what I need to do before I do what I want to do. I remind myself I’ll be happier if I just do what I need to do immediately. It sounds simple, but it really makes a difference.
#2 The Weekly Flow: The Rhythm That Keeps Things Steady
Right now, my weekly homemaking rhythm looks like this:
- Monday – Bathrooms
- Tuesday – Floors (sweeping and mopping)
- Wednesday – Kitchen chores (like cleaning out the fridge)
- Thursday – Linens + bedding day (and fresh sheets!)
- Friday – Dusting + Sabbath prep
Having a rhythm like this means I’m not playing catch-up every day. One habit that’s made a huge difference lately? Doing things right away instead of putting them off. That, and following the one-minute rule—if it takes less than a minute, do it now. Those two simple changes have made my home feel so much more peaceful.
#3 Preparing for Sabbath So It Feels Like a Celebration
Fridays in our home are for getting ready for the Sabbath. I change the tablecloth, make food for Sabbath and potluck, and do the last bit of tidying. Friday is also my day to polish all of my wood furniture so it’s fresh and smells good. It’s not a frantic rush—it’s a gentle wrapping up of the week.
I’ve come to realize that what makes Sabbath feel special is the preparation. It’s the same way we prepare for a wedding or a birthday. The more we prepare, the more meaningful and beautiful the experience becomes. Sabbath rest starts with a Sabbath rhythm—and I’ve really come to treasure that. And in our house that means we are celebrating Sabbath from sundown on Friday night to sundown on Saturday night.
related: 7 Simple Ideas for Welcoming the Sabbath Day on Friday Evening
5 Simple Sabbath Prep Tips
- Tidy main spaces – Focus on the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
- Prep food early – Cook ahead or double Friday’s dinner.
- Set the table – Fresh tablecloth, flowers, or candles make it feel special.
- Create calm – Play soft music or light a candle to set the tone.
- Keep it simple – A little preparation makes rest feel intentional.
#4 Spring Rhythms and Seasonal Joy
This spring, I’ve been loving the shift toward fresh starts. I’ve been in the garden more (which being outside makes me happy), and I’ve been slowly working my way through deep-cleaning areas of my home that often get overlooked.
I also packed up the winter decor and pulled out brighter spring touches—my tiered tray is pineapple-themed this season, and it just makes me smile every time I walk past it. Little seasonal touches like that help me enjoy the season I’m in instead of rushing to the next.
Another thing I love about spring is the fact that fruit begins to come into season. We were blessed to receive a flat of strawberries for free. I baked strawberry cobblers, strawberry muffins, and more.
This flat of strawberries were free from the salvage grocery store so the fruit was on it’s way out – I had to cut a lot bad spot and mold off. But we were able to have lots of yummy treats from this box and it was a blessing!
Baking has always been something I enjoy and I’ve been intentional about making delicious baked goods for my husband and I even though it’s just the two of us at home most of the time these days.
Simple Tips for Seasonal Homemaking
- Switch out decor – Refresh your home with seasonal colors, florals, or themed trays.
- Declutter as you go – As you change out seasonal items, donate what no longer fits your style or needs.
- Update your entryway – A clean doormat, wreath, or potted flowers sets a fresh tone.
- Adjust your rhythms – Lighter meals in spring/summer, cozy baking in fall/winter.
- Tend to overlooked spaces – Seasonal changes are a great reminder to deep clean spots like window tracks, baseboards, or under furniture.
#5 Slowing Down and Staying Home
One of the biggest shifts I’ve made this season is simply staying home more. I usually travel quite a bit, but for April and May I’m savoring the chance to be a homebody. Most days if the weather is relatively pleasant (i.e. not raining) I take Marlowe on a 3 mile walk downtown (we live in a very small town) and it’s a great way to end the day.
I’ve let go of the pressure to do more, and instead, I’m puttering around the house, enjoying the little projects and the slower pace. And that’s what I hope you’ll take away from this post—it’s okay to slow down. Your home doesn’t need to run at full speed to be well cared for.
Homemaking rhythms don’t have to be perfect. They just need to work for the season you’re in. Right now, this slower rhythm is what’s helping me feel connected to my home and my calling as a homemaker.
This post is wonderful. Slow living without a trip to Italy. Thank you.