Ok, so you might think I’m crazy BUT.. I get up at 5am and I love it! My morning routine has become the most important part of my day! The way we start our day, sets the tone for the rest of it, so here are some ideas for how YOU can create your own morning routine that YOU love!
There’s nothing like that jolt of having to get straight up and tend to the kids first thing in the morning! We all know that as soon as the kids get up the day is on. Full throttle and they don’t tend to wait until your coffee hit takes hold.
So, creating a morning routine is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a busy Mum. Not only does it get me ready for the day … It means I’m ready and organised for when my kids get up!
And that makes all the difference.
We used to run around like mad idiots every morning trying to get everyone ready for the day. It was madness and chaos followed by stress rush and hurry. We had NO TIME for quality connection and everyday was the same.
That’s no way to start the day … for anyone!
With this in mind, you will understand why I decided to take steps to change the way our mornings run. And it all starts with ME and how I start my day.
And I’m seriously not kidding when I tell you that I LOVE GETTING UP in the morning. AT 5 a.m.
My morning routine has become my most treasured hour of the day. And it could be yours too!
You can download this FREE Morning Routine Planner to get your day started! Believe me … you will notice the difference to the rest of your day!
Here are the things that I do in the morning to get my day started!
There’s no wrong or right way to create a morning routine… just pick the things that renew and replenish YOU before your kids get up! Set your alarm, make it a habit and you will love the mornings too!
1. Make the bed
Just this one small accomplishment can start your day off right! It takes minutes but it’s one thing you’ve already done and it will give you a sense of pride and reinforces the idea that doing the little things matters!
2. Drink a glass of water
After a long period of sleep, our body is naturally hydrated. So the first thing I put into my body is a tall glass of water. Rehydrating first thing in the morning will help wake you up, give you energy and get your body insides working. If you are a coffee drinker, it is good to have a glass or water before and after your morning coffee to keep hydrated!
3. Avoid technology
My phone use to be the first thing I picked up in the morning. And well there is nothing like a quick scroll through FB to suck away time or lead you into that cycle of comparison because little Jenny’s Mum’s life looks way more perfect than yours.
That’s no way to start your morning. Keep off technology, especially FB or emails for as long as you possibly can in the mornings. It will save you time and sanity! It’s a good habit to get used to!
4. Create calm and meditate
It’s really not woo woo. The practice of meditation is scientifically proven to change the brain and train it to be more calm. I set a timer in the morning for 15 minutes and either sit silently or listen to a guided meditation.
This has helped me to train myself to be more calm with my children during the day. I’m so much more relaxed, patient and aware of my thinking! And it creates a state of flow in me that carries throughout the day.
If you haven’t tried meditation before, get started simply by sitting for a few minutes and focusing on your breath. Or listen to a guided meditation with ear phones.
Make it a habit and you too will create a sense of calm, peace and balance that will continue throughout your day.
5. Feed your mind with positive material
We are what we think. So what are you feeding your brain with?
I like to read in the mornings to fill my brain with positive material. I read for 10 mins every morning and try to pick material that is positive or motivating in some way. Sometimes I may even listen to podcasts or follow my favourite channels on youtube. Find something or someone uplifting to read about or listen to, to inspire you to feel good!
6. Journal
I have only just started this habit but it really is amazing. There is something super therapeutic about getting all of your thoughts down on paper and out of your brain. And it can be truly surprising what comes out. It’s a great way to organise your thoughts, relieve stress and inspire yourself.
7. Exercise
Exercise boosts mood and can jump start your energy for the day. I need to move in the mornings. It clears my head and gets me powered up for the day.
I either put headphones on and run to the beat of my fav tunes or I workout with my husband to an exercise app we both love.
HINT: There’s plenty of excuses not to exercise in the morning but you are less likely to skip a workout if you get it done first thing. So, you could try getting up earlier to get your workout done before the kids get up or do as we do … workout with them!
When we do our exercise together the kids are usually up by then. We feed them and get them ready beforehand and once they are settled we do our workout in the living room while they play. Sometimes, and more often than not, they even join in with us. Our 4 year old loves burpees- crazy girl… she doesn’t get that from me!
8. Freeze yourself
I have a cold shower every morning. Don’t knock it till you try it. I know, you think I’m crazy but there are so many physical and mental benefits to having a cold shower in the morning.
This works better than coffee, as the cold water stimulates your circulation and mental alertness. It’s great for muscle recovery and stimulates immunity.
And …. it can also stimulate your metabolic rate and generate energy for burning calories. So why not?
But the main reason I freeze myself? It increases my will power! I’ve learnt to fight resistance when I feel it and whenever I don’t feel like doing something I bring myself back to that feeling that I get once I’ve stepped out of my cold shower!
9. Enjoy some quality time with your family
Getting up earlier has been a game changer for me and my family. I am so much more organised and calm and this has created more time in the mornings to spend with each other.
I look forward to the moment that my kids get out of bed now and can’t wait for their morning snuggles.
I mean, isn’t this just the best way for both of you to start the day?
Totally worth it!
There is so much power in how we start the day. Waking up before the kids do and taking care of yourself first is truly transformative. My morning routine has been so beneficial for me and my family too. I am able to be so much more, I can be calm and present with my kids and it really brings peace to the whole house!