Self care is usually an afterthought for me. It’s something I tend to put off until nighttime. As I’ve been working through how I want my morning routine to look, I realized that self care should be included. After all, why should I wait until the end of the day to take care of myself?
Mornings tend to be a bit rushed and time isn’t always a guarantee, so I think it’s best to be purposeful with self care while keeping in mind the time constraints that may be present. For me, my time constraints vary depending on middle of the night wakings, early morning wake ups, and nap times. So, I’ve created a list of possible morning self care activities that can be easily incorporated into a variety of routines. I’ll be experimenting with the ideas on this list to see which one(s) fits my morning schedule the best.
Take a shower.
Showers can vary in length but they are something easy to incorporate into a routine. I typically take my showers at night but I have also taken them in the mornings before. You can make a shower even more indulgent by including a body product in your favorite scent.
Burn a candle.
Smell is a powerful thing. Starting the day off with a favorite scent could brighten up your day and make it a bit more relaxing. Just remember to blow the candle out before you head out the door!
Put on your favorite make up.
I’m not a make up girl, but I know many people who make it a regular part of their routine. If wearing make up is something that makes you feel good about yourself, then it’s a great self care item to include in your morning routine! (On the other hand, if wearing make up doesn’t make you feel good about yourself, then maybe you should try going without it for a little while.)
Diffuse essential oils.
There are so many different essential oils out there that do different things. You can find ones that will calm you or combinations that will energize you. Many people believe that diffusing oils can help with stress in a variety of ways. Perhaps diffusing a favorite blend could get your day off to a positive start.
Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, then including a cup in your routine is a great way to treat yourself. Take a few minutes to sip your drink slowly for an added dose of self care. There’s something great about slowing down for just a bit.
Do a short yoga sequence.
Yoga is my exercise of choice when it comes to slow and calming. You could really replace it with any exercise that helps you start your day off right. Exercise is great for your health and can help with stress levels. In my book, this makes it an excellent form of self care.
Style your hair.
This one falls right in line with doing your make up. Some people like to put extra effort into their hairstyle, while others throw it in a messy bun and head out the door. If styling your hair is something that calms you and makes you happy, then make a little extra time for it in the morning.
Snuggle up with a furbaby.
One of my favorite things to do is snuggle up with our dogs. There’s something special and calming about taking a few minutes to get a hug from them – especially in the morning when things are calm and the crazy hasn’t set in yet.
Take a few minutes and relax.
Our days are busy and often filled with a lot of running around. Why not take a few minutes in the morning to relax before all of the craziness sets in? If you’re in need of ways to relax in the morning, I recommend checking on this post on including relaxation in your morning routine.
How do you take care of yourself? Do you do something special in the morning to get your day started on a positive note? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
