Productive Morning routine for busy stay at home moms

Having a morning routine is amazing. You get the time in the mornings to work on your self development goals, without the distractions of daily life. But having a morning routine as a mom, is life changing. In fact, it should be a part of survival guide for new moms.

Making a morning routine is not easy though. You need to wake up early and stick to habits and be consistent with your routine. But making a morning routine as a mom is a different ball game altogether. I know how busy and hectic mom life is. Especially if you do not have any help or if the little ones don’t go to day care yet.

How you start your mornings as a mom defines how your day progresses. You can either be organised, calm, composed (for the most part of the day) or you could start the day feeling demotivated, not able to focus on anything, disoriented and just “not enough”.

And just because life on the daily is so hectic and so unpredictable for moms, it is even more important to have the time in the morning for yourself before someone is demanding breakfast and doesn’t like any of the things you’re serving (happens to the best of us).

Also, who wants to roll out of their bed when a toddler is pulling at them and then directly get thrown into the day. Without any time for themselves or without any time to get themselves organised. You know?

So, in this post I am sharing everything you need to have a perfect morning routine if you’re a new mom or if you’re a mom who’s looking for more balance and structure in their life.

The perfect Mom MorningRoutine:

A morning routine that gives you more time for yourself. A routine that helps you start your day right and work on your self development goals as well. A morning routine that helps you prepare for the busy day ahead. Ah! I wish I could give you a routine that would apply to your life. How amazing would that be, right?

But, the things is, there is no single routine that will fit everyone. I wish there was, but there is none. Just because we’re different people and have different priorities.

Also your morning routine as a mom will keep changing depending on how old your kids are and what their day looks like. But through this post, I am giving you some ideas on how to make the perfect routine for yourself as a mom. A routine that works for you and gives you time to get your ducks in a row.

How to make a morning routine:

Simple steps that will help you make a morning routine and bring back sanity to your life. Before we start building your morning routine, I’d like you to answer some questions. because as moms, we are already short on time, so it’s good to be intentional about where we spend it.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of habits do you want to develop?
• What are your goals and what kind of a lifestyle do you want?
• How much time do you need in the mornings to be prepared?

#1: Wake up earlier:

I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but listen up MAMA! You need to start waking up early, a few hours earlier than your kids at least. Having these peaceful hours in the morning will give you time and energy to start your morning right and be prepared for when the cyclone hits ( I mean we loves our kids but somedays it feels like that doesn’t it?)

So ask yourself:

• How much time do you need in the mornings to be prepared ( Prepare breakfast, workout, have some time for yourself, etc)
• What time do the kids generally wake up?
• How much sleep do you need and are you getting enough?

Now, I know you’re probably sleep deprived, as all new parents. And waking up even 10 minutes earlier than you have to, sounds like a punishment. But it will be rewarding. And might I suggest, cutting down on nightly Netflix binge after you put the kids to bed? ( I know because I had to cut down on TV time as well). Ah life used to be so easy before kids, right? lol.

How to wake up earlier as a sleep deprived mom?

I know some of you want to wake up earlier, but it’s just so much tougher when you’re always sleep deprived as a new parent. The key to waking up earlier is simply going to bed earlier than usual. So if you want more time to yourself in the mornings, consider going to bed earlier the previous night.

But don’t start waking up at 5 AM all of a sudden. You need to make these lifestyle changes gradually and while giving yourself grace and love. After all, we looking to make long term lifestyle changes, right?

Start by waking up 30 minutes earlier than your usual wake up time and keep shifting it every week or so. And when you do that, remember to keep shifting your bed time too. You need proper sleep to function. I usually go to bed at 9-10 PM and wake up around 5-6 AM. Here is a guide on becoming a Morning person in case you’re interested.

