7 Ideas to Create a Soft and Nourishing Morning Routine

Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day, and how we begin can make all the difference in how we feel, think, and move through life. A soft and nourishing morning routine isn’t about productivity. It’s about honoring yourself, your needs, and the rhythm of your day with softness and intention. This is valuable to everyone but if you are highly sensitive, it will benefit you even more. A nourishing morning routine is like writing a little love note to your brain and nervous system. Though how I spend my mornings may differ depending on the season, this is what I have been focussing on lately.

1. A Gentle & Soft Start to Your Day

• If you can’t wake up naturally and need an alarm to do so, be mindful about the sound. Instead of using loud and harsh alarms that nearly give you a heart attack, use soft music or an alarm clock that mimics natural light. I try not to wake up with an alarm but on days that I am teaching first thing in the morning, I do. The sound I chose for myself is soft, classical music.

• Keep your phone out of the bedroom as much as you can. Unless you use it as an alarm clock but that’s dangerous as it can be dristracting and hijack your attention without you even noticing. I try to turn mine off by 8pm the night before and I leave it in the kitchen. I allow my brain and body to fully wake up for an hour or so before I look at my phone. I don’t watch the news or anything loud and sensational. I usually just check my sleep score and readiness on my Oura app and I check WhatsApp and Instagram.

• Keep a big glass of water by your bedside and drink it first thing in the morning to rehydrate and refresh your body. Every night when I go to bed, I take a big glass of water and put it on my nightstand. Once I wake up, I drink the entire glass before getting out of bed.

2. Create a Moment of Stillness

• Start your day with a quiet moment — whether it’s a warm shower to wake up your body in a gentle way, meditation, journaling, or simply sipping tea or coffee in peace. When I have to teach first thing in the morning, I wake up earlier than the dogs and take a shower before going downstairs. This usually helps me to wake up in a calm manner. Now that the days are longer and there is light outside, I take my coffee and take a morning stroll through the garden while the pups do their thing. This is also ideal to reset your circadian rhythm since we need to view natural light soon after waking up. Andrew Huberman, who’s a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, talks extensively about this topic. If you would like to know more, go ahead and have a look at his website.

• One of my favorite things to do is journaling, it creates space and allows me to connect with myself. Especially when I feel scattered and overwhelmed. There is no right or wrong about journaling. It is personal to you and it’s a tool to create more calm.  Write down a few thoughts, intentions for the day, a gratitude list to set a positive tone, or even to do lists or to buy lists.

3. Indulge in a Luxurious Skincare Ritual

• Skincare isn’t just about looking your best — it’s a moment of self-care and self-respect. And since the skin is the biggest organ we have, and is the only organ that is on the outside of our body, it needs attention and intentional care. On days when I have more time, I indulge in a warm soothing bath followed by nourishing my skin (body) with good quality skin oil or bodylotion. I take my time and sip some chamomile tea while I come up with my intention for the day.

• Wash your face with water and an oil based cleanser that is gentle on your skin. My dermatologist recommends using an oil based cleanser, especially if you have a sensitive skin like I do. Apply high quality and nourishing products slowly and gently. I would always recommend using a serum first before you put on your day cream. I am currently using Caudalie’s Premier Cru line since my skin feels especially dry and thirsty at the end of Winter/ early Spring. This is a very nourishing cream(s) that boosts the skin even more. It’s a bit of an investment but you can find it at cheaper prices in the pharmacy (online).

• A gua sha massage or facial mist can add an extra touch of luxury and mindfulness to your routine. But don’t overdo it, that’s rarely a good idea if you want to take good care of your skin. We see a lot of these exaggerated skincare routines on social media and we might feel pressured to do the same but remember that simplicity is key. My grandmother knew this well and she had gorgeous, healthy looking skin.

4. Move Your Body in a Way That Feels Good

• Forget the pressure of an intense workout first thing in the morning. That’s rarely what the female body craves in the morning. A few minutes of deep breathing, qigong, or gentle yoga can help ease you into wakefulness with grace. I love to start the day with a gentle Sun Salutation and I am starting again with qigong on mornings where I have more time. It truly is a gentle and nourishing way of waking up your body and mind. It’s a way of connecting to the body and a profound moment of gratitude for being alive.

5. Savor a Nourishing Breakfast

• Choose foods that make you feel good — Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, eggs.. Anything that is packed with nutrients and doesn’t give you a big bloodsugar spike. I eat eggs and toast on most mornings. I try to eat avocado frequently even though I’m not too crazy about it. But it is packed with nutrients and healthy fats that are healing to the brain.

• Take the time to sit down and truly enjoy your meal, rather than rushing through it. Once it’s warm enough, I have my breakfast in the garden.

• Drink your coffee or tea slowly, letting its warmth ground you in the moment. Maybe you could think about all the things that you are grateful for and bring you joy. This shifts your mindset and lens to focus on the good.

6. Embrace Creativity and Joy

• A soft morning isn’t just about physical rituals—it’s about filling your mind with inspiration.
• Read a few pages of a book, listen to a podcast, or write a few lines in your journal.
• Snuggle up with your animals.
• If you have a garden, stepping outside to admire the flowers or tend to your plants can be a deeply fulfilling start to the day.

7. Get Ready with Intention

• Dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, even if you’re staying home.
• A signature fragrance or a swipe of red lipstick can be a small but powerful act of self-expression.
• Set a gentle intention for the day ahead—whether it’s to be present, kind to yourself, or embrace creativity.

Final thoughts

A soft and nourishing morning routine isn’t about rigid rules — it’s about creating a flow that feels right for you. When you start the day from a place of care and softness, everything else follows with more ease and grace. So slow down, savor the moment, and step into your day with warmth and intention. And most importantly, do not get distracted by urgency culture.

How do you create a gentle start to your mornings? Share your rituals in the comments—I’d love to hear!