wellness and self-care
Wondering whether a morning or evening self-care routine is better for your lifestyle? In this post, we’ll break down how to discover what truly works for you, without forcing another rigid routine.
Whether you’re just getting started or reworking what self-care looks like in your life, these gentle tips will help you create space for yourself in a way that feels nourishing and real.
Over the years, discovering what self-care routine worked best for me was a journey in itself.
As I navigated different phases of life and went through transitions, my routine constantly shifted. I had to adapt based on what my days looked like.
But at my core, I’ve always been an early bird. I love waking up before the sun rises while the world is still quiet. There’s something about those peaceful moments—just me, my thoughts, and the stillness of the morning—that feels grounding.
I never overthought my routines. Instead of following a rigid structure, I kept one simple rule: I always gave myself at least two hours before I had to leave for work. No matter what time my day started, I set my alarm accordingly.
But I was never strict about how I spent those two hours. I didn’t force myself to do the exact same thing every morning because that would’ve taken away the calmness I loved. Instead, I embraced flexibility. I let my mornings unfold naturally, choosing tasks and activities in the moment rather than following a set checklist.
That mindset made my routine feel freeing rather than forced, and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
We all know how crazy life can get—balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities can leave us feeling drained. Between juggling everything, it’s easy to forget that you deserve time to recharge.
Whether you’re constantly on the go or feeling stuck in cycles of burnout and anxiety, creating intentional self-care routines can be a game-changer.
But where do you start?
Should you focus on an energising morning routine or a calming evening ritual?
The truth is: both have their benefits. It’s all about discovering what aligns with your energy, schedule, and season of life.
Let’s explore how to build a self-care rhythm that supports your well-being, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.
Feeling uncertain about when to schedule your self-care? That confusion is so common, especially when you’re juggling a lot and trying to make something stick.
Should you create a self-care routine that starts your day strong, or one that helps you wind down peacefully at night?
Morning Self-Care Routines:
Evening Self-Care Routines:
A gentle tip: If you struggle with waking up early or winding down at night, try calming practices like breathing exercises or light stretching to ease your body into a new rhythm.
Your environment affects your nervous system more than you think. If your space feels chaotic, it’s harder to feel relaxed or focused.
Morning Setup: Create a clean, inspiring corner that makes you feel awake and ready. Keep it tidy, clutter-free, and filled with positive energy.
Evening Setup: Cozy lighting, soft textures, and calming scents can help your nervous system relax and feel safe before bed.
A little tip: You don’t need a full makeover—just lighting a candle or playing soft music can shift the vibe instantly.
Your environment plays a huge role in your mental well-being. If your space feels cluttered or chaotic, it can be hard to feel at peace.
Morning: Start your day in a space that makes you feel productive—think clean, organised, and filled with positive energy.
Evening: End your day in a quiet, cozy spot where you can fully unwind.
Consider creating a soothing atmosphere with soft lighting or calming scents to make the space feel peaceful.
With the nonstop pace of life, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Daily mindfulness helps you come back home to yourself, even for a moment.
Whether it’s a deep breath before a meeting or a five-minute meditation after work, stillness can be powerful.
A little tip: Self-care affirmation cards are a great way to shift your mindset. Read one in the morning to set the tone or at night to reflect on how you’re growing.
Self-care doesn’t have to be practical all the time, sometimes, the most healing moments are the indulgent ones.
Weekly Idea: Take a warm bath, put on a face mask, or sip your favourite herbal tea uninterrupted.
A little tip: You don’t need a full spa day, just one act of kindness to yourself each week is enough to reset your nervous system and remind yourself: “I matter.”
Sometimes, the most radical self-care routine is simply… going to bed earlier.
Sleep affects everything—your mood, your immune system, and your ability to show up. Don’t underestimate the power of deep rest.
A little tip: If you struggle to fall asleep, try reading something calming, stretching, or using sleep sounds to quiet your mind.
Movement is medicine for both the body and the mind. It doesn’t have to be intense. It just has to be intentional.
Morning Idea: Do a quick yoga flow or take a 10-minute walk to get your energy moving.
Evening Idea: Gentle stretches, foam rolling, or a short dance session in your bedroom can help release stored tension.
A little tip: Movement helps you get out of your head and into your body, which is where your intuition lives.
If you’re anything like me, sound plays a big role in how you start and end your day. I’ve put together two playlists that I personally use—one for the quiet, slow mornings and another for those wind-down evenings when I need to disconnect and come back to myself.
These aren’t just random tracks—I use these in my actual routines, and they’ve made a real difference in how I move through my days.
Here’s what you’ll find inside both playlists:
Music I Love: Soft acoustic, lo-fi beats, and gentle instrumentals. In the morning, they help me rise gently without overstimulation. In the evening, they help me slow down and transition into rest.
Inspirational Speeches from My Role Models: These are some of the talks I personally come back to, especially when I’m feeling off. Whether I need motivation to start the day or a reminder to let go at night, these always land.
Yoga & Affirmations: My morning playlist includes gentle yoga flows with affirmations that help me set the tone for the day ahead. My evening mix includes softer movement, breath-work, or meditative practices that help me release whatever I’ve been carrying.
I use these sounds every day to support my own self-care practice, and now I’m sharing them with you, so you can create your own vibe, your own rhythm, your own routine.
Click here to tune in to the Awaken Softly Morning Playlist.
Click here to tune in to the Exhale Gently Night Playlist.
Your personalised self-care routine awaits. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to feel true to you.
Whether it’s starting your day with mindful moments or winding down with intention, these self-care routines are about more than productivity—they’re about connection, grounding, and choosing yourself again and again.
So, what suits you best: morning or evening? Try a few of the ideas above this week and feel your way into it. Let it evolve with you.
And if it helps, I’d love to know: Are you more of a morning or evening self-care person? Let me know in the comments.
Remember: Taking care of yourself is the first step in showing up for the world around you. You’re worth it. Every single day.
Welcome to your space for real self-growth. I’m here to support you as you grow into your most authentic self.
What’s New
your go-to
THE COLLECTION
About me
A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.
One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.
Let’s do this thing called ‘growth’ together!
Featured
Want to start journaling in 2025 but don’t know where to begin? This step-by-step guide will help you tap into the transformative power of journaling and make it a meaningful part of your self-growth journey.
Navigate
Join the Growth Circle for real talk, gentle encouragement, and tools to help you grow.
© By Raina L 2025 | Terms and conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy policy
