Create a Magic Morning Routine
A busy mom’s guide to keeping your sh*t together
Life these days can feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities, a swirling mental load of running checklists that never seem to end, and seemingly impossible expectations to meet, leaving what seems like approximately five minutes for self-care. (And no pooping alone with a locked door does not count as self-care).
I saw Hal Elrod speak at a conference in 2021 and was very inspired by his Miracle Morning. Please check him out if you want to understand on a deeper level why your time before 8am is so essential to kicking some serious butt.
We’re gonna keep it real simple here, and let you in on a secret that has never failed to right this sinking ship of overwhelm.
If you create a morning routine, it will have a profound ripple effect on your entire day leaving you with clarity, energy, and possibly save your sanity.
Try this morning checklist to get the engines running. Notice what feels good, and do more of that!
Wake Up Early and Drink Water: The early bird gets the worm! This quiet time before the rest of the family is awake can help you center yourself before the hustle and bustle begins. Use the time to create your intention for the day and get a head start on visualizing the day going smoothly. And yes, drinking water before chugging coffee is a great idea! This simple habit aids digestion, boosts your immune system, and helps flush out toxins.
Move Your Body: Incorporate some form of physical activity into your morning routine, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. It could be a quick home workout, a brisk walk, or a yoga session. Exercise releases endorphins, improving your mood and providing an energy boost for the day ahead. As my coach Jaimie Bailey from Grindhouse Cycle says, “A wheel in motion stays in motion”!
Mindfulness or Meditation: Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, meditation or prayer. Deep breathing exercises or a short meditation session can help reduce stress, increase focus, and bring a sense of calm to your day. Lifecoach Kristen Kurtz says, “Prayer is talking to God, and meditation is listening to God.”
Write a small to do list and “Eat the Frog” : This concept was popularized by author and speaker Brian Tracy. The idea is that if you start your day by completing the most difficult or important task (symbolized by the "frog"), everything else you do during the day will likely feel easier in comparison. By overcoming a major task early on, you can reduce the tendency to procrastinate and boost your overall productivity and sense of accomplishment.
Connect with Loved Ones: Wait an hour to plug into technology and find a moment to connect with your partner or children before the day gets busy. Having breakfast together, walking your little to school, or grabbing a shot of espresso with a friend can help you feel grounded and connected leading to an overall sense of wellness. If you can’t find the time in the morning, try 15 minutes of “no phone time” before dinner or a family walk after dinner.
Please remember to stay flexible! Life can can be unpredictable and down right messy. Be kind to yourself and remain flexible with your routine. Some days, you might need to adjust or skip certain steps, and that's perfectly okay.
Incorporating these habits into your morning routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. As a busy mom, taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential. Mom guilt, be gone! By dedicating a little time to your own health and happiness each morning, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges and joys of motherhood with grace and energy.
Drop us comments below on your tips for a better morning routine!