I’m not naturally a morning person, and honestly, if I didn’t have a family to look after, my mornings would be quite different. I’d probably sleep in, shower in peace without being interrupted by breakfast requests, take my supplements, sip my coffee, go for a walk, have breakfast, and then get started with work. But life’s not that relaxed right now. All those ideal morning activities just seem to summon my kids to come and ask for something!
Despite this, having a morning routine is crucial for a productive day. People often ask me how I manage to “do it all” (which I don’t, by the way), but I find that making the most of the morning hours really helps in having a productive and less stressful day.
Ah, the elusive morning routine! It sounds so good in books and articles, but when the alarm goes off, it’s a different story. I felt like there needed to be a more realistic guide for moms like us. A lot of the advice out there suggests things like contemplating your daily tasks or spending half an hour meditating quietly, which is great—unless you have a baby needing to be fed, a toddler learning to use the potty, an early appointment, or a mess waiting for you before you even get up.
I’m far from perfect at sticking to a morning routine, but when I do, my day is much better. Our days can vary a lot because of activities and the unpredictable nature of kids, yet I’ve learned that a 30-minute morning routine is possible if I’m prepared.
I have to wake up at least 30-45 minutes before the kids to get it done, which isn’t easy for me. I’m not naturally inclined to wake up any earlier than when someone asks for breakfast. However, I’m definitely a happier mom when I have that time to myself to focus before the morning craziness, so it’s worth getting up early.
I’ve talked about the benefits of drinking lemon water in the morning—it gives an energy boost, helps digestion, keeps skin clear, and flushes out waste. This drink usually perks me up and keeps me from wanting to crawl back into bed.
I ground myself for the day by praying, writing in my journal, and meditating. Spending just five minutes on a gratitude journal is effective. When possible, I do this outdoors in natural light, or near a sun lamp, which helps balance cortisol levels.
A little movement gets the blood flowing. It might be as simple as stretching or walking the dog, or it could be more intense like sprints or kettlebell exercises. Starting the day with some activity is energizing and helps me stay active.
If I don’t shower before my kids wake up, it’s typically a dry shampoo day. If there’s time, I dry brush for an energy boost and softer skin before showering. I’ve read books suggesting you focus on one task a day, but I’ve found that listing my top three tasks works better for me. Writing them down helps me get them done, even if they’re just things like finishing laundry or writing a blog post.
Once the kids are awake, I prepare breakfast. I aim for something protein-rich with at least a veggie. I also find it easier to tackle everything on my plate rather than just one or two things. Once you start, momentum builds, and it’s easier to keep going.
To make it work for me, planning is key. I use checklists and a daily schedule to ensure I focus on what’s important and assign chores to the kids. I store everything in my phone’s notes app for easy access. It’s much more convenient and portable than printed lists.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
– Around 7 a.m., I wake up and start with lemon water. If time allows, I oil pull, dry brush, and shower. During the shower, I use oil cleansing for my face and homemade soap and shampoo. Afterward, I brush my teeth with remineralizing toothpaste.
– By 7:45, I try to get some time outside or with a sunlight lamp while I pray and journal, which is so calming.
– 8 a.m. marks family breakfast time. We eat a protein-rich meal and take our supplements.
– From 8:30 to 11:00, we do some exercise, homeschool, and manage chores.
– Lunch is usually a salad with protein around noon. The afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 includes work, cleaning, and playtime with the kids, and might involve making household supplies or other kitchen tasks.
– We have an early family dinner at 5:30, followed by evening chores and bedtime routines.
– By 8:00 p.m., the kids are in bed, and my husband and I get some downtime. I might fit in some extra self-care like a bath or more red light therapy.
This schedule mainly covers the healthy part of our routine and doesn’t account for extra chores or appointments, but it adds structure to our day. Adjusting as needed has been key, and flexibility is vital, whether it’s homeschooling or managing work. Experiment and see what fits best for your lifestyle.
If you’re trying to set up your own routine, the book “A Mother’s Rule of Life” has been super helpful for me. It’s packed with useful advice on finding a balance and establishing a routine that works for mothers everywhere.
