Morning self care routine ideas for a happy day
If you are like most people, your mornings may feel hectic rushed, and purely anxiety-inducing.
It’s bad enough trying to get yourself out of the door most mornings.
Now add children and a spouse to that mix and mornings can be mayhem and chaos which makes for a stressful start of the day.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
You can start your day in a state of zen and positivity with a healthy morning self care routine.
When was the last time you prioritized your self-care?
A healthy morning self care routine is a great way to start your day with healthy activities that boost your mood and improve your physical and mental health.
It’s like that invisible armor you wear as you head out the door so no matter what happens you feel mentally and emotionally prepared.
When you consider a morning routine, you can include as many activities as is feasible with the time you have.
But ideally having at least one hour for your morning self care routine is ideal. At a minimum try and include a few calming and energizing activities such as the ones described in The Miracle Morning routine.
What is the purpose of a morning self-care daily routine?
If you are accustomed to rushing around in the morning, taking the time to slow down and embrace a self-care morning routine may be a new idea for you.
However, once you start, you will notice a significant improvement in your emotional and physical wellness, as well as an increase in productivity.
It’s essential to prioritize taking care of yourself in the morning, as it can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
The purpose of a morning self-care daily routine is to prioritize and nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being consistently.
Our modern life is one of hurry and go-go all the time and it’s easy to neglect oneself.
A daily morning self-care routine and a morning ritual ensure you allocate time for self-care activities, promoting overall mental and physical health and vitality.
Simple self-care practices like mindfulness, meditation, relaxation techniques, and yoga practices are good ways to help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
So let’s dive in and talk about the best morning self care routine ideas for a happy day.
Morning self-care routine ideas for a happy day
Have a healthy bedtime routine
Good sleep is like the secret sauce of a successful morning self-care routine. Imagine it as the foundation upon which you build your day.
Incorporating good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, ensures you get the restorative sleep you need.
And a well-rested body and mind provide the perfect canvas for a successful and fulfilling morning self-care routine, setting the stage for a positive and productive day ahead.
Related: Simple calming nighttime self-care routine for anxiety
Wake Up Early
Waking up early gives you extra time and a peaceful slow start to the day. When you have good sleep hygiene and a good sleep schedule, your body will naturally wake up at about the same time and you will feel rested.
So going to bed early at about 9-10 pm will ensure you can wake early and give yourself enough time for your morning self care routine.
When you do this you will find that you can wake up gently without the jarring alarm clock and you start your morning even more emotionally centered.
Try setting a consistent wake-up time and give yourself enough time for your morning self-care activities.
Use an alarm tone that isn’t jarring—it makes waking up feel less abrupt.
Or you can try this gentle alarm clock that uses gentle natural light to wake you up instead.
Waking up early grants you the precious gift of time, allowing you to embrace wholesome morning rituals and start your day on the right foot, and with calm intention.
It provides the space to cultivate healthy habits ensures you begin your day with a sense of purpose, rather than a frantic rush, and sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Make your bed
Making your bed as soon as you wake up is a simple act with great impact.
The first task of the day should be making your bed because this gives you a sense of accomplishment and a win.
The bed is the biggest item in the room so if unmade the whole room appears untidy and can make you feel scattered and unorganized.
It’s so calming when you have a neet made bed. You also feel accomplished already starting your day with an achiever mindset.
Get some sunshine
Open the blinds and invite sunlight in. If it’s a warm day go outside and sip your coffee or tea while enjoying the sun on your skin.
A few minutes of sunlight boosts your mental health health and provides vitamin D.
So many people are not getting enough vitamin D because of spending too much time indoors.
Vitamin D has so many health benefits.
It’s great for your bones, of course, but also helps boost your mood and may even help with depression.
Find out more: 7Benefits of vitamin D and signs of deficiency
Hydrate
Your body does a lot of work while you sleep and that takes water so you are actually dehydrated in the morning when you first wake up.
So make it a habit to drink a glass of water first thing before you go for that cup of coffee. Coffee has a diuretic effect so it hydrates you.
Add a dash of lemon to make the water taste better and reap more health benefits of lemon.
The best way to remember to drink water first thing is to Keep a glass of water by your bedside. Adding a slice of lemon or cucumber can make it refreshing and has vitamin C for more health benefits.
