When you think of the word ‘luxury’, you wouldn’t be alone if your mind conjures up images of lavish yachts on the French Riviera and designer handbags with eye-watering price tags.
But luxury doesn’t have to mean all expenses paid and once in a blue moon experiences, it can simply mean taking time for self-care, sprinkled with small treats that make the mundane seem magical.
Now that life is getting busier, it can be easy to overlook the small things that have such an impact on our daily lives. So while we transition to new patterns, let this list of luxuries become part of your morning routine, because we all deserve some luxury, right?
Wake up gently with a sunlight alarm clock
Summer or not, getting up and out of a comfy bed isn’t always easy, and we’re willing to bet that the sound of your iPhone alarm jolting you from your slumber is anything but luxurious.
To enjoy a more blissful, soothing start, treat yourself to a sunlight alarm clock. They work to simulate the natural light from sunrise, working with your circadian rhythm to gently transition you from night to day. By giving off gradual light, they trick the brain into a more balanced rhythm, which can be especially helpful if you have young children or work unconventional shifts.
Our body’s are conditioned to sleep in cycle with the sunlight, and we need around 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to feel refreshed, so steering clear of stressful noises and unnatural patterns where possible will get you bouncing out of bed full of joy each day.
We’ve got a feeling you’ll be saying goodbye to the snooze button for good with one of these. Dreamy!
Simulate hotel luxury with a room mist
We’ve long been advocates for the power of scent. Through the science of aromachology, choosing the right fragrance can instantly uplift your mood and leave your space feeling as luxurious as even the most expensive hotels.
To enjoy that ‘morning-away’ experience without leaving your home, fill your room with delicious, environment-friendly essential oils as soon as you wake, to give your mind a morning boost. Perfect for summer, try Energy, our scent in focus this month. It’s bursting with lime for emotional balance, black pepper for stress relief and orange to increase your physical energy. Reap the benefits of this luxurious smell first thing by spritzing your space with our Energy Room Mist, and take a quick moment to close your eyes, breathe deep, and ground yourself.
Love this smell as much as us? In this month’s Halcyon Naturals subscription box, we’ve added our Energy Candle alongside a rechargeable lighter, so you can feel energised all summer long! Use the code 1STBOX for 10% off your first order.
Bring the spa to your bathroom with a facial roller
It wouldn’t be a luxury list without skincare, would it? Lotions and potions aside, a great way to add some pamper to your morning preen is by spending a few minutes stimulating your skin with a facial roller.
Typically made from jade or rose quartz, these beautiful tools work to improve blood flow to your face, decrease puffiness and soothe your skin, and can provide many benefits in less than the time it takes to boil the kettle. Once you’ve hopped out of the shower, (make it extra boujee with the tips in this post!) get ready to roll.
- Cleanse the face and apply skincare (a serum or oil is best)
- Apply gentle, but firm pressure
- Starting from the neck, working upwards, roll the roller against your skin in upward strokes
- Massage around your jawline, cheekbones, eyebrows, forehead and bridge of the nose
Enjoy an energising yoga flow
Movement is a vital part of human life, but exercising can sometimes feel anything but luxury (sweat patches, anyone?).
To get your morning off to a great start, take some time to move your muscles in a way that feels extra special. Create a designated space, bring in your house plants – the more the better – spritz your room mist (yes, again!) and opt for an energising yoga flow that’ll have you feeling like you’re on an expensive retreat.
Alo Yoga have an extensive free archive of videos to follow online, like this 30 Minute Vinyasa Flow with Briohny Smyth to get the blood flowing. But if 30 minutes feels like a stretch, opt for this quick, 15 minute flow instead.
Enjoy a simple but luxury breakfast
Now that you’re up and feeling fresh, it’s time for the best part of the morning: breakfast!
Whether you’re a grab-and-go type or are able to make time to sit at the table, ditch the boring cereal and treat yourself to a meal worthy of royalty! Who says decadence is just for holiday?
We know you don’t always have the time to whip up a lavish spread, but a little evening prep can go a long way to make your morning a bit more luxe.
Try this Luxury Overnight Oat recipe from My Berry Forest, oozing with whipped oat cream, peanut butter and berries. It takes less than a minute to put together, is full of nutrients, and gets more delicious when left in the fridge overnight.
Fancy something savoury? Give this quick bruschetta with tomatoes, avocado and fresh parsley a try from Nigella Lawson, and top with edible flowers. Extra? Probably. Justified? Absolutely!
Ready for luxury? Let us know which of these simple steps you’ll be adding to your routine, by tagging us in your snaps @HalcyonNaturalsUK.
Sources
Be Right Light: The Science of Wake-Up Lights, Sunrise Alarms, and Their Benefits
Halcyon Naturals: The secret to upgrading your energy no matter which room you’re in (pssst it’s aromachology)
Healthline: The Benefits of a Face Roller
Medical News Today: Face roller benefits and how to use them