When you think about taking care of yourself, you often think of the things that we can do in a day that nourish our bodies and souls. Whether it’s eating healthfully, getting physical activity, or drinking plenty of water, there are dozens of ways to nurture your body. But what about those activities that we don’t always think about when it comes to self-care? Our morning and night routines can play an important role in how we take care of ourselves. The structure created by having a consistent morning and evening routine allows us to start and end our days on a positive note, as well as provide mindless moments of joy in between. Creating good habits should not be seen as something tedious or time-consuming rather they should give us comfort knowing that these processes contribute to our overall well-being — mentally, physically, AND emotionally. Here is the morning & night routine I’ve established over the years and still rely on today:
Morning Routine
My morning routine begins with setting my intentions for the day. I take a few minutes first thing in the morning to jot down my thoughts in my journal — no matter how unfinished or incomplete they may be — before diving into anything else. This allows me to start my day feeling grounded and more focused on what truly matters throughout the rest of the day. After journaling, I enjoy making my favorite cup of coffee (or tea). It’s become somewhat ritualistic for me; measuring out exactly one tablespoon of grounds for every six ounces of water so each sip feels consistently special and delicious! Enjoying this beverage while looking out at nature as seen from my window also provides much-needed peace after entering into hectic work days often filled with Zoom calls.
Next up is a short period dedicated to movement—whether it’s a 10-minute yoga flow or stretching for 5 minutes before hopping in the shower. This helps gets blood flowing through my body (especially if I’m feeling especially “stiff”) which often leads me to feeling energized and ready to tackle anything on my plate that day! After moving around, I make sure to drink plenty of water with lemon before settling into some delicious breakfast depending on what type of mood I am craving that morning whether it’s eggs & toast or overnight oats with fresh berries – both equally as delightful! Finally, before heading out the door I quickly scan through emails/notifications/messages just so nothing too “urgent” pops up during my day – giving myself permission just 30 minutes each morning has been incredibly freeing!
Evening Routine
The evening routine is designed for winding down after an often chaotic (but productive!) day which usually involves hydrating with another big glass full of lemon water followed by flossing/brushing my teeth so I can end the night with minty freshness! Then it’s time for skincare which includes washing off my face with warm water + gently scrubbing away dirt + applying moisturizer while massaging with gentle strokes all around the neck + face [this part alone has really made such an incredible improvement on skin quality!]
After skincare comes some light stretching if energy levels still remain high – this helps relax tight muscles + when done enough times eventually leads to better sleep! A little bit later once things settle down + the noise outside starts fading away – it’s time to grab a blanket [or two] snuggle up with my husband Danny and watch a good movie or read a book until my eyes start drooping. Once energy levels reach rock bottom – it’s officially bedtime where sheets magically call my name beckoning me to drift off into peaceful blissful sleep…sweet dreams indeed 😉 Implementing consistent routines over years has allowed me to find internal balance even during times of uncertainty; after all, tending to ourselves is the most important form of self-care ever!