Meditate
The early morning is the perfect time to meditate. Your mind is relatively undisturbed and less cluttered in the morning. This can enhance your ability to focus during meditation, making it easier to enter a state of deep relaxation and mindfulness.
Meditating in the morning provides a fresh start to your day. It allows you to set a positive tone and intention, helping you approach the day with a calm and clear mind. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and focus on your breathing.
There are great apps that can guide you if you’re new to meditation. This gives you a sense of calm and is a great way to care for your mental health.
Try Mindful Breathing: Many of us are stressed and we just breathe shallow. Deep breaths are so cleansing and calming. Breathe in calm, breathe out stress! Mindful breathing is a much easier way to meditate.
Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, and exhale for 8 counts. It’s remarkably relaxing.
and the early morning hours are the perfect time to meditate center yourself and focus in the present moment so are emotionally prepared for your day.
Close your eyes and visualize yourself having a calm happy day.
If there is something you need to accomplish today, visualize yourself doing it and experiencing the satisfaction that would bring. Set intentions for your day.
You may decide that today you will stay peaceful.
Dealing with other people at work, or on the road to work can destroy all the work you did emotionally.
So set the intention that you will avoid reacting negatively to situations. Set the intention to catch yourself and redirect negative reactions so you can continue to have a good day.
Stretching or Yoga
A gentle exercise routine such as gentle stretches like yoga is the perfect way to prioritize your physical health.
Yoga is also great for your mental health.
Stretching feels awesome, like giving your body a morning hug! Start with gentle neck rolls, shoulder stretches, and toe touches. YouTube has tons of beginner-friendly yoga routines.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
A nutritious breakfast is an important part of a healthy self-care morning routine. Include protein, whole grains, and fruits. Overnight oats, chia pudding, or a smoothie are quick and nutritious.
These are fun to make and customize and you can just grab one the next morning and go.
Feeding your body right nourishes your body and mind, and boosts your energy and mood so you are feeling great until your next meal at lunch.
Good nutrition is important for energy levels and mood helping feel great as you start your day.
Think about your breakfast the night before so you are not rushing around in the morning.
Enjoy and savor that cup of coffee or tea
Nothing feels as soothing and indulgent as sitting down to enjoy that first cup of coffee or tea.
Sip slowly and savor the smell and the taste of every drop.
Coffee has a way of boosting your mood and feel light and energetic.
To make this effect even better, try a cup of green or black tea for energy that is sustained without the crash that tends to come with coffee
Green and black tea contain L theanine which is relaxing and prevents the crash from caffeine. Take your morning coffee or tea to the next level by reading a few chapters of a good book. I find reading while sipping some truly relaxing and a great idea for your morning routine.
Listen to music
Music has the power to influence emotions. Listening to uplifting or calming music in the morning can put you in a positive mood, setting a good tone for the rest of the day.
Playing calm music can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. When you start your day with music that relaxes you, it can help you face the day’s challenges with a calmer mindset. Upbeat and energetic music on the other hand can boost your motivation and energy levels.
Music can provide the necessary push to get you moving and motivated, especially if you have a busy or challenging day ahead.
Whether it’s classical music, jazz, pop, nature sounds, or any other genre, incorporating music into your morning routine can be a delightful and beneficial experience and a great way to start your day positively.
The good thing is if you commute to work you can listen as you drive. Or listen to music as you eat breakfast, or while in the shower.
Take a shower
Now I dont know about you but I like a warm shower. A shower is an essential part of a healthy morning routine because it energizes you and invigorates your body.
If you can stand a cold shower it’s even better. Otherwise, you can use lukewarm water towards the end of your shower to give you that jolt and wake you up.
Having a shower in the morning is a big part of a self-care morning routine. Try to listen to calming or energizing music to boost your mental wellness as you shower.
A shower also helps you feel calm and in control and provides the energy to start the day feeling refreshed.
Skincare Routine
Treat your skin with care—it’s the only one you’ve got! Cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.
Choose products that match your skin type needs for the best results. Also, keep in mind your skin needs also change as the seasons change.
A morning skincare routine helps you get that glowing skin we all want.
Learn more about the best habits for glowing skin in this post.
Practice gratitude.
Gratitude is like a magnet for positivity! Including gratitude in your daily life is an amazing way to attract positivity into your life.
