Morning Selfcare Rituals for a Better Day
Morning Selfcare Rituals for a Better Day
Waking up during the weekday is hard, especially when all you have to look forward to is a busy day full of classes, homework, lectures, and so much more. We've all been there, and hitting snooze multiple times in the morning leads to rushing, stress, and everything in between. That's why I've learned that structuring your morning routine is one of the most important things you can do to start your day, especially if you are able to follow and maintain that routine every single morning. By adding in self-care routines and giving yourself time to get ready in a peaceful way, you are giving yourself the peace it needs to get ready without feeling rushed.
Understanding our Philosophy
At Haven State, we believe that the first part of your day is what makes the rest of it. When you add a consistent self-care ritual, you aren't just getting ready in the morning, you are telling yourself that you are prepared and in control of your day and everything ahead. With a busy day and everything in between, your morning is the only time that belongs to you. By reclaiming this time through a self-care ritual, you are building a routine that prepares you mentally in the most positive way possible.
This is a guide for the non-morning person!
You don't have to wake up early and go to the gym to feel productivity and have a successful start to your day. Even if you wake up at 9 AM for a 10 AM class, the way you structure that time in between is what matters the most. Always start by avoiding your phone. Instead of scrolling on social media or catching up with friends, take a deep breath and get yourself mentally prepared for the day ahead.
The Science of “Soft” Waking
Why do we focus so much on a soft start to your morning? When you wake up, your brain is already constantly thinking. Jumping straight on to TikTok or texting your friends back forces your brain to already start stressing about multiple things. A proper self-care ritual allows for a more gradual transition into what the day is going to be. A self-care ritual should be a calm experience, not something that is already causing you stress.
Small Steps Lead to Success
To build a lasting self-care ritual, you have to start small and work yourself up. Make your bed: it takes one minute to give yourself an immediate sense of accomplishment. Drink water and your favorite morning drink: Grab your favorite coffee, tea, or juice to wake yourself up. Do your Skincare: Prep your skin for the day ahead. Journal: Start a gratitude journal to help start creating a positive mindset for yourself.
Journaling Practice
If you are new to journaling, this is the perfect way to start. And your self-care ritual, don't feel pressured to write pages and pages of things. You can simply list a couple of things that you are grateful for and one thing that you plan to achieve today. This helps to program your brain to find more positive things to think about instead of stressing over the smaller things.
Movement
A small workout is a great way to finish up your morning routine. You don’t need a full workout. Just something that is quick, easy, and fun! Even five minutes of stretching makes a huge difference.
Yoga and Stretching
I think movement and stretching to your self-care ritual isn't about creating a full workout. It's about waking up your body in an organic way. For students who spend all day staring at their laptops, hunched over a desk, this is extremely important to give themselves a refresh. Whether it's touching your toes or a couple of your favorite yoga poses, this self-care ritual releases endorphins that help to boost your mood.
Pro Tip
Before you start your day, make a list of what you would like to do and accomplish for the day. Seeing your tasks on paper makes them feel more achievable. You stress less because you don’t need to try to remember them all day, and you get a sense of accomplishment when you check things off. Remember, this isn’t to help with productivity, it is to help you be at peace. When you prioritize your mind first, everything else falls into place. By committing to these self-care rituals every morning, you prove that no matter how stressful life gets, you have an easy place to start your day out right.
