I used to roll out of bed and just let the day come at me; sometimes things went smoothly but most of the time I was scrambling and stressing about the day ahead. I realized after some trial and error and just life experience in general that waking up a little earlier than needed allowed me time to do things that set me up for a harmonious and successful day ahead. Even just having some time to myself before everyone else wakes up helps me feel better prepared for the day. This does not mean that things never go wrong but starting my day off right helps me deal with daily ups and downs with much more ease.

These Five Morning Rituals Start My Day Off Right

Meditation - I try to start every day with meditation. Sometimes it’s 20 minutes and sometimes it’s 5 but it does help me start my day with some calmness and clarity. Meditation does not have to be long or complicated to have benefits and there are many resources to help make it more accessible. The apps Calm, Insight Timer and Headspace are just a few that come to mind. They can all be downloaded onto your phone so that your meditation source can go where you go.

Set Intentions/Express Gratitude - I take a couple minutes before I get out of bed to jot down a few intentions or goals for the day as well as a few things I’m grateful for. I have a journal on my bedside table ready to go when I wake up. I like to buy a three-pack of notebooks with simple lined paper like these from Rifle Paper Co.. They are slim, lightweight and easy to pack in my purse or backpack when I travel. It also very easy to rip out the paper and recycle it once I am done using it (no, I do not save them!).

Early Morning Sun Exposure - I take my breakfast or my tea and sit outside on my patio or front steps for a few minutes before getting going in the morning. Catching that morning sun has some health benefits including regulating hormones, boosting mood and improving sleep.

Exercise - It’s very simple for me, if I don’t exercise in the morning, it doesn’t get done and if I don’t exercise, my entire day feels “off.” It doesn’t always have to be an intense workout but I have to do something. A walk, yoga or even a quick strength training session will do the trick.

Breakfast - I eat breakfast every morning and I make sure that it is low in added sugars and high in protein and fat. This helps regulate my blood sugar so that hunger, moodiness and brain fog don’t disrupt the first part of my day.

Self care is essential for anyone living in the crazy modern world. We are often pushed to our limits mentally, emotionally and physically and it’s important to do things that counteract that stress in order to stay healthy. Self care should be simple, accessible and inexpensive, but there is nothing wrong with having a collection of thoughtfully selected tools and treats to make your self care experience more enjoyable. Self care is a very personal thing so it’s important to know what types of things or situations you need to help you properly unwind. Perhaps this list will inspire you to try a new element of self care that you’ve never done before!

The Ultimate Self Care Summer Essentials List

A Good Journal - Journaling has been an incredibly important part of my own mental health and self care journey. Sometimes it’s helpful just to get ideas, thoughts and frustrations down on paper. I love this trio of beautiful floral journals by Rifle Paper Co. or if you prefer a spiral bound notebook or journal, try this one.

Rifle Paper Co. Notebook Set $18 and Spiral Bound Notebook $20.

Pampering Bath Products - I love taking a bath to unwind and soothe sore, tired muscles and good quality, luxurious bath products are a must. This Coconut Milk Bath Soak by Herbivore is lightly scented and super moisturizing. It’s the perfect soak after a day in the sun and the ingredients are also clean and simple. I also love bath salts for relaxing and easing muscle aches. These Herbivore Detox Bath Salts are perfect.

Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak 16 oz. $36 and Detox Bath Salts 8 oz. $20

A Meditation Cushion - Meditation can be an incredibly powerful part of a self care routine and having the right tools can help make meditation practice more easier and more enjoyable. I love this meditation cushion by Austin, Texas company Florensi. It can help make meditation more comfortable and strengthen the spine. It can also be used for other purposes like yoga.

Florensi Meditation Cushion $45

Teas - I love having a variety of teas or even just one of my favorites on hand for sipping in the afternoon and evening when I don’t need a smaller caffeine boost that won’t leave me jittery and interfere with my sleep. This Tea Forte Variety Pack is just the perfect little treat for tea lovers. You can choose from eleven different assortments, including some caffeine-free and herbal blends.

Tea Forte Sampler Gift Set $35 to $47

Chocolates - The way to my heart is through chocolate and I know I’m not alone. I enjoy a little piece after lunch and dinner and I’m not afraid to say I eat it daily. I prefer the dark stuff but I’ll never turn down any kind of chocolate unless it’s covering some type of edible bug. No thank you. I love this sampler pack by Hu Chocolates. Hu chocolate is vegan, organic and offers a variety of interesting and fun flavors.

Hu Chocolate Sampler Pack $46 for 8 Full Size Bars

Candles - Candles are my go-to for a cozy, low key day at home. I love lighting one while I am sipping morning tea, making dinner, when we have guest or chilling out in the evening. I do make sure any candle I buy is made with either soy or coconut wax, clean phthalate-free fragrance and cotton, lead-free wicks. My favorite candles are from Brooklyn Candle Studio. Their minimalist collection has a nice variety of scents.

Brooklyn Candle Studio Minimalist Candle Collection $28

Essential Oil Diffuser - Diffusers are a great option if you are looking to scent your home and are concerned about the safety and hazards of candles, even the cleaner-burning versions. You can use single essential oils or even create blends that are specifically used for calming the nervous system and de-stressing. Oils like chamomile, lavender, clary sage and lemon balm are just a few that have been known to help with symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Essential Oil Diffuser $42.99

Gua Sha Stone and Oils - Gua Sha is one my new favorite forms of self care. I practice gua sha daily on my face and neck and a couple times a week on my body. It helps increase circulation, release fascia and stimulate lymphatic drainage. It also just feels good.

YINA BIAN Stone Gua Sha $60

YINA Serum and Moisturizer Collection $68-$85