Grab a journal, and jot down three things you’re thankful for every morning. It can be as simple as sunshine or a cozy blanket.
There are so many things to be grateful for. Sometimes it’s the little things that we take for granted that we actually need to notice and learn just how good we are.
Practicing gratitude sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Just grab a notebook and make it a habit to write down 3 things you are grateful for every day. Or you can buy a guided gratitude journal.
Practicing gratitude is a very important element of a good self-care morning routine. And the early morning is the perfect time to count your blessings and invite more good things into your life.
Reading
Reading a good book in the morning is like a mental adventure before the day starts!
Choose something light or inspirational. I find reading personal development books for a few minutes very helpful and motivating.
Even 10 minutes can make a difference giving you positivity, as you start your day.
Need some ideas? Here is a great list of the best Self-development books that will inspire you.
Say Affirmations
Include affirmations in your morning routine checklist is a simple habit with an amazing positive effect that has the potential to change your life.
Pump yourself up with positive words!
Stand in front of the mirror and say things like, “I am capable,” or “I am worthy.”
It might feel silly, but it works wonders!
Positive affirmations will set a positive tone for your day so you go out the door feeling great.
Exercise
Get those endorphins dancing! It doesn’t have to be intense; a brisk walk or a quick dance session in your living room counts.
A simple light exercise first thing in the morning is a great way to boost your energy and your mood.
Digital Detox
Your phone can wait, but your well-being can’t! Designate a tech-free zone in the morning, maybe your bedroom. Use an old-fashioned alarm clock to avoid using your phone first thing.
Scrolling through social media first thing in the morning is a toxic way to start your day.
The early morning hours are a special time perfect to concentrate on things that are important for your personal growth.
Going to social media first thing usurps your mind and introduces other people’s agenda, usurping your own.
And chances are you will encounter some toxic things that mess with your emotional and mental well-being. So for the first hour stay on social media. Focus on you.
RELATED POST: 33 things to let go of to be happy: the ultimate happiness reset.
Plan Your Day
Writing a daily to-do list and planning your day makes a big difference in your productivity and your mental health.
Start with the three most important tasks of the day; That way you are not overwhelmed.
It’s very satisfying when your to-dos are achievable and you can tick them off your list. Besides, there is something about putting something on paper.
It’s like you are making a promise to yourself and the brain registers that it is important.
It’s like writing your goals down. Research shows those who write their goals down are more likely to achieve them.
And it helps you feel more prepared. So if you want a good day, make sure you are prepared for it.
Connect with Loved Ones
Mornings can be hectic and when you are a mom or a dad your stress can affect your family.
What if instead of rushing everyone out the door in a rush you could slow down a bit? Hug your family, pet your dog, or have a morning chat over breakfast.
Positive vibes from loved ones set a fantastic tone for the day!
Listen to a podcast
Motivational podcasts can set a positive tone for your day. Starting your morning with inspiring and uplifting content can boost your mood and help you approach the day with a positive mindset.
Listen to an inspirational podcast to get your mind in the right space.
Journaling
Journaling has so many benefits. Incorporating journaling into your morning self-care routine provides a dedicated space for self-reflection, emotional expression, and personal growth.
It’s a valuable tool for nurturing your mental and emotional health and well-being, making it an essential aspect of a holistic self-care practice.
You can journal and reflect on your life, on things you are expecting or worried about.
You can write a gratitude list of people and things you are grateful for. You can list affirmations as you read them out loud setting your intentions for your day.
Final words on morning self care routine
Try these activities to have a perfect morning routine. A healthy self-care routine sets a positive tone for your day. Plus our brains love routines. These early morning hours provide the perfect opportunity to practice self-care, to take a few minutes to nurture yourself.
Daily activities such as gentle stretches give you a boost of positive energy both physically and mentally. And remember, a good morning self-care routine starts the night before with a good night self care routine and a good night’s sleep.
Choose a few activities for your morning routine to meet your mental and physical needs and you can add a few more as you find necessary.
It is the simple steps. Dont try to do too much and then feel overwhelmed. The best morning routine is the one that suits you.
And so there you have it! A good morning self care routine to elevate your mood and wellness.
Now over to you! Which ideas will you add to your new morning self-care routine?
