Do you ever feel like your mornings are a whirlwind of chaos? I used to. I’d be frazzled and a total mess before 9:00 a.m. I thought self-care was only for people with tons of money and time – something I definitely didn’t have! But a few years ago, I started reminiscing about my study abroad days in Spain. I remembered how much I enjoyed life back then. So, I decided to bring some of those enchanting elements into my daily routine.
Now, I’m excited to share the morning routine changes I’ve made that help me feel grounded and good, without breaking the bank. It doesn’t require a spa budget to have a calm morning.
My “Hot Mess” Mom Days: A Relatable Struggle
Let’s be real for a second. When I was a young mom, I was a “hot mess.” Some days, I never even changed out of my pajamas! I was constantly chasing after a toddler, microwaving my coffee over and over again. I rushed through everything, convinced that self-care was a luxury for people with nannies and trust funds. Bubble baths and expensive facials seemed frivolous and completely out of reach. Honestly, I felt frumpy, tired, and so far from the woman I wanted to be. Can you relate?
The Spanish Spark: Remembering Simplicity and Elegance
Then, I started to long for my time in Spain. I remembered the magical moments and the simple lifestyle I enjoyed there. I noticed how elegant the women and girls looked. The key was, I knew they weren’t spending hours or fortunes to achieve that look because they were my friends. It was the little things: slowly sipping a coffee, tying a scarf just so, or carrying a cute bag.
Self-Care: Not Indulgence, But a Quiet Rebellion
That’s when I realized I had it all wrong. Self-care isn’t about indulgence. It’s a quiet rebellion against the chaos, a way of honoring your own worth. Once I understood that, my entire mentality shifted.
My Grounding Morning Routine: Inspired by Spain
Over the past few years, I’ve made some simple tweaks to my morning routine. Now, I have a routine that I genuinely enjoy. It grounds me and sets me up for a good day. Here’s what it looks like:
- A quick, 5-minute hair care routine.
- Slipping into fun slippers I bought in Spain.
- A 5-minute outfit, thanks to my 10-item wardrobe.
- A quick, 5-minute makeup routine.
- Savoring a mocha pot espresso with lemon water.
Deconstructing the Routine: The Señora Encantadora Method
I call my routine the “Señora Encantadora Method,” named after my first host mom in Spain. She was such an enchanting lady! This method helps me create a quick morning self-care routine that grounds me and sets me up for the day.
Step 1: Face and Hair Refresh (5 Minutes)
First thing, I take care of my face and hair. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and if I’m not washing my hair that day, I use some gel to scrunch it and revive my curls. It’s a quick and easy way to feel more put-together.
Step 2: Savoring Espresso (5 Minutes)
Next, I make a delicious espresso in my mocha pot. This is one of my favorite parts of the morning. I sit down and savor a sip or two, even if I have to get up and run off right after. That moment of peace is so worth it. I like to sit down with a glass of lemon water and my cup of espresso and pretend I’m at a sidewalk cafe in Spain.
Step 3: Quick Glow-Up (3-5 Minutes)
Then, I do a quick “glow-up.” I dab on some concealer, a little mascara, face balm, and lip balm. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes me feel so much more awake and like myself.
Beauty honors your dignity. It’s like a fine painting, and it just makes me feel more like myself.
Step 4: Gratitude List (3-5 Minutes)
I try to take a few minutes to write down some things I’m grateful for. I aim for 10 items. I type them out on the notes app on my laptop. I don’t have a written journal because I tend to lose them! Typing it out on my laptop works best for me.
Doing this opens my heart to all the beauty and enchantment in our everyday life.
Step 5: The 5-Minute Outfit
Finally, it’s time to pick an outfit. Thanks to my 10-item wardrobe, I can pull an outfit together in just 5 minutes. I know that all the pieces work well together, and I genuinely love everything in my wardrobe.
If you want to learn more about building a wardrobe of pieces you love, check out my Fall 10-Item Wardrobe Checklist.
Bonus: Making Something Beautiful (If Time Allows)
If I have a bit of extra time in the morning, I try to do something beautiful, like watering my plants or arranging flowers. My husband has been buying me beautiful flowers from the grocery store, so I’ve been having flowers all over the place. I love to change them out and pull out the dead ones. It’s amazing how this feeds my spirit.
Embrace the Tranquility: A Call to Action
So, there you have it! My simple, Spanish-inspired morning routine. It includes a 5-minute outfit, a 5-minute drink, 5-minute hair, and 5-minute makeup. Maybe it all adds up to a little bit more than 15 minutes, but it truly sets me up for a wonderful day.
I encourage you to give this routine a try and see how it transforms your mornings. What small changes could bring more calm mornings to your day? Maybe you already have a wonderful morning routine that you could share with us! Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas!