Morning Self-Care Routine: 20 Ideas to Start Your Day

Want to enhance your morning self-care routine? If you’re like me, you already know that starting your morning with a healthy self-care routine is really good for you. Yes?

Well, I’m writing this post today so you and I can actually start making this morning self-care ritual come true. It’s always easier said than done, right?

Please join me on a journey to start our days off better, which will make a huge impact on our lives!

2 Tips for Your Morning Self-Care Routine:

Here’s what I recommend…

1. Get out of bed A Little Earlier

Do your best to wake up a little earlier (30 minutes is a godo place to start) to allow yourself more time in the morning.

This is the first step to starting your day off on the right foot and beginning this positive, new morning routine.

Here are some tricks that help me wake up in the morning:

• Don’t stay up too late. You still want to aim for your 7 – 9 hours of sleep.
• Set your alarm clock early, and when you go to hit snooze (just 1 time), open your blinds so the sun can help you rise
• Use a relaxing alarm that is welcoming – I have one that has birds chirping, which is really peaceful
• Make a commitment – it will feel hard at first, however, I promise it will get easier

Whatever you do, it will become a habit, and your body will eventually be happy to get up earlier. I promise.

2. Ask Yourself these questions

1. What makes you feel good?
2. What do you consider a healthy treat?
3. How would you spend an extra 30 to 60 minutes of your day if you had time?

This will help you decide how to spend the first part of your day.

*Also, find time to practice self-care every day of the week with these gorgeous printable self-care worksheets (includes 75 new ideas)!

20 Morning Self-Care Ideas to Start Your Day

1. Spend the first 30 minutes of your day with NO media

I’m talking no TV, radio, social media… nothing!

When was the last time you did this? If you have zero media during the first 30 minutes of your day, the question is; who would you fill your time?

Now go do that!

2. Take a walk around the block

If you have a dog you are used to this, but if not try walking. It’s a great way to wake up naturally and enjoy listening to the world waking up.

Depending on where you live you can walk to a cafe for your morning brew, or simply just walk, stretch and contemplate.

Try going for a gratitude walk as a new exercise.

3. Journaling

Whether you actively journal or not, first thing in the morning is the perfect time to dedicate to this.

I like to write all of my thoughts down – good, bad and everything in between.

This is a great way to get something concerning off your chest and an even better way to just let go of any upsetting feelings.

By writing positive, grateful feelings in your journal it will give you a chance to really practise gratitude for the good things you have in your life.

4. Put the kettle (or coffee pot) on & make it a ritual

I know most of us do this every single day, but let me ask you this…

When was the last time you actually drank your chosen cup of goodness while it was still hot?!

During your alone morning time, you can make brewing up an enjoyable process.

• Enjoy every sip.
• Sit down and drink your tea or coffee in peace or while you do a little gratitude journaling or reading.
• Drink your hot cup outside if you can while you hear the birds waking up 🙂

5. Read a Book that Inspires You

I think the best type of book to read first thing in the morning is something that inspires you; something that sets the stage for the day you want to have.

6. Tune into your spirituality

For some that will be reading from the bible. For others, it could be meditating or simply, practising yoga or simply spending some time on positive affirmations.

Dedicating time in your morning self-care routine to practice being spiritual is the key for many of us to set the stage for the kind of day we want.

7. Activate Your Scent

So many of us tie certain scents to happy thoughts and memories.

Take a moment to think about what scents give you happy feelings. Make a list of this + other scents that you love.

For example, here are mine:

• The smell of freshly cut grass
• Mud in the spring
• Fresh flowers
• Lavender

So for me, going for a walk in the morning is ideal, so I can find these lovely smells.

Think about how you can bring your favourite scents into your morning routine.

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Related: 125 Simple Pleasures To Fill You with Joy

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8. Speak To Someone You Love

Having a chat in the morning with someone who fills you up is a great way to start your day on the right foot.

I like to speak to my best friend on the phone or Facetime my parents. It’s just a little check-in that’s for you and your relationship.

10. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Give yourself the gift of fueling your body with what feels good. You deserve to make time for something healthy.

Some great options are a green smoothie, fruit and yogurt, overnight oats, or avocado on toast.

11. Listen to Some Feel-Good Music

Listen to your favourite artist, a happy playlist or a great DJ to get your morning moving in the right direction.

12. Tend To Your Plants

Water your houseplants, check and water your vegetable garden and outdoor plants, and have a little chat with your plants while you’re at it!

Also, try getting your hands in the soil which is extremely grounding.

13. Listen To An Inspirational Podcast

This is something I’ve started doing to set my intention for the day. Think about what you need to hear in the morning to set your day up for success.

14. Watch A Motivational YouTube Video

Again, this is truly helpful to help you set that intention of the day. I personally love watching anything from Gabe Bult.

He talks a lot about productivity and habits and his videos always get me in the right frame of mind to have a successful work day.

15. Move Your Body

There are so many benefits of exercising in the morning, such as making healthier food choices for the day, better focus, increased energy and improved mood. (source)

So choose something you love and aim for 30 minutes.

16. Do Some Mindfulness Exercises

The key goal of mindfulness is to be present in the moment and there are a lot of mindfulness practices and techniques to help you do this. Some examples:

• Body scan meditation
• Walking meditation
• Mindful gardening
• Breathing Exercises

Check out this breathing exercise to help you center yourself and be in the present moment.

17. Take A Soothing Bath or Shower

Different from a quick shower, take some time to truly enjoy yourself. Think of it as some pampering time.

To make this time extra special try some:

• Shower steamers or bath balms
• Take time washing your hair, exfoliating, etc
• Play some relaxing or upbeat music
• Light a candle or diffuse some essential oils

18. Write Your To-Do List

You can do this for the day or the week.

Many of us can feel overwhelmed and stress when we think about everything we need to do.

However, many times your to-do’s may seem way bigger (and more daunting) then they actually are.

So, when you write a list you’ll be able to see the big picture and make a plan that works within your schedule.

19. Create a Self-Care Plan

There is an exercise I love doing called ‘Building A Happy Week’. Essentially you will use all 5 key areas of self-care (social, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual) and make sure you are getting enough of them every week.

Check out the self-care planner here to help you get started.

20. Write a morning gratitude list

Everyone can benefit from starting their morning with gratitude. You see when you focus on practicing gratitude every day, you’ll end up with more things to be grateful for in life.

So write a short list of what you are grateful for today.

Related Resources For Your Morning Self-Care Routine:

• 25 Of The Best Morning Journal Prompts To Start Your Day
• How to Create a Mindful Morning Routine: 15 Ideas
• 50 Morning Affirmations for Success, Happiness & Confidence
• 75 Of The Best Self Care Sunday Ideas