How To Establish A Mommy Morning Routine That Works For You

The lack of a morning routine

Not establishing a mommy morning routine can lead to anxiety, stress, and even irritability. I personally struggle with all three of these emotions, and unfortunately sometimes they do get the better of me. Combining these feelings with the sensation of feeling behind is never a great start to the day. 

I personally don’t like the feeling of ‘flying by the seat of your pants’ and tend to do better when I start the day off right. My toddler thrives on routine, so it is mutually beneficial when I have a moms morning routine that works for me and stick to it!

Limit these habits

Technology

Oh the social medial scrolling trap! This can be the pitfal of having a productive morning. I do think there is a time and place for it, but I would discourage making this a habit in your mommy morning routine. It has a tendincy to eat away time faster than one can expect. Same goes for tv.

Staying in bed

I am also guilty of this one! As an exhausted mommy, laying in bed can be so relaxing, even when I can’t go back to sleep. I think this is the second hardest habit to kick. It is so hard to get movitivated in the morning, but If you can start getting out of bed a little earlier every few days, it will become easier. And it will absolutely be worth it.

The benefits of a mommy morning routine

Having a mommy morning routine can provide a good start to the day, and as a mother, don’t we all want that? 

Establishing a routine will be so beneficial, you may find some time for some self- care, and as we are aware, self care for mothers should be prioritized more!

Incorporating at least one task that you can check off on your mommy morning routine can give you a sense of accomplishment to start the day. This sense of accomplishment can give you a positive tone to the morning.

Having some ME time. This is probrably my only guranteed time during the entire day. It’s a great time to self- reflect, and even make plans and goals for the day.

[thrive_leads id=’6978′]

How to make a mom morning routine

Starting the routine will be the hardest. Break out of those bad habits, and wake up a bit earlier. These tips will help you get started on establishing your routine.

Plan The night prior

Planning your morning the night prior can be quite beneficial if you like to mentally prepare for the day. It is especially helpful if the following day is outside of your normal routine such as: 

• Doctors appointment
• Travel

If you’re going to be getting out of the house, make sure your diaper bag is all packed up with all of the essentials.

Create a morning routine checklist:

• Set out your kids clothes for tomorrow
• Put out your coffee or tea. Set the time on the coffee machine if you can
• Have a plan for tomorrow’s breakfast. Can it be made the night before? Can you do any prepping ahead of time?
• Have a set bedtime for yourself
• Set an alarm for the morning. Here are a couple tips to help yourself successfuly wake up with the alarm
  • Set more than one alarm
  • Consider having an alarm clock on the other side of the room that will force you to get out of bed

Incorporating your partner and your children into your moms morning routine

Incorporate your kids and your partner in your daily routine if they are present. Can your partner help in any of the tasks? Or does your partner need to leave early for work? My husband’s priority is to leave for work early enough in the morning. I tend to work my mommy morning routine around his schedule. Can your partner help keep you accountable to your routine? Minimally, positive affirmations and encouragement will go along way. Include your partner into your new routine by discussing your plans. This will help keep you accountable.

Have a wake window for your kids, and try to stick to it. This can be challenging based on the ages and their sleep habits. It can be super helpful if they are old enough to understand quiet time. If your litle one is capable of staiying in their room until a certain time, this can be a huge blessing! With lots of sleep training we have finally arrived where my two year old son will calmly stay in his bed until about a certain time (most days).

Be flexible

Of course there will be many days where your kids will be up early. My best advice is to be flexible. Control what you can. Don’t let the hiccup defeat you or set a negative tone for the day. Do you need to sleep that extra 30 minutes- to an hour? Take it. Adjust your routine as needed when your little one wakes up.

Wake up early

How early is subjective, and may vary depending the circumstance. That is where flexibility is important. I love getting up at least an hour beofre I plan for my son to wake up. However, If I was up too late, or had a bad night of sleep, I will adjust and wake up later. Adequate sleep is more important, especially while pregnant.

