Chaotic To Calm: New Ritual For My Empty Nester Morning Routine
When I was sharing a bathroom with my son and niece, naturally, mornings were anything but peaceful. Imagine three people fighting for space in front of the mirror, shouts of “Hurry up!” echoing down the hall, and a frantic rush to get everyone out the door on time. Now, my empty nester morning routine is much more serene.
Now that I’m an empty nester, I’ve had to adjust to the quiet. It wasn’t easy at first. However, I’m slowly embracing this new chapter and learning to create a morning routine that’s all about me. I’ve added new rituals that help me start the day feeling calm and centered. Now, I feel ready to take on whatever comes my way. Here are the five things I’m doing since I have more space and time to focus on myself.
1. Creating My Bathroom Sanctuary for my Empty Nester Morning Routine
Back then, my bathroom was a battleground of hair products, colognes, and everyone trying to get ready at once. Nowadays, I’ve transformed it into a personal sanctuary—a space that’s all mine to enjoy, without interruptions, as part of my empty nester morning routine.
What I’m doing now:
- I’ve added eucalyptus to the shower for a refreshing, spa-like experience that helps me feel grounded and rejuvenated. No more rushing through my morning routine; I take my time and actually enjoy it.
- I light a candle or use essential oils in the morning. There’s something about the soft glow and calming scents that sets a peaceful tone for my day.
- My favorite skincare products are neatly organized, and I’ve got soft, plush towels that feel like a little luxury. It’s amazing how a few small changes can make such a big difference.
Why it matters: Starting my day in a calm, beautiful space helps me feel centered and ready to tackle whatever comes next. It’s a little act of self-care that reminds me I’m worth the extra time and effort as I settle into my new empty nester morning routine.
Related Post: Holistic Healing After 40: Essential Mental Wellness Practices for Women
2. Hydrate First: A New Morning Beverage Routine in My Empty Nester Life
Coffee used to be my lifeline in the morning. I’d gulp it down while managing everyone else’s needs, barely tasting it. Now, I’ve made a switch that’s made a big difference in how I feel as part of my empty nester morning routine.
What I’m doing now:
- I start my day with a large glass of water—sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or a few cucumber slices to keep things interesting. It’s my way of waking up my body and mind without the caffeine jolt.
- I’ve swapped my morning coffee for herbal tea, which I sip slowly while enjoying the quiet. It’s a much gentler start to the day and helps me feel more balanced and hydrated.
Why it matters: Hydrating first thing in the morning improves my energy levels and skin, and it’s helping me let go of that caffeine dependency. It’s a simple change that makes me feel nourished and ready to take on the day as I continue developing my empty nester morning routine.
For more self-care tips, visit Happy Black Woman.
3. A Breakfast That Nourishes: Whole Foods to Start My Empty Nester Morning Routine
In my pre-empty nest days, breakfast was often skipped or a quick grab-and-go situation. Now, I’m making time for a nourishing meal that fuels me for the day ahead.
What I’m doing now:
- My go-to breakfast is a plate of scrambled egg whites, avocado toast topped with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, and a side of protein—usually turkey bacon or chicken sausage. It’s balanced, delicious, and keeps me full until lunch.
- I sit down and actually enjoy my meal, sometimes with music playing or just savoring the silence. It’s a far cry from the rushed mornings I used to have.
Why it matters: A balanced breakfast helps me feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Plus, taking the time to enjoy my food is a small but significant act of self-care in my empty nester morning routine.
Get more healthy eating ideas from Minimalist Baker and Eating Well.
Interlink: Download My Free Grocery List Template
4. Moving My Body: Gentle Exercise to Start the Day in My Empty Nester Morning Routine
Back when the house was full, mornings were too hectic for anything more than a mad dash out the door. Now, I have the freedom to incorporate movement into my empty nester morning routine in a way that feels good.
What I’m doing now:
- I’ve started doing a short 15-minute yoga flow in the morning. I light a candle, roll out my mat, and stretch through some gentle poses. It’s not about getting a workout in—it’s about waking up my body and mind.
- On days when I need a change of pace, I do a walking meditation. Sometimes I do this outdoors, enjoying the fresh morning air and the sounds of nature. On cooler days, I take my walking meditation inside, pacing mindfully through my home. It’s about being present with each step, feeling the ground beneath my feet, and allowing my thoughts to flow without judgment.
Why it matters: Starting my day with some form of movement helps me feel more connected to myself and boosts my mood. Walking meditation, whether indoors or outdoors, adds a layer of mindfulness that sets a positive tone for the rest of my empty nester morning routine.
For more fitness inspiration, check out Fine Fit Sisters or for fitness and mental health Peace Runners 773.
Interlink: From Anxiety to Empowerment: My Journey to Wellness Through Fitness and Self-Care
5. Setting Intentions: Making My Day My Own with My Empty Nester Morning Routine
In the past, mornings were all about getting everyone else ready. Now, I have the luxury of focusing on what I want to accomplish, and I’ve been using this time to set clear intentions for myself as part of my empty nester morning routine.
What I’m doing now:
- I keep a journal by my bed and write down my top three goals for the day. They can be practical tasks like “Finish that blog post” or personal ones like “Take a break to read.”
- I also include a gratitude practice, listing one thing I’m thankful for and one thing I’m looking forward to. It’s a small ritual that keeps me focused on the positive.
Why it matters: Setting intentions gives my day direction and purpose. It’s a reminder that this time is mine to shape however I want, and it helps me stay centered and focused on what matters most in my empty nester morning routine.
Related: Learn more about creating an energizing routine from The Everygirl.
The Journey Continues
Becoming an empty nester has been a huge adjustment, but these new morning rituals have made all the difference. From transforming my bathroom into a personal sanctuary to enjoying a nourishing breakfast and setting intentions for my day, I’m learning to savor this new chapter of my life.
Feedback:
I’d love to hear your thoughts on my empty nester morning routine. What morning rituals are helping you embrace this new phase of life? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Are you also navigating a new phase of life? Let’s chat in the Facebook group and share our stories and tips for creating a morning routine that feels just right.
