5 Self Care Habits to Add to Your Morning Routine for a happier, healthier and more productive day! These realistic habits can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Making time for myself in the morning is something I’ve made a priority for mental, physical and emotional well-being. Waking up to a routine has done wonders for my stress and anxiety levels. It helps to keep me grounded and organized and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

One way that I like to maximize my morning routine is by practicing some self-care habits. This looks a lot like diffusing essential oils, meditating, moving my body, and keeping my anxiety levels in check with a cup of herbal coffee instead of regular ol’ caffeine.

Seeing as it’s February (aka the month of love!), I figured I’d share an updated morning routine! I am sharing 5 Self Care Habits to Add to Your Morning Routine to show myself some extra love! So let’s jump in, shall we?!

1. Practice Mindfulness

Once I’ve rehydrated my body will a glass of water, the first thing I do in the morning is to practice mindfulness. For me, this usually involves writing in my gratitude journal. Over the years, I have noticed that this simple self-care habit allows me to focus on the things that I’m grateful for. It also helps me manifest things I hope will happen and promote positive thinking all day long. Writing down what you’re grateful for can be as small a sunny day, family and friends or having a roof over your head. Whatever it is in your life that you want to reflect on, I think it’s important to write it down and visualize it.

Another way I practice mindfulness is through meditation. Meditation is something that I have been doing every morning for the past two years and it has truly changed my life. I used to be someone who would wake up with horrible anxiety, but allowing my mind and body to reset through meditation has been such a game-changer. I can’t imagine my life without it!

Before I meditate, I’ll roll on some relaxing essential oils and prop myself up in a comfy position on my bed with my noise-canceling headphones. Once the guided meditation is done, I will give myself a big hug and repeat to myself “I love my life, I love myself”. I then choose a daily affirmation such as: “I release fear, anxiety and worry” or “I am happy, calm and peaceful”. I believe that positive affirmations, along with practicing mindfulness and meditation are the best way to practice self-care in the morning. These simple mindset shifts will make the world of a difference in how you go about your day!

2. Move Your Body

I used to think that I would only exercise 3-4 times a week depending on when I went to the gym. This year though, I’ve been a conscious effort just to move my body every single day! I find it’s easier to keep up with something once it becomes a daily habit, versus when you “feel like it”.

If I know the goal is to move my body in some form every day, then I will make time for it in my schedule and make it happen. This could be as simple as walking Cashew, going for a hike, doing a light yoga flow or challenging my self with a workout class at the gym.

I like to switch it up to keep things interesting. As long as I’m moving my body, that’s all that matters. It helps both my mental and physical health, reduces stress and releases any tension I may have. I truly feel so grateful to move my body and I want to be able to move it for as long as I can.

3. Create a Spa In Your Bathroom

There’s something about creating a spa-like atmosphere in my bathroom that I find so peaceful and relaxing. It’s a space that I genuinely enjoy spending time in, especially in the morning, so I figured it’s only appropriate to give it some TLC!

Dry Brush

Before I take a shower, I will often do a light dry skin brush. This simple self-care habit helps circulate blood flow and stimulate the lymphatic system which is great for detoxification! It also removes dead skin cells and keeps your skin looking glowy soft. Who doesn’t love that?!

Face Mask

When I’m feeling extra fancy, I will occasionally indulge in a face mask. This doesn’t happen often, but whenever I find some extra-time in the morning, I like to throw on a face-mask before I hop in the shower.

DIY Body Scrub

Next, I will mix a batch of my DIY body scrub. This is something doing a ton recently. During the winter months, it helps to keep my skin silky smooth. By combining just a few simple ingredients, I have a luxurious, spa-like body scrub to use in the shower. It’s so easy to make, effective and allows my body to absorb any moisturizer that I use afterward. To make this DIY Body Scrub yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/2 cup oil of your choice (I like cold-pressed sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil)
• 5 drops essential oil of your choice (I personally love lavender)

Gua Shaw

Once I’m out of the shower, I spray my face with my favourite rose water toner, apply my DIY skin glow serum, and indulge in a Gua Sha facial massage. I like to use this rose quartz Gua Sha to depuff my skin and circulate blood flow. Then, I follow up with a hydrating moisturizer and go about the rest of my usual skincare routine. I like to keep things pretty simple in the morning!

4. Treat Yourself

Now it’s time to treat my self with a warm, and delicious caffeine-free latte! I decided to cut out caffeine a few years ago when anxiety was at it’s worst. I replaced it with a herbal-coffee alternative and haven’t looked back. It’s all-natural and has a smooth, rich flavour that totally resembles coffee.

To make this latte, add two tablespoons of my favourite herbal coffee, a dash of cinnamon, a few drops of liquid stevia to a mug. Then add some boiling water and then topping it off with some creamy, frothed oat milk. Sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top and it’s the most delicious, caffeine-free latte I’ve ever had – you have to try it!

While I’m sipping on my latte, I love to indulge in a batch of my Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes to go with it. This recipe is a go-to of mine because it’s not only is it healthy and delicious but it comes together in minutes. There’s nothing like cooking a batch of your favourite pancakes in the morning to give yourself some extra love. Am I right?

5. Creating a Happy Space

My last tip is to create a happy space. I work from home, so it’s important for me that I create a calming environment that I genuinely WANT to be in.

Since I like to surround myself with living things, I’ve been slowly collecting plants over the years…and trying my best to keep them alive haha! Not only are plants are a great way to give any space that “nature” vibe, but they also clean the air and alter your mood.

After I water all of my plant babies, I will then open up the windows to let in the natural sunlight and diffuse some essential oils. Lately, I’ve been loving to diffuse black spruce with orange. It’s grounding, with a hint of sweetness that I find to be really soothing throughout the day!

There you have it, HealthNuts – 5 Self Care Habits to Add to Your Morning Routine! I hope you enjoyed reading this post and feel inspired to start including them in your morning routine.

What’s a self-care habit you like to practice in the morning? Leave me a comment below!