How My Morning Routine Changed Everything

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As moms, our mornings are crazy chaotic to say the least. Feed this one, pack this one’s lunch, change this one, did I pack this one’s homework?… the list goes on and on. If your house is anything like mine, the morning is a free for all mad dash to get out the door and to school, work, or whatever your destination may be, on time. So what did I do to make the mornings a little less stressful? I set my alarm to get up 30 minutes earlier. Before you tell me I’m a crazy lady and you barely get enough sleep as it is, hear me out. I wake up 30 minutes earlier so that I have time to myself before my kids are awake. The reason I do this is so that I can be proactive about how I want my day to go, rather than be reactive. Let me put it another way, have you ever had your kids wake you up in the morning with their demands for breakfast and to watch Nick Jr.? I have. I’ve been shaken awake from a deep sleep and I didn’t know that the heck was going on or what day of the week it was. This was not how I wanted to start my days. So, I started setting my alarm to wake up before anyone else and let me tell you mama, this is a game changer. I drink my coffee in peace, and I jot down my answers to the following 5 questions as part of my morning routine: 

  1. What will I do for me today? Do something for yourself every day mama, not because it makes you a “better mom” or a “better wife,” but because you deserve to do something just for you. Doing something for yourself should be your number one priority. My something for myself is after I drop my son off at preschool in the morning, my daughter and I head to the gym for my workout. I put in my headphones and for one hour, I am alone, rocking out to my favorite tunes and feeling competent and strong. I do this for me, but an awesome side effect is that it makes me a more patient and caring mom. The more little things you do for yourself throughout the day to recharge your battery, the more energy you have to give the areas of your life that matter the most. 
  2. What am I grateful for today? List 3 things that you are grateful for. Set a timer for 5 mins and keep this list simple. Most of the time for me, my list consists of 1. coffee (praise Jesus for coffee), 2. my flexible, work from home schedule, and 3. modern medicine, especially during cold and flu season. It is difficult to remain frazzled and anxious about the day when you approach your day from a place of gratitude. 
  3. How do I want to serve today? In other words, how am I going to help someone else out today? I really try to go out of my way every day to do something nice for someone else. Sometimes this looks like sending my husband a text telling him I miss him and can’t wait for him to come home, sometimes this looks like complimenting a woman in the locker room at my gym. Helping someone else out can be small or it can be grand. You choose mama. 
  4. What is one uncomfortable thing I am going to do today to help get me closer to a goal? Do the things that scare you or give you anxiety first thing in the day. Get it over with so you are not ruminating over it and causing yourself more anxiety. One of my long term goals is to make a 6 figure salary. Yes, I want to make more money and I’m not ashamed to say it. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today and while I am grateful for everything I have, I still want more. I listen to podcasts on how to be a successful entrepreneur and I google the crap out of how to increase my revenue daily. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want.  Small steps help you get closer to something bigger. 
  5. How will I create joy today? Whatever brings you joy, mama, do more of that. I like to be outside in the fresh air, so I make time to be outside every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Seeing my babies laugh, that brings me joy, so I make a point to put my phone down and get silly and crazy with them while we play, just to see them laugh. Coffee brings me joy, but only if I can drink it in silence, so I wake up before everyone else in the house. Little things that bring you joy are so important to implement throughout your day, so make sure you write down what you’re going to do to bring more joy into your day. 

Also, as a side note, I have to give credit to The Shameless Mom podcast because I started doing this morning routine after listening to Sara’s episode on her own personal morning rituals. I encourage you, mama, to set your alarm 30 minutes earlier every single day, ask yourself these 5 questions, and keep a journal of your answers. This will change your life. Just give it some time. You will approach your day in a more positive frame of mind and be more productive and joyful as a result. And who doesn’t want a little bit more positivity and joy in their life? You are so deserving of that.

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