If your mornings are chaotic, stressful, and/or rushed, then I say this with love, “you need a morning routine ASAP”. Don’t make this too complicated or overwhelming. A morning routine is more than just a series of tasks on a to-do list, it’s a way to simplify your life and start your day with clarity and purpose. For busy moms, having a solid morning routine is essential. It can make you feel organized, productive, and less stressed, all while helping you tackle the unpredictable challenges and chaos of motherhood.
Don’t get hung up on the term “morning.” Your morning routine can start whenever your day begins, whether that’s 4 AM or 11 AM. For me, my mornings start at 4 AM (when I’m being consistent), and that’s when I focus on activities that require the most energy and mental clarity.
Let’s dive into how you can create a morning routine that works for you, explore common challenges, and find alternatives for moms whose routines don’t fit the usual mold.
Why a Morning Routine is Important
A morning routine isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about setting the tone for your day. Here are three key benefits of creating a routine:
Mental Clarity
Starting your day with purpose gives you a clear mind and helps you focus. Too often, we take clarity for granted, but it can make a huge difference in how we approach our day.
Time Management
For busy moms with endless to-do lists, having a structured routine helps you manage your time effectively. It ensures you get a head start on your tasks before the chaos begins.
Self-Care
A morning routine allows you to carve out moments of peace in your busy schedule. Even a few minutes of quiet time can recharge you for the day ahead.
Common Challenges Moms Face in the Morning
Mornings don’t always go as planned. You might wake up late, your kids might refuse to get out of bed, or an unexpected mess might derail your schedule. If you work non-traditional hours or juggle multiple jobs, sticking to a routine can feel even more challenging.
But here’s the harsh reality: No one is coming to save us from these challenges. We have to create routines that give us peace of mind and help us navigate the chaos. Stress affects every aspect of our lives, so prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health is just as important as taking care of your family. Give no excuses when it comes to prioritizing you, even if it means minutes at a time!
Key Elements of an Effective Morning Routine
Preparation the Night Before
Preparation is the foundation of a smooth morning. Here’s how I prep:
- Pack work bags, lunch items, and kids’ bags the night before.
- Lay out clothes for yourself and your children.
- Ensure everything is in one place, so there’s no scrambling and looking for things in the morning.
Waking Up Before the Kids
I know some of you are giving me a hard eye roll, but hear me out. If possible, wake up before your kids to enjoy some quiet time to yourself. I know this can feel impossible when you’re already sleep-deprived, but even 10-15 minutes of alone time can make a world of difference. Use this time for yourself: to journal, stretch, or simply breathe.
Anchor Tasks
Start your morning with a simple structure that grounds you and helps you ease into the day. Here are some examples:
- Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
- Stretch or do light movement to wake up your body.
- Spend a few minutes journaling or reviewing your priorities for the day.
Flexibility
Life happens, and some mornings won’t go as planned. Identify your non-negotiables. These are the things you must do or want to do, even if everything else falls apart.
For example:
- Stretching can be done while the kids are awake.
- Drinking water is a quick, essential habit, and can be done while the kids are awake.
- Journaling may require quiet, so save it for when you’re alone.
Alternative Morning Routines for Different Lifestyles
Not everyone’s mornings look the same. If you’re a mom who works non-traditional hours or prefers to handle certain tasks in the morning (like cooking or prepping), create a routine that fits your lifestyle.
For example:
- Night Owls: Your “morning routine” might happen at 11 AM. Use this time to plan your day, prep meals, or complete personal tasks.
- Shift Workers: Focus on key habits, like drinking water or journaling, laying out clothes, organizing bags, things that can fit into any schedule.
My Personal Morning Routine
Here’s a glimpse into my 4 AM morning routine:
- Wake up: Check the baby monitor, drink water, and stretch in bed.
- Hygiene: Brush my teeth, wash my face, and put on workout clothes.
- Workout: Do a 15-30 minute YouTube workout (for the free free), right in my living room.
- Get ready: Shower, dress, and prep my hair. I’m not a makeup girly, but sometimes I’ll try a little razzle dazzle if I have the time.
- Pack the car: Grab prepped bags, lunch, water, and coffee.
- Wake up my youngest: Get him dressed and ready to go.
- Out the door: Drop my youngest off and head to work.
Tips for Designing a Routine That Works for You
- Start Small: Add one habit at a time and see what works. My suggestion is that you start with some type of prep that allows for a grab and go. Such as: breakfast, lunch, layout clothes, fill bags, etc.
- Be Realistic: Tailor your routine to your lifestyle. You can try other routines that you have seen others do but always keep in mind what your preferences are in the morning and what steps you actually take in the morning.
- Use Tools: Planners, habit trackers, apps on your phone, and more. Use what ever you are comfortable with to help you stay on track. Download my free planner HERE to organize your routine and track your habits. Stay tuned for a free downloadable Anchor Chart to use as a visual guide that simplifies routines.
By creating a morning routine that works for your unique needs, you’ll start your day feeling calm, organized, and ready to handle whatever comes your way.
Ready to transform your mornings? Download my free planner HERE to build a routine that fits your life or leave a comment below to share your favorite morning tips! Stay tuned for more productivity tools to help make our days simpler.