Start thinking about how much earlier you would like to wake up, and be sure to adjust your bedtime accordingly. Adjust your wake time slowly, and build to it each week until you reach your goal.

Figure out what works best for you! Take into consideration if you’re a morning person or a night owl.

What are some examples of morning routines

Ideas for first thing you can do in the morning:

• Enjoying quiet time
• Journaling
• Reading
• Enjoying tea or coffee while the house is still asleep
• Giving yourself time for selfcare
• Making the bed
• Showering/ getting yourself out of pajamas
• Refreshing yourself. Does that mean applying makeup and/or doing your hair?
• Exercising
• Getting outside

How long can you expect before this morning routine becomes a habit

According to the University College of Londong it takes 66 days for something to become a habit! Check out the article here.

Keep in mind that it may take several days to figure out what routine works best for you. Once established, the routine may continue to change based on the season or lifestyle you’re currently in. As a military wife, our routine completely changes when my spouse is deployed. Be flexible. Weekend morning routines may vary from weekday routines- and that is okay!

Stay persistant, the hard work will pay off!

Helpful tips to help establish and maintain your moms morning routine

Make a morning routine checklist

I love having a checklist, something about crossing a task off gives me a sense of accomplishment. This can be an excellent tool for motivation!

Have a schedule

Do your mornings differ from some mornings to others? If so, it may be beneficial to have a different schedule for that day. Having the schedule written down is a great visual reminder.

Keep a journal

This is a great tool if you’re trying to navigate this process. Are you a new mom? Has your child hit a new milestone? Have you had a current life change that would disrupt a previous routine? Are you navigating the deployment waters? Are you moving, or have already moved?

A journal is a great way to write out your thoughts and even brainstorm ideas.

Involve your partner

As I mentioned earlier, involving your partner is a great way to develop a successful moms morning routine. Can your partner help with breakfast or the kids? Maybe your partner can help you with creating a bedtime and new waketime. If anything, have your partner keep you accountable. Express the desire and need to establish a routine. The positive affirmations will go a long way!

Have an accountability momma partner

Buddy up! Having an accountability partner can be greatly beneficial! Especially coming from someone who can relate to what you’re going through! Help each other out, brainstorm ideas. Maybe consider an active engagement such as a morning text or meet up.

Be intentional with your time

Your time is valuable. Spend it exactly how you see fit. Every momma will have a routine that will fit her needs. Figure out what works best for you, and value the time. Be intentional with the routine that you create.

What is you end goal and motivation?

Consider your goals, and ask yourself these questions:

• Is it productive
• Is it intentional
• Is it beneficial
• Is it sustainable

This will be your drive. Make sure that what you add to your routine answers these questions. If they enhance your day, you’re more inclined to keep up the routine! Now is a great time to self-reflect. Your motivation and goal will be the driving factor and will be the driving force behind your morning routine.

Important things to consider

Sleep

Always ensure you’re getting enough sleep. This is an important consideration when figuring out how early you want to wake up. Adjust your wake time if that evenings sleep wasn’t adequate.

Is it a smooth morning with the kids

Having a morning routine that is equally beneficial for the kids is important if they are involved. If everyone is thriving, it will be so much easier to keep up!

Is there a particular task you want to get done that morning

Think and plan ahead! Checking something off the to-do list is a huge accomplishment to start the day.

What happens if you’re unable to keep your routine for that day

Have grace on yourself

You will have all nighters

The kids will be sick

You will get sick

You may have a night you just couldn’t sleep, or a night you stayed out too late.

Be flexible, and understanding. Sometimes we have to deviate from our plan, and that’s okay.

This will be your mommy morning routine

I have found that consistency is important! Figuring out what works for you is individual, and remember it’s a process. It takes time. Motherhood is hard! Having a mom morning routine that works for you should make life easier. Consider it another tool in your toolbox. And always give yourself grace! Give yourself this time, time that can be valued how you need it to be. Start your day off in the best way that suits you!

Do you do anything special for your morning routine? How long did it take to figure out what works best for you? I would love to hear about it!

Save this post for later!