12+ Ways to Start a Morning Self-Care Routine: A Practical How-to Guide

How to start a morning self-care routine: A practical how-to guide.

My life improved when I got serious about self-care and put on a solid self-care routine. Simple as that.

I believe that Self-care is key to a healthy and happy lifestyle!

So today, I’m sharing How to start a morning self-care routine.

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Making self-care a priority

I bet I’m not alone when I say that I haven’t always taken the best care of myself. There were many years when my self-care was on the back burner.

Self-care is not selfish!

Could it be that I somehow got the silly idea in my head that self-care was selfish?

If I could go back in time, I would change a few things. Taking better care of myself and making self-care a priority would be first on my list.

For many, understanding the importance of self-care may require a complete mindset shift.

A mindset shift

No matter what season of life you’re in-Single no kids, married with kids, midlife with or without kids, or a retired empty-nester, self-care needs to be our number one priority.

Do you know how they say put your oxygen mask on first before trying to assist others?

Well, this holds true for self-care.

We can’t give others our best if we don’t care for ourselves first.

 I love what Eleanor Brownn says about rest, self-care, and serving others.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brownn.

I love that quote, and it’s changed the way I live my life.

What is self-care?

Self-care has been defined as taking all the steps possible to care for your physical health and well-being, including hygiene, nutrition, managing stress, and seeking medical care if needed.

That makes sense to me, but it turns out that self-care is even more than that. There are eight types of self-care.

The Eight Types of Self-Care

From caring for your intellectual needs to validating your emotional feeling, self-care is a lot more than just a spa day or doing a digital detox.

The eight types of self-care are:

1. Physical
2. Psychological
3. Emotional
4. Social
5. Professional
6. Environmental
7. Spiritual
8. Financial.

So now that we understand that self-care is a necessary part of life, it should not be considered a luxury.

Taking care of yourself is essential for your mental health and well-being. Self-care is also about taking care of your body and your physical health.

Related: The Eight Types of Self-care

How to Start a Morning Self-care Routine:

Not that I’ve covered the basics of self-care, let’s dive into 12 ways to start a self-care routine:

1. Start with water!

Yep. Crazy, but it’s true.

Have a full glass of water on your bedside table at the ready and drink it down first thing!

Your body has been on a fast all night long. Finally, water tells your body it’s time to wake up and get things moving!

Water flushes out build-up toxins, increases your metabolism throughout the day, boosts energy levels, and decreases the chance of headaches developing early in the morning.

Related article: The Many Health and Beauty Benefits of Water

2. Make your bed

Second on the list to start a new morning self-care routine:

Quickly make your bed. It’s proven that making your bed is a surefire way to start the day off right, and I believe it!

Making your bed in the morning is an easy first win!

It feels good to do something productive first thing in the morning. It looks better to have the bed all made up pretty.

And when you crawl back into it at bedtime-you will be glad you did.

3. A good morning skincare routine

You do it time high if you don’t have a solid skincare routine. I know time can be tight in the morning, but skincare is essential to make it a priority.

Related Article: My morning skincare routine for mature skin

4. Turn your morning coffee routine into a ritual.

Turning your morning coffee routine into a ritual of sorts is beautiful.

Discover your favorite brewing method and how you like your coffee the best. Consider adding healthy things like ghee, collagen, and cinnamon to your morning coffee.

Take your time and enjoy the entire process. And don’t forget to enjoy your perfect cup of Joe in your favorite mug.

I am confident that if you drink it in a cup that feels good in your hand, it will taste even better.

Go to your happy place with your coffee in hand and breathe in the new day.

5. Create a self-care sanctuary for yourself

Creating a self-care sanctuary for yourself or, as I like to call the it-My happy place, is a vital part of any healthy self-care morning routine.

Choose a spot in your home where you are most comfortable.

Maybe a favorite chair in a corner or a pretty area on your patio outside if weather permits. Your happy place should be quiet and private if possible.

Gather your favorite things to have at the ready.

Here’s what I’ve got in my happy place:

• Most loved blanket
• Favorite candle, sage, and essentials oils
• Journals, the bible, and books that bring me comfort
• Mediation stones
• Favorite pens, markers, and stickers
• Hand lotion, chapstick, and eyedrops

6. Be still. Meditate and breathe.

Mediation is an excellent addition to any morning self-care routine! I meditate in the morning and again at bedtime. Meditation has changed my life.

–Be still and know
Once I get all cozy-comfy, I spend time with God. Then, I pray and read my bible. And set my intentions for the day.

-Journal + Planner
I write in my gratitude journal and do my morning pages. I sometimes write out my prayers. Then, I peek at my calendar and write down some to-do’s for the day, week, and month.

-Meditate.
Sometimes I sit in silence and listen, while other days, I use one of my favorite meditation apps and do a 10-15 minute guided meditation. There are several great mediation apps available these days.

