How to Create a Self Care Morning Basket

Many of us are familiar with the Morning Basket as it pertains to kids. But what is a self care morning basket?

First, a bit of history. You may or may not know this already but when my kids were young we homeschooled. We gathered at the dining table to do art projects, learn math skills, and practice writing. Being who I am, I was always on the search for new methods to keep the kids engaged and appeal to my love of systems. Once such system we adopted was the Morning Basket. Essentially, it was a way to ease into our homeschool routine with some books, puzzles, and activities that the kids could use independently while I got the day’s lessons in order. When I was ready, I would join them for some journaling and reading before we got into our lessons or field trip for the day.

Now that my kids are teenagers and are attending public school, I didn’t give much mind to the morning basket for a long time. That is until I decided to makeover my morning routine.

A Morning Basket for Self Care

Borrowing the method from homeschoolers, I created my own morning basket to accompany my morning self care routine. Always, in the same spot are all the things I use to start my day.

Journals and pens
The book I am reading
My hairbrush
Lotion
Waterbottle

I keep these things together, next to my spot on the sofa. There is no excuse for not starting my day right and no lost pens. Before I even pick up my phone, I go to my morning basket first.

Making Your Own Self Care Morning Basket

Choose a basket. I like one that has an open top because lids just get in the way. Also, I like baskets better than something like a drawer because it is more obvious. Sometimes when things get put in the drawer they get forgotten about (“out of sight, out of mind”).
Keep it somewhere you are going to see it first thing in the morning. Perhaps your beside table, coffee table, or desk.
Fill it with items that help you create a healthy morning routine. Some ideas include:
- journal and pens
- water bottle
- planner
- books
- word puzzles
- skincare items
- Bible or other spiritual guidance
- book of inspiring quotes
- crystals
- candles or incense
- coloring book
- headphones
- brain dump notepad

It is really that simple. It is just a matter of keeping all the things you need in the morning together and easily accessible every single day.

Why Start Your Day With Self Care

My entire adult life has been spent caring for others. I was married at 22 and had kids soon after so my mornings have always been about my family. Now, with teenagers who would sleep all day if they could, my mornings are finally quiet. No more waking up to toddlers asking for breakfast at 5 am or brushing knotted hair before school. My kids are (nearly) self sufficient and it has allowed me the freedom to consider what I need in the morning instead of the needs of everyone else.

By starting my day looking after my self care in a slow and peaceful routine, I set the tone for the day. I don’t waste time scrolling in bed “while waking up” and I don’t “forget” to look after myself the way I so often would before.

I am in the habit now of nurturing myself as a person before tending to my roles of mother, wife, or business owner. Something that has taken me a long time to realize I needed and something I wish I realized sooner.