Do NOT try this in the morning if you enjoy the “harried mom-drop off” frenzy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of wellness and self-improvement, a solid morning routine has emerged as a popular trend, celebrated for its potential to set a positive tone for the day. From successful entrepreneurs to wellness enthusiasts, individuals across diverse backgrounds have embraced the idea that how you spend the first hours of your day profoundly influences your overall well-being and productivity. Now, if you’re like me, the mere mention of trying to fit another thing into my day, made me spiral. Before you head down that path, I promise, this is the one thing I’ve implemented over the last 90 days that’s drastically improved the TONE of my day, which trickled down into every piece: a solid morning routine.
Why do I need a morning routine?
Increased Productivity: I swear 87% of the time, if my morning routine is on-point, the day trends the same. By “eating the frog” early, it sets a productive tone for the rest of the day, meaning I’ve got the win behind me and now can chase another – earning me more wins. Setting the structure first is important.
Mental Clarity: Who wants to start their morning in a fog with no focus? Not this mama. My morning routine incorporates several practices that promote mental clarity like reading for 15 minutes, journaling, and a rule of no phones in bed. Starting the day with a clear mind is a game changer for decision-making and focus.
Improved Well-being: Prioritizing myself first means that I start the day with a positive mindset and resilience in the face of the day’s challenges. A mindful morning routine is associated with improved overall well-being – which duh.
Consistency and Discipline: Establishing a morning routine requires discipline, and the consistency of these practices can lead to positive habits.
How do I create a morning practice?
For busy moms, whose mornings can feel chaotic, creating a mindful morning wellness routine becomes even more crucial. Balancing family responsibilities with self-care requires super intentional practices that promote mindfulness and gratitude.
Chaos vs calm - how do I choose?
Early Rise, Peaceful Start: I used to set an alarm to wake up before the household to carve out my moments of peace. Now, I can’t even remember the last time I sent an alarm and I wake up to my own clock at 4:30 AM. I use this time for personal rituals like deep breathing, reading or journaling.
Gratitude Journaling: Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside. Every morning, I jot down three things I’m really grateful for. It can be as simple as a moment with your child or a warm cup of coffee.
Mindful Kiddo Rituals: Instead of rushing out of bed, and throwing everyone into chaos in the morning, we’ve created a calming routine. When the kids wake, they come into our room and we cuddle, sometimes they’ll watch me read or we’ll read together. We take it slow and I just listen and savor the time that’s such a short chapter.
Incorporate Mindful Movement:
Letting your body wake up is just as important as the action of waking up - take it slow. A brief set of stretches, a short somatic workout, or a fascia flossing session takes me < 20 minutes and helps me focus on connecting with my body and releases tension. I follow this quick body wake up with a 3 minute cold plunge (right in our bathtub). The pairing improves circulation, reduces inflammation and shoots my energy levels through the roof for the remainder of the day.
Tech-Free Start: I quit cold turkey the morning scroll of Instagram in bed. And even worse? Email in bed. The instant anxiety triggered by blue lights in the dark room and tasks piling up was enough to leave me drained for the rest of the day. Dedicating the first moments of my morning to the list above leaves me with no time for social media… and I really like it that way.
Set Intentions for the Day: I take a few minutes to set positive intentions for the day ahead. I call it my theme or focus for the day. A word to reign me in when the day gets wild and ensure that I’ve got my priorities and am not blown around by others' urgent requests. The YAH you are here journal is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone - set your intention or focus for the day and spend some time mindfully journaling..
Reflect on your priorities and visualize a successful and fulfilling day.
Setting the Day's Heartbeat : Why Mindfulness and Gratitude?
Stress Reduction: Mindfulness and gratitude practices in the morning can significantly reduce stress levels, creating a more serene foundation for the day.
Enhanced Patience: Cultivating mindfulness helps moms respond to the chaos with greater patience, fostering a harmonious environment for the family.
Positive Outlook: Starting the day with gratitude shifts focus towards the positive aspects of life, instilling an optimistic mindset.
Greater Emotional Resilience: Mindful morning routines empower moms to navigate challenges with greater emotional resilience, promoting a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
As you embark on creating a mindful morning wellness routine, remember that it's about finding what works best for you and your family. Embrace the simplicity of the practices, and let them become anchors of calm and positivity in your daily life. In the midst of the morning rush, these intentional moments of mindfulness and gratitude can be powerful tools for moms to nurture their well-being and create a more fulfilling family life.