Two of my current favorites are HEADSPACE and SANITY & SELF.

-Breathe
Learning to breathe correctly is a powerful tool to ease stress. However, some simple breathing exercises can make a big difference if you make them part of your routine. You can even set a reminder to breathe on my watch!

Related article: Daily meditation for women

7. A good breakfast is a vital part of a morning routine

I think fueling up in the morning is essential to any morning self-care routine.


And not just as good as in healthy breakfast-I’m talking about a yummy good breakfast.

I’m talking comfort food if you need it. It’s called comfort food for a reason. Indulge yourself in something you love.

And who says comfort food can’t be healthy?!

I love Trader Joe’s Gluten-free pancakes with fruit on top or steel-cut oatmeal with nuts, fruit, and almond milk.

Another breakfast favorite of mine is poached eggs on healthy whole-wheat toast. YUMMY!

8. Get some fresh air and move that body!

Take a nice walk or at least go out on your patio.

Walking, stretching, and practicing yoga are beautiful ways to move your body in the morning. I love to try and practice yoga on my back patio (two birds-one stone)

I also love and work in my garden in the morning. I feel at peace and grounded in my garden. (and it’s great exercise!)

Observe the day. Notice the beauty all around you.

Look up at the sky and the clouds. Notice the trees and flowers. What about the sounds? Maybe there are birds singing or children laughing?

9. Boost your self-care routine with vitamins + supplements

Making sure your body is balanced is one of the most important things you can do for yourself! And it’s easy!

If your hormones are out of wack or deficient in vital vitamins and minerals, you put yourself at greater risk for depression and a long list of health problems.

Several years ago, while in perimenopause, I felt down, super tired, and achy. And I felt terrible for years. I went to the doctor with little satisfaction and ZERO relief.

After years of misery, I finally found a doctor who understood perimenopause and menopause. I started to get some relief.

Tests revealed that my hormones were completely out of whack; I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and discovered I was vitamin D deficient. NO WONDER I FELT LIKE CRAP!

Once my hormone levels were corrected, I started taking thyroid medication and added the right vitamins and supplements. I felt like a new person!

Do yourself a solid. Do the research. Find a good doctor and get yourself in balance.

Related article: Bioidentical hormone pellets

10. Listen to a Podcast

There are hundreds and hundreds of excellent podcasts for women available for free!

Listening to a podcast is a great addition to any morning routine.

Listen while getting ready in the morning, cleaning the house, driving to work, on the treadmill, at the grocery store- you get the idea.

Isn’t technology great?! 

11. Read (or listen) to a good book.

I truly believe reading is just plain good for you. Learn something new or lose yourself in a good old-fashioned novel.

Audiobooks are my new jam! It’s multi-tasking at its best!

I listen to audiobooks while walking the dogs, painting in my studio, working in the garden, or gym.

I just finished “Girl wash you face” by Rachel Hollis and loved it! SO. GOOD.

12. Take a long shower or bath

You can turn the simple showering and bathing into a self-care ritual.

I find that a nice long bath brings me peace and recenters me. It’s the best way to feel clean, fresh, and relaxed!

Make your shower or bath a ritual:

• Gather some bathing essentials ahead of time. Include bath salts, candles, a comfy robe, etc.
  
• Set aside at least 30-minutes of uninterrupted time.
  
• Consider adding dry brushing to your bath/shower routine. Dry brushing is beneficial to your skin as well as your lymph system!
  
• Add Epson salts and essential oils like lavender (my personal favorite) if you take a bath.
  
• Deep condition your hair while you soak.
  
• Read, listen to a podcast or enjoy the quiet.
  
• Shave and moisturize your skin
  

Epsom Salt Baths are so good for you!

Soaking in an Epson salt bath for at least 40 minutes can increase your magnesium levels, which is good for your body and soul!

Related: The Art of Bathing

13. Stay in and stay comfy.

Simplify your life at least one day a week. For example, Sunday is a great day to set aside a self-care routine.

Stay home if you can and- Stay in your PJ’S all day!

If you can’t stay in your pajamas, stay away from underwires and high heels. Just. Say no to Spanx and tight-fitting anything!

Wear cotton if possible. Wear what makes you feel free. 

14. Do a digital detox

I found that breaking up with your phone can be very liberating! Even if for only a few hours.

Unplugging from all digital noise and junk light is a great way to give your heart, mind, and soul a much-needed break.

Sometimes too much information is just too much. Am I right?

Related article: The benefits of a digital detox

How to Start a Morning Self-Care Routine

I hope this article inspires you to start a morning self-care routine if you don’t have one.

The key is to be consistent and to make your self-care a priority!

What is your favorite morning self-care step? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, take care of yourself!

XO, Christine