It’s easy to put your own self-care last on the list of things you do.
Then you reach the end of the day and you don’t have enough energy to do anything else. So, you skip your kickboxing class or fall asleep before you can finish your facial.
But when you start your day with self-care, you put yourself at the top of the list. You’ll feel better physically and mentally. You’ll have more energy. You’ll find it easier to focus and enjoy your day even more.
Here are some simple ways you can nurture yourself each morning:
Hydrate
Start your day with a glass of water. At least 8-ounces. It boosts your metabolism and flushes toxins that have built up over night out of your body. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding lemon or cucumber slices into your glass or bottle. The taste will be refreshing and wake up your taste buds.
I like to keep bottles of water ini the fridge that I’ve prepared with a little fresh basil or mint leaves in them. Letting them sit in the fridge for a day or two before drinking increases the flavor in the water.
Exercise
You don’t have to jog twenty miles before breakfast to get the benefits of exercise. Even low-key workouts like yoga or stretching can energize you for the day. If you’re not used to exercising in the morning, try it for just ten minutes each day. As you adjust to your new exercise routine, you’ll be able to exercise for longer periods of time.
Walking is a wonderful way to get in the exercise routine. Start with 10 minutes a day if you’re not used to walking and increase the time as you get more comfortable. When I was encountering some leg pain problems, and couldn’t comfortably walk normally, I started “walking” in my pool. Lap after lap to keep myself moving.
Eat
Like exercise, breakfast boosts your metabolism. This means your body burns the calories you eat more effectively. It also gives you energy to face the rest of the day. Keep in mind breakfast can be as simple as jam on two mini bagels or banana bread with cream cheese.
Or prepare a recipe of overnight oats in the fridge. Add unsweetened almond milk to two cups of oats, a TBSP each of flax meal and chia seeds, and a TBSP of brown sugar, with some blueberries or strawberries or fruit of your choice. Let sit in the fridge over night. In the morning, heat or eat cold, adding some raw nuts like peanuts, almonds or pecans to the top. This will make roughly four servings to enjoy all week.
Cuddle
Cuddle with a partner, with your kids, or even with your pets. This will give you a boost of endorphins which are the feel-good chemicals your brain produces when you’re happy. If you can’t cuddle, reach out. Connect with a loved one or friend. Send a text message, call, or Skype.
I’ve always said that the favorite part of my day is going to bed at night and being cuddled by my partner.
Inhale
Certain smells can energize you for the day ahead. Try using a diffuser designed for essential oils. Some good morning choices are lemon and orange since their citrus smell will wake up your mind and body. You can also try peppermint or spearmint, both of which improve concentration and focus.
Buy a nice lemon scented candle and light it when you first get up in the morning.
Reward
Plan to reward yourself at the end of your day. This reward might be something simple like watching an episode of your favorite TV show on Netflix or saving a special dessert for later or reading a few chapters in that trashy, escape novel you are secretly reading. When you know you have a treat waiting for you, the anticipation builds and boosts your happiness level all day.
If you’re trying to lose weight, then don’t use food as a reward. It’ll likely be something that would throw you off-track. Find something else. When I was walking in the pool, I would do a certain number of laps and if I did all of those I’d reward myself with a few chapters in a good book.
Be patient.
At first, taking time for yourself every morning may feel weird or uncomfortable. That’s because you’re not used to taking care of yourself. But the more you care for yourself, the more you’ll grow to enjoy mornings and look forward to them.
Publisher of Great Living Today, your one-stop source for greater living featuring tips, techniques, and programs in the areas of health & wellness, wealth, time management, business, love, relationships, and happiness. Marty is a life, business, and wellness coach helping his clients to live their best lives.