Transform Your Hectic Mornings into Joyful & Balanced Days as a Busy Mom!

Mornings can often feel overwhelming. The alarm rings too early, and endless tasks await you. This rush to start your day can leave you feeling anxious and unprepared. But what if you could turn those frenzied mornings into positive, balanced experiences? This article aims to provide practical strategies that will help you create a morning routine to set a joyful tone for the rest of your day. And it's coming from a mom who actually implements what I teach, so if you want to start the process for yourself, keep reading!

The Importance of a Morning Routine

A solid morning routine can significantly improve your well-being. It goes beyond merely getting out of bed on time; it creates a space for mindfulness, productivity, and self-care. Research shows that people with morning routines report nearly 60% higher feelings of control over their day. Starting your day with intention positively influences your physical and mental health, setting you up for success. As a mom, I understand how much needs to get done in the morning for others, but if you can carve out a few minutes for you first, it can create an amazing downstream effect on your day!

Start the Night Before

Preparation is crucial for a successful morning. Spend just 10-15 minutes each evening to plan for the next day. Lay out your clothes, prepare your breakfast ingredients, or jot down your to-do list. These small actions can eliminate decision fatigue, making your morning smoother. For instance, cooking egg 'muffins' once a week can save you 15-20 minutes in the morning and provide a healthy breakfast option that could be eaten alone or added to for boosted nutrition. Or packing your lunch the night before can save so much time in the morning. There are many ways to set yourself up for success that can suit your current needs and it's totally fine if it isn't the same as me but here is my average evening routine: 4-4:30pm- Pick up Waylon from daycare, listen to podcast while driving.  

4:30-5:15pm- prep/cook dinner while listening to a podcast. Wash dishes as I plate the food. Waylon is playing in the kitchen with me or on his helper stool.

5:15-5:45pm- eat with Ben and Waylon, take my evening supplements, catch up about the day. Finish dishes and leftovers in containers for lunch the next day.

5:45-6:45pm- Waylon bath time and family hangout time (play, read, run)

6:45-7pm- Waylon has a bottle and goes to sleep with Ben, I read a book or watch a quick show.

7-8:15pm- yoga or stretch on some nights. Read or puzzles/games with herbal tea on the other nights.

8:15-9pm- bedtime routine (let dog out, head upstairs, brush teeth, pee, hot shower, get pjs on, chat with Ben before falling asleep). Think about your current evenings and how you could set yourself up for a better sleep and next day. You have control over your routines, make it count!  

Wake Up Earlier

Resisting the temptation to hit the snooze button can benefit you significantly. Waking up just 15-30 minutes earlier provides you with vital time to focus on yourself. Use this precious time for activities that nurture your mind and body, such as meditation, journaling, or gentle stretching.

Studies show that individuals who wake up earlier tend to be more proactive and focused throughout their day. Imagine starting your day in a calm state, allowing time for reflection and growth, making you feel more prepared for whatever lies ahead. My little one normally wakes up at 6:30am so I make sure I am up by 6am at the latest, so I have time for my morning routine: deep breathing, light stretch, get dressed, wash my face, brush teeth, go out with the dog out, prepare for the day (lists, food packed etc.), listen to a podcast, eat breakfast with Waylon when he wakes up, play for a bit, drop him off at daycare before 7:30am. Return home and start work with purpose and excitement.

Coach Kerri balancing work-life-family.

Incorporate Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for grounding yourself amid life's chaos. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your morning routine. Simple actions, like taking a few deep breaths or practicing gratitude, can make a huge difference. For example, taking five minutes to reflect on three things you are grateful for has been shown to boost overall positivity by up to 25%.

By focusing on the present moment, you can decrease anxiety and foster a positive mindset, which will help you approach your day with enthusiasm.

Nourish Your Body

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and this holds true. A well-balanced breakfast can give you the energy and focus needed for morning tasks. Aim for a meal that includes protein, healthy fats, and vegetables or fruit. For example, a smoothie with protein powder, spinach, a banana, and Greek yogurt, or eggs scrambled with veggies and avocado can enhance your morning energy levels by providing essential nutrients.

Research indicates that having a nutritious breakfast can improve attention and concentration by as much as 20% throughout the morning. Plus if you get at least 30g of protein first thing in the morning, you can support your hormones cycling and feel full until lunch time. No more mid morning crash!

Limit Distractions

In today’s digital world, distractions come from every angle. To cultivate a balanced morning, it's essential to minimize these distractions. Set boundaries around technology use in the early hours. Instead of scrolling through social media or checking emails, dedicate your mornings to activities that uplift your well-being.

Consider reading a few pages of a book or going for a short walk outside. Engaging in these activities can reduce morning stress and improve your mood. Try using an actual alarm clock and leaving your phone downstairs so it's not the first thing you grab in the morning. If you need to use your phone, make sure you have the blue light filter automatically set up to turn on at 8:30pm until 7:30am to support your hormones!

Create a Positive Environment

The environment you wake up to significantly influences your mood and productivity. Take a moment to assess your morning space. Is it messy or organized? A tidy space can make a huge difference in how you feel. Declutter your surroundings, add plants, or incorporate calming colours to create a more inviting atmosphere.

A clean and serene space can elevate your joy levels, making you feel more ready to tackle the day ahead.

Set Intentions for the Day

Before jumping into your tasks, dedicate a moment to set intentions for your day. Ask yourself what you want to achieve and how you want to feel. This small practice can provide you with a focused roadmap. Studies indicate that people who set clear intentions are 30% more likely to accomplish their goals.

Take a few minutes to write down or mentally affirm your intentions; this act will help you stay aligned even when challenges arise. Make sure you aim for an appropriate amount on your to-do list as well, I aim for 3 main big tasks a day and I have a separate list for extras I could complete, but if I don't get to them I won't stress about it. Being realistic with your time, ability and stress levels is super important.

Embrace Flexibility

While having a routine is crucial, being flexible is equally important. Life is unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned. Allow yourself the grace to adapt as needed. For example, if you find your usual mindfulness practice isn’t working one morning, try a different approach, like taking a short walk or listening to calming music. The goal is to create a routine that feels good rather than one that adds stress. On days my little guy wakes up early, I adjust my routine to fit with him as much as possible. This allows my to get gentle stretches and deep breathing in while modelling good behaviour to him.

Finding Joy in Your Mornings

Transforming your hectic mornings into joyful and balanced days is within your reach with intention and preparation. By establishing a morning routine that prioritizes self-care, mindfulness, and nourishment, you set a positive tone for your day.

Focus on what works best for you. Start with small changes, be patient with yourself, and enjoy your journey toward a more balanced life. With these strategies, you will embrace each day with newfound enthusiasm and joy.

If you would like support with anything mentioned in this article you can book a free call with me or email kbhealthcoach1@gmail.com with questions.