The most important thing in your day is the way you start it. When you wake up, you set the tone for the rest of your days, that’s why we should do everything we possibly can to make sure every day is a good day. In my opinion, the best way to start any day is with a self care morning routine. Who doesn’t want to be taken care of properly, even if it is by yourself? These are seven things to help you create a nurturing morning healthy routine that caters to your mind, body, and soul. It’s worked for me for many years and I’m sure you’ll find it just as helpful! Here are a few great self care morning ideas to start from.

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The benefits of a self care morning routine to kick off your day with.

We tend to spend so much time prioritizing other things in our lives like work, relationships, and social media. Spending time on yourself is the most important thing to do when you wake up in the morning. It’s a great way to prioritize your well-being and set the tone for a productive, balanced day. Taking the time to nurture your mind, body, and soul in the morning leads to a greater sense of well-being. A self care morning routine allows you to start your day with intention, mindfulness, and gratitude, creating a positive ripple effect that can impact every aspect of your life.

From improving mental clarity and reducing stress to enhancing productivity and boosting mood, the benefits of a self care morning routine are greater than you could ever imagine. I have found using a self love journal can also help set the tone and keep you accountable for the amount of time you spend on yourself.

Self care morning ideas to inspire you.

Your self care morning routine should be unique to who you are and what works best for you. I start my morning with quiet time each day to get my heart in the right place. After that, I take on the day with full force. I would suggest investing in a good alarm clock, because no matter the time you wake up, it should be done gently. These self care morning ideas are in no particular order either.

1. Wake up early.

There is nothing more precious in this world than time, and by waking up a bit earlier each day, you give yourself more than enough time to start your day without feeling rushed and being late. Being a mom, I must admit that I am still late most days, but at least I have time to myself before the chaos breaks loose. No matter what you decide to spend your time on, having those few moments extra each morning can make a big difference in your life and mental health.

Don’t expect to set your alarm for an hour earlier each day and happily wake up the next morning because that won’t happen. Unless you are a special kind of morning person. Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier each day until you’ve reached the time you want to wake up. This allows your body to gradually get used to the new wake up time and you won’t feel overly tired.

Tips for waking up early:

• • Start by setting a consistent sleep schedule and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

• • Create a bedtime routine to relax your mind and body before sleep. This can include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation.

• • Avoid electronic devices, particularly blue light-emitting screens, at least an hour before bedtime as they can disrupt your sleep patterns.

• • Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.

• • Try using an alarm clock or a sleep-tracking app that analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle.

• • Gradually adjust your wake-up time by setting the alarm 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired wake-up time.

• • Place your alarm clock far enough from the bed, so you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off, making it harder to hit the snooze button.

• • Avoid hitting the snooze button altogether as it disrupts the sleep cycle and leads to grogginess.

• • Create a morning routine that motivates you to get out of bed. This could involve activities like stretching, reading, journaling, or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

• • Expose yourself to natural sunlight or bright artificial light soon after waking up as it helps regulate your internal body clock and increases alertness.

• • Stay consistent, as it takes time for your body to adjust to a new wake-up time. Keep practicing these habits consistently to establish a healthy morning routine.

RELATED: The Best Morning Skincare Routine.

2. Limit the use of technology.

Unless you’re reaching for your phone to see a message from a special person, I can think of no worse way to start a day than having a phone in hand and giving your day to the world before you’ve even woken up properly. Setting boundaries around using technology in the morning, you reclaim precious time for yourself and prioritize your mental health. Instead of starting the day on a reactive note, you can create a sense of presence and mindfulness by engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Give yourself a time limit and try not to touch your phone before that time is over. It might be tough at first, but soon enough the silence and time to yourself will go by faster than you want it to.

3. Hydrate your body.

There is nothing more refreshing than drinking a glass of water the moment you wake up. After hours of sleep, our bodies are naturally dehydrated, and replenishing fluids is essential to kickstart your metabolism and promote wellness. Starting your day with a glass of water helps hydrate your body and supports optimal cognitive function, digestion, and cellular function. For an extra boost, consider adding a slice of lemon to your water for added flavor and a dose of vitamin C. Prioritizing hydration in the morning sets a good tone for the day ahead, ensuring that you start off feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever challenges may come your way. This would have to be one of the most important self care morning ideas to start your day off with.

Tips to stay hydrated:

• • Start your day by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up.

• • Make it a habit to keep a water bottle by your bedside, making it easily accessible.

• • If you’re not a fan of plain water, add a slice of lemon or a few drops of water flavor.

• • Avoid drinking excessive caffeine or alcoholic beverages in the morning, as they can dehydrate your body.

• • Consider replacing your morning cup of coffee with herbal tea or hydrating drinks like coconut water.

• • Eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

• • Consider incorporating a hydrating skincare routine in the morning, such as using a hydrating face wash or hydrating moisturizer.

• • If you engage in physical activities or exercise in the morning, make sure to drink even more water to replenish fluids lost through sweat.

• • Remember that hydrating in the morning not only benefits your physical health but also helps improve cognitive function and energy levels.

RELATED: 49 Positive Journal Prompts For A Happier Life.