#2: Prepare the night before:

There are some things that you do, the night prior, to have a good organised morning as a mom. These things will help you feel more in control in the mornings. Some of these simple habits are:

• Tidying the living space: I always do a quick tidy of the living area, before retiring to bedroom for the night. It allows me to wake up to an organised home and that’s something I appreciate a lot. Not having toys everywhere and not having to clean in the morning is such a reward. Always think about “future you“. So, even if you don’t feel like cleaning at night, take 10 minutes and do it for your future self who’ll be so happy in the morning.
• Wipe kitchen counters & empty dishwasher: Empty the dishwasher and wipe the counters. Again one of those things that will make you feel good in the mornings.
• Set out clothes: Setting out clothes for the next day is such a good habit to have. I have always done it, since I was a kid. My parents used to ask us to set out our school uniforms for the next day, so we’re not rushed in the mornings. And that habit has stuck with me ever since. Even as a stay at home mom, I always set out clothes for the next day. It saves me the decision fatigue in the mornings.

#3: Prep on the weekends:

To have a solid morning routine as a mom, you need to prep on the weekends as well. For us, it’s usually food prep, so that we can easily cook our meals in the mornings even if we’re short on time.

You can also prep some make ahead breakfasts and either freeze them or refrigerate. There are some breakfast snacks that can be easily made in batches and saved for use later, when your kids are asking for breakfast and it’s not ready yet. Some of our favs are:

• Banana Muffins
• Toaster waffles
• Breakfast bars
• Granola
• Chopped fruit

#4: Set bed times and wake up times:

The key to getting enough sleep and getting quality sleep is going to bed at the same time everyday and waking up at the same time in the mornings. It allows your body to adjust to the wake up times and you don’t feel like your’e crashing int he mornings.

Having a fixed bedtime ( like your kids have) will also help you make sure that you get enough sleep. There is always something to be done, there is always something to tidy, organise, especially in a house with kids. But there is always a next day as well. Be strict about your bedtime and you will see the benefits later.

DO NOT HIT SNOOZE:

One of the most toxic morning habits is hitting snooze. It is a sure shot way of waking up disoriented and lazy. When you snooze and sleep again and go into another sleep cycle and then wake up 10 minutes later, you’ve not had the time to complete that sleep cycle and wake up in the middle of it. And that simply means you’ll feel crappy.

So, save yourself the agony and wake up when the alarm goes off.

#5: No phone before the kids wake up:

I have this golden rule, that helps me with time management as well. I never use my phone in the mornings. It’s so easy to pick up your phone in the morning (especially because it doubles as an alarm) and then spend hours scrolling through social media.

But you’d be surprised to see how much you can get done when you are not distracted by your phone first thing in the morning. So keep it away in a drawer, until you are done with your morning routine.

I usually get through my Most Important task for the day and only then check my phone. It helps me keep my focus where it is required and I am not constantly thinking about something I saw on social media.

If you can not seem to put it down, use a proper alarm clock in the mornings and keep your phone in another room the previous night.

#6: Set rules for Mornings:

This is for you as well as your kids. Setting some rules can help you be more organised and avoid chaos of busy mornings. The rules can be pretty simple like asking your kids to get ready for school (if they can do that without your help) before coming down for breakfast.

It is one simple rule we had when I was little and it gave the parents the time to get everything in order and pack lunches before breakfast time.

Make rules that work for your house, depending on how old and how independent your kids are.

Another rule could be that if they’re hungry in the morning before breakfast is ready, they eat a fruit. Such a simple one and it will save you so much energy. Or you could keep make ahead breakfast options that you prepped on the weekend.

#7: Make your bed:

One of those things that roll their eyes over but I wouldn’t recommend it if it didn’t make a difference.

Making your bed in the morning gives you a sense of accomplishment and that sets a tone for the rest of the day. You carry that win through the day and how you approach other things changes with it.

And who doesn’t want to come back to a properly made bed after a long tiring day?

Just give it a try. Thank me later!

#8: Give some time to yourself:

Waking up early as a busy mom is the perfect opportunity to give yourself some time too. Brushing your teeth, taking a shower, washing your face gently and putting on moisturiser or makeup.

Seems like such basic things, but I know moms will understand. Some days are so busy that even getting the time to take a shower feels like luxury. So if you have the time in the morning, do it. And spend extra 5 minutes while do so.

#9: Get dressed:

Getting dressed before everyone is up will change how you approach your mornings. Even as a working mom, it means you’re ready to go before you have to help the kids in getting ready. It will keep you stress free knowing that all your things are in place.

Even if you don’t do to office and wfh, changing out of your night wear indicates your brain that it’s time to switch gears and get the day started. If you want to workout in the mornings, set out workout clothes the night before.

Good habits for your Morning routine:

What habits you want to include in your morning routine depends on what your goals and priorities are and how much time you have in the mornings. And there is no right or wrong morning routine. You need to make one that suit you and that fits your lifestyle.

And while you maybe tempted to make an elaborate morning routine, I’d suggest keep it simple and not too long. You want this to be sustainable in the long run and are not looking to do it just for a week, right?

Think hard about how much time you can spare in the mornings and which habits are most important to you and then include them in your morning routine.

However here are some ideas for your morning routine that will make your day so much better:

#1: Workout:

I highly recommend taking out time in the mornings to workout. Even if it is just 15-20 minutes. As moms, we are usually so busy taking care of everyone else and having this time for yourself in the morning and putting yourself first, will do wonders.

Working out in the evenings or later in the day is not always possible because days can be so packed and take out the time to workout. You can choose any form of movement, the idea is to move and stretch your body in the morning.

#2: Planning your day:

As a wfhm I like to plan my days ahead so I know exactly what is going on in the day. It gives me the opportunity to plan my priorities so that I can get those things done even if I am pressed for time.

As a mom, your schedule also revolves around the kids.S o if they have a playdate in the evening, then you have to keep your evenings free and so on. So plan ahead. I like writing a short and sweet to-do list in the morning that helps me align my focus and get to work.

#3: Gratitude Journal:

Practising gratitude is one habit that can totally change your perspective on things. When you start your day being grateful for things you already have, you carry on that abundance mindset through the day and it reflects in your actions.

Keeping a gratitude journal also makes you a happier person. And the best thing is, it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes to write down 2-3 things you’re grateful for.

#4: Read something:

Reading is such a powerful habit for self improvement and if you do not get the time to read as a busy mom, use the time in the mornings.

I find that reading motivational books or self help books in the mornings lifts my mood and inspires me to be productive and get things done.

Make it a rule to read for 10 minutes every morning or read at least 5 pages every morning. And it will soon become a habit even if you’re not much of a reader.

#5: Breakfast:

While you’re feeding everyone, don’t forget to have a nutritious breakfast as well. Your body needs proper fuel to function properly and it is time you start treating it as a priority.

#6: Tidy the house:

A quick 10-15 minute declutter and tidy in the morning goes a long way. I usually do a quick tidy every night and get to the areas that I couldn’t get done at night, in the mornings.

And when you do that everyday, it stops feeling like a chore and honestly, doesn’t even take that long.

#7: Get fresh air:

Spending some time outside in nature in the mornings is important for everyone. So go for a 10 minute walk outside or workout outside if possible.

If I can’t go out for a walk in the morning because the little baby is still sleeping, I often have my morning glass of water out in the balcony. Ours is an east facing balcony so you get the morning sun and the plant babies make it a perfect spot to spend those peaceful 5-10 minutes.

#8: Meditate:

Being a parent is a tough job and those kids who keep you on your toes and are always asking for something don’t make it any easier. So whenever you get the time, do a quick 5 minute meditation. it keeps you centered and grounded.

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And that’s it for this post. I hope this gave you some ideas to make a Morning routine that works for you. To recap:

1. Wake up Earlier than the kids
2. Prepare the night before
3. Prepare on the weekends
4. Set bed time and wake up time
5. No phone before the kids wake up
6. Set rules for mornings
7. Make your bed
8. Give some time to yourself
9. Get dressed

Making a morning routine and making lifestyle changes takes time. So give yourself some time in adapting to these changes and give yourself grace on days when you feel like you’re falling short. You’ve got this!