Self-care.

It’s a hell of a thing.

A really important thing that over the last year I’ve dedicated more time to, which has proven to be very grounding and rewarding.

So let’s explore self-care.

When you hear the phrase, do you visualize a gal in a spa robe getting her nails done and prepping for a facial?

Thought so.  

You see, there are hundreds of things that can be classified under this category, but the thing most people don’t realize is that most of them don’t have to cost you a dime. Many of them you can do in the comfort of your home, and with the tools you innately have.

This week, I decided to kick it up a notch in the self-care department in order to refocus my mind on the goals I’ve set since leaving my corporate job.

I know. If you didn’t know, now you know. That tell-all post. It’s coming. 

And because the results were significant, I thought I’d share with you some hacks in this week’s Friday Five on my favorite ways to practice self-care — specifically in the morning.

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Getting Out of Bed A Little Earlier —

I know, I know. Not everyone’s a morning person. Hell, I sure wasn’t years ago. But, I trained my body. It was hard work and super annoying — especially in the winter when you have to leave your warm cozy covers and mate to face the dark morning — but shit man, is it worth it.

Getting up at 5am is like seriously the best thing ever because it feels like you’re the first one awake to get a jumpstart on your day. Competitive peeps out there — it’s like winning, you beat a lot of others who choose to stay in bed and sleep.

But back to self-care. Allowing yourself an hour to two in the morning to actually do the things that make you feel good will result in more positive output during the day. I like to do the next few things in order.

Journaling Daily Affirmations, And Then Some —

Ideal state is that after I wake up to my 5am alarm, I reach over to my bedside table and pull my Five-Minute Journal out of the drawer so I can jot down my thoughts right away. Most of the time (sorry Trev), I have to walk it out to my office so I don’t disrupt my sleeping beauty of a husband :).

In this journal, I jot down three things I’m grateful for, three things that what would make today great and daily affirmations. The best part about this is that it’s my journal and no one elses so I can be as cheesy as I want. For example today I wrote “I am a motivated woman who plans to conquer her dreams”. Hehe. Then, in the evening before I fall asleep, I write down three amazing things that happened today and how I could have made today better. Soo soothing.

And you know what makes this whole journalling thing even more soothing? I started writing down in another journal random thoughts that live in my head during the afternoon. It’s pretty freaking entertaining. Sometimes I write a song lyric that I’ve been saying over and over and sometimes I come up with a philosophical quote. Try it. It’s fun.

Making Sweat Addictive —

For those of you who follow my Insta stories, you know that I’m obsessed with sweating. Specifically on my beloved Peloton. But the trick to getting in a workout every day is to make it fun and different. You need to look forward to your morning sweat.

With this, I’ve been toggling between various types of workouts to not only give my body the well-rounded love it needs, but to keep me sane. One morning I’ll go for a run. Another morning I’ll hit up a barre or yoga class. On the day I haven’t washed my hair in a bit, I’ll sit on my Peloton. And on the day I’m feeling social, I’ll try a new workout with a girlfriend that involves an insanely intimidating pilates machine. Note: all of these workout options made possible by this amazing company — a must try if you haven’t already. 

You get the picture. Switch it up. Make it addicting. Go for a damn walk at least. Sweat is one of the best forms of self-care and even better, detox. Do it.

Sipping a Warm Beverage —

This hack is honestly one I look forward to the most every morning. There’s nothing better than sitting down with a warm cup of coffee (in my instance, this bulletproof concoction) and reading or checking something off of your list before your day begins. During this 15-20 minute moment of enjoyment, I usually schedule my posts for the day, read email or the news.

The best part about this hack (and sorry if this is TMI) — it aids with keeping you regular (amongst other contributors of healthy diet and exercise). So yeah! Now you’re really ready to face the day!

Getting Ready, Face and Mind —

So now that you’ve done all of the above, it’s likely time you start actually getting your physical appearance ready for the day. Like showering, putting your makeup on, getting dressed and doing your hair. So here’s how to make it fun and worth your while —

Throw on a podcast where you can learn something new (most are anywhere from 30 – 60 min) and start your process. I love podcasts on business, entrepreneurship, marketing and self-care, so I often stick to these trusted favorites and this new guy, but you do you. This will get your mind awake, your juices flowing and that brain powered up! Trust me, on your commute into work, you’ll be jazzed with ideas and pep. It’s fun, addicting and fulfilling.

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So there you have it. My top five hacks for morning self-care.

Let me know if you give any a go next week 🙂 and if you have any of your own you’d like to share!

Take care of yourself.

// cb ✌????