Morning Routines for Moms

Spring and early Summer is a time that I focus on having a consistent morning routine.

I have found much value in starting the day on my terms. I need some time to be alone, shower, get fully dressed, have some coffee in a dark kitchen and read. It does not go well if my day begins with others needing something from me before I feel fully human.

I have so much more to give when I meet my own needs first.

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My goal here is to share some ways that I have built routines (specifically in the mornings). Tools that I use to spend time on what is most important to me. To embrace the day today with calm, planning, and what I want my life to look like.

Structure your life around what is important to you, your kids, and the lifestyle that you want to go after.

Sometimes what I have found useful in this season just does not make sense in the winter or during Christmas break. Also as my needs change, and as the kids grow, I find that I have to adjust. Changing plans and redoing routines does not mean failure. We all have to pivot and do what is best for right now.

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My Morning Routine Master List:

I have my “must get done” list and then my “would be nice if I had time to” list.

I allow each day to be a bit different and each week to have its own strengths and weaknesses.

My Basics:

• shower – I must feel clean and presentable.
• dressed and ready for the day – this includes my shoes on and hair up.
• vitamins – I always start my day with a tall glass of water and B-complex vitamin.
• water – We all wake up dehydrated.
• simple breakfast – banana, zucchini muffin, or Greek yogurt and berries… those are my go-to.
• COFFEE! – No description needed…🙂
• no tech – my morning involves: books, journals, handwriting words, and I do not check my phone
• music – I have several morning routine playlists that I choose from depending on mood

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Time to myself: (the morning routines that I enjoy depending on the day and my mood)

I cannot do each of these every day or even every week.

I just pick the one that makes sense for that day.

• read – starting my day reading something is my favorite thing!
• light a candle – it takes a few seconds but creates a whole atmosphere that is soothing and calm
• stretching – sometimes I do some yoga poses and flexibility exercises. (less than 5 min.)
• exercise – some mornings I go for a walk but I usually prefer to do this in the afternoons.
• Bible – I dive in to The Word. I read, take notes, look up Hebrew/Greek root words, read my Bible study notes, and underline. The Bible gives me wisdom, life and understanding of God’s character.
• writing – some mornings my brain is awake enough to form sentences and original thoughts. When this happens I let it pour out into a text document and then save it to edit and process later. I keep judgement and nitpicking at bay and just let the words flow.
• simple household tasks with hymns – somedays I am not ready for words and thoughts. So I sweep the porch, fold a load of towels, wipe down all the counters and tables, clean windows, or dust the bookshelves. Doing these things slowly in the quiet while my brain wakes up feels peaceful. (A different vibe than in the afternoon when I am power cleaning the house.)
• sing – I have an old hymnal that belonged to my Grandmother where I have marked all my favorites.
• sit on the front porch – I really should do this one more often. A cup of coffee on the front porch listening to the birds is a beautiful way to start my day.
• YouTube inspiration – sometimes I break my no-tech rule and watch a motivating YouTube video.
• baking – Muffins, cinnamon rolls, egg casseroles, homemade granola and biscuits are all good ways to get smiling kids to come downstairs for breakfast. I do more baking in the fall with the windows open.
• quiet conversation – sometimes I have a relaxed talk on the couch with my teen who is a morning person
• podcasts – this is an area where I can do something like exercise or eat breakfast while I listen.
• Bullet journaling & planning – Some mornings I am ready to work on planning and calendar details. I update my bullet journal, check my calendar and write out tasks.

Again… I allow each day to be a bit different. Each week will have its own strengths and weaknesses.

I cannot do each of these every day or even every single week. (I’ve tried to do that. It does not work…)

I have recently redone my morning routine so that I can fit in time for writing. This is a new addition for me and a new step-up in productivity. I struggled at first. Adding in new pieces can take some experimenting.

In typical April fashion, I have gathered a stack of books to gain wisdom from others.

Here are the titles that I found useful for me.

3 Books About Morning Routines and Habits:

• The 5 Second Rule – Transform your life, work and confidence with everyday courage by Mel Robbins
  • If you need a kick in the pants, here is the video to watch from Mel. (4 min.) She is so motivating!
• Better Than Before – Mastering the habits of our everyday lives by Gretchen Rubin
  • Here is also my favorite podcast where she discusses morning routines. [Happier with Gretchen Rubin]
  • Here are some quick tips for morning routines.
• Good Morning, Good Life – 5 simple habits to master your mornings and upgrade your life by Amy Schmittauer Landino
  • You should also see her YouTube channel on this! [check out this series]

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• What can you add to your morning routine?
• What makes sense for your personality?
• What do you wish you had time for during the day but it often gets skipped?
• If you had an hour to do whatever you wanted in the quiet of your home, what would you do?
• What smells do you enjoy? Lavender candle? Fresh coffee? Fresh breezes from open windows?
• What is your favorite muffin recipe? Can you make time to bake some tomorrow?

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Whatever your day holds, my hope for you is that you claim the mornings as a time for you to set up your day for success.

No matter what time you have to leave the house you can create a routine that makes sense for you. (Even if you are not a talkative social butterfly when you get out of bed.)

Or if you get to choose your own schedule, you can still set up a morning routine that is life-giving and peaceful.

Have a great morning!! – April

Photos from Unsplash

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