4. Get your body moving.

The moment you wake up, the most natural thing you can do is stretch. If our bodies are craving to be moved after being still for so long, why don’t we move more? Moving your body helps release tension, improve circulation, and boost energy levels. Being able to move your body creates a sense of mindfulness and presence as you connect with your body and breathe. The best investment you can make is in yourself and your health, and a good place to start is your fitness.

Ways to get your body moving in the morning:

• • Take a brisk walk or jog around your neighborhood.

• • Follow along with a morning yoga routine.

• • Do a quick bodyweight workout or a few sets of push-ups, squats, and lunges.

• • Dance to your favorite music while getting ready for the day.

• • Practice stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles and improve flexibility.

• • Incorporate a few minutes of jumping jacks or skipping rope to get your heart rate up.

• • Take your pet for a walk or play fetch in the backyard.

• • Try a morning swim if you have access to a pool or live near the beach.

• • Join a virtual fitness class or follow along with an online workout video.

5. Practice mindfulness and gratitude.

It can be so easy to focus on all the negative things in life, finances, relationships and so much more. Starting your day with practices that create present-moment awareness and appreciation for the blessings in your life, you set a positive tone for the day ahead. Take a few moments each morning to engage in mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply tuning into your senses to ground yourself in the present moment.

I like to practice gratitude by reflecting on the things I’m thankful for, no matter how small and insignificant it might seem. Having a morning healthy routine is just one small step in the right direction to building a positive mindset that won’t let you down when things get tough.

6. Eat a nutritious breakfast.

If you take one of these self care morning ideas to heart, let it be this. Breakfast is always called the most important meal of the day and there’s a good reason for that! Having a healthy meal as part of a morning healthy routine gives you the fuel your body needs to kickstart your metabolism and sustain energy levels throughout the morning. Don’t be afraid to add variety to your meal by adding whole foods to your plate and giving your body a nutritious meal. Making an intentional decision to eat a healthy breakfast you create a sense of self-awarenss and can lead to a healthy, long life.

Best ingredients to use:

• • Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread.

• • Fresh fruits: berries, bananas, apples, oranges, kiwi.

• • Protein-rich foods: eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu.

• • Healthy fats: nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds), avocado.

• • Nutrient-packed vegetables: spinach, kale, bell peppers, mushrooms.

• • Low-fat dairy products: skim milk, low-fat cheese, yogurt.

• • Natural sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, agave nectar.

• • Superfoods: chia seeds, hemp seeds, goji berries, acai berries.

• • Lean meats: turkey bacon, chicken sausage, lean ham.

• • Unsweetened beverages: green tea, herbal tea, black coffee.

• • Herbs and spices: cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, basil.

RELATED: Best Morning Self Care Routine Ideas For A Great Day.

7. Plan your day.

Taking a few moments each morning to map out your schedule, prioritize tasks, and set intentions for the day ahead can help you feel more organized, focused, and in control of your time. Whether you prefer to use a planner, journal, or digital scheduling tool, having a clear plan in place allows you to approach your day with purpose and direction. Identify your top priorities and allocate time for self care activities, work commitments, and personal responsibilities, you can create a balance that supports the life you envision for yourself.

Planning your day as part of your morning healthy routine enables you to proactively address any potential challenges or obstacles that may arise, giving you a sense of preparedness and resilience as you navigate through your day. While we might not know what lies ahead for the day, we can always try to be as ready as possible.

Tips on planning your day:

• • Write down your top priorities or goals for the day. This will help you stay organized and ensure you tackle your most important tasks.

• • Check your calendar and schedule any appointments or meetings for the day. Take note of any deadlines or time-sensitive tasks.

• • Consider your energy levels and plan your day accordingly. If you are more productive in the morning, tackle your most challenging tasks first. Save easier or less demanding tasks for later in the day.

• • Make a to-do list or create a task plan. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize the tasks based on importance and deadlines.

• • Allocate specific time slots for your tasks. This will help you stay focused and give you a sense of structure throughout the day. Be realistic with your time estimates to avoid overloading your schedule.

• • Don’t forget to schedule breaks. Taking short breaks throughout the day can actually improve productivity and creativity. Use this time to stretch, drink water, or do something you enjoy to relax and recharge.

• • Consider incorporating self-care activities into your morning routine. This could be anything from exercising, reading, or journaling. Taking care of yourself in the morning will set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

• • Plan your meals and snacks for the day. This will help you avoid making unhealthy food choices or skipping meals when you\’re busy.

• • Anticipate potential distractions or obstacles that may arise during the day and plan proactively to mitigate them. This could include informing colleagues of your focused work time or putting your phone on silent.

• • Finally, remember to be flexible and adaptable. Unexpected things may come up, and it\’s important to be able to adjust your plans accordingly. Stay positive and open-minded throughout the day.

Conclusion.

A self care morning routine is a great way to prioritize yourself and set a positive tone for the day ahead. By adding a few healthy habits to your morning routine, you can nourish your mind, body, and soul, fostering a greater sense of balance, clarity, and vitality in your life. Remember, self care is not selfish—it’s essential for your health and happiness. You don’t have to make drastic changes in one day, make small changes over time and see the change in your life.

Happy morning,

Your Wellness Warrior!