I’ve been spending a lot of time talking about routines lately. That’s because we are heading into the busiest time of year, and I want you to be prepared! If you missed my last 2 blog posts about the importance of routines and designing your ideal personalized routine, you can catch up here and here respectively.
Mornings:
Mornings are by far my most important time of day. For me and for many, they often set the tone for the entire day. So, I feel it’s important to get it right. Learning how to implement a well-crafted morning routine will create the foundation needed for success and productivity. In this post, we will examine the key elements of a morning routine that will help you begin your day with efficiency, calmness, and put the focus on your overall well-being.
Developing a Calm and Organized Morning Routine:
I know, I know, not everyone is a morning person and individuals will embrace this one with different levels of enthusiasm but regardless of your natural tendencies we all have to get ready for a new day in some form or fashion. Giving ourselves ample time to do so might mean waking up (and going to bed) a little earlier to create more harmonious mornings. Here are some strategies to ponder and possibly embrace.
- Set a regular wake-up time for yourself (as well as each member of the family) to regulate your body’s internal clock.
- Set a regular bedtime as well. For example, if you go to bed by 9:30 and aim to fall asleep by 10pm, then wake up at 6am that gives you a full 8 hours of sleep. Are you currently getting 7-8 hours of restful sleep?
- Gradually adjust your sleep schedule for a smooth transition from your current habits to your desired ones.
- Allot 5-10 minutes for self-reflection and personal growth in the morning before anyone or anything gets your attention. If you aren’t a morning person you can try this right before bed also.
- Build in 10-15 extra minutes into the routine because some mornings you are definitely going to need it! On the other days you can use the extra time for other small tasks that will make your afternoons or evenings easier.
Starting Your Day with Gratitude:
Gratitude is the foundation for a positive mindset and we all know how important that can be to our overall wellness. Incorporating gratitude into your morning routine can be a great way to start your day on the right foot. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath while enjoying your morning cup of coffee or tea and calling to mind three things you are grateful for. If you have more time, you can consider a gratitude journal.
Exercise, Gentle Stretching, and/or Meditation:
Awakening your body and mind through exercise and gentle stretching or meditation is another great way to get your day started in a positive way. Such practices foster good health, boosts mood, and contributes to a calm and focused state of mind to tackle the day ahead. You don’t have to do all three to reap the benefits. If you are limited on time in the mornings, choose one and build from there.
TIP: Don’t forget to set days, times, and locations for where this will take place. This takes decision making out of the mornings. Decide now. Then, when the time comes to execute your plan, you will know exactly what to do, as well as when and where to do it.
Tips for Efficiently Getting Ready for School (if you have kids)/Work:
Preparing the night before has been a long time practice in my family. I did it as a kid and I have continued the practice with my own family. Preparing things the night before saves precious time each morning while simultaneously reducing stress. Who doesn’t need that?
Some prep ideas are:
- Laying out clothes for everyone (including shoes and socks)
- Packing up backpacks/work bags with what is needed for the next day
- Pack lunches
- Plan breakfast
- Check the weather and prepare accordingly
- Set up the coffee pot or tea kettle so it’s ready to go (I even get my cup ready)
Meal Planning and Lunch Preparation:
My family has always done lunch prep after dinner has been cleared. I encourage you to get your kids involved in this. It may take a little longer at first as they learn to make their choices, but it sets them up for early independence so it’s worth it!
Choices:
When my kids were younger, I would ask them to choose what kind of sandwich, soup, or leftovers they wanted for their main course. Then I would have them choose a fruit and/or a veggie, a dairy item like yogurt, cheese, or cottage cheese, and a 3rd item like pretzels or a granola bar. I gave them options but not too many so they didn’t get overwhelmed and take forever.
Independence:
When they reached about 2nd grade, I started having them pack their own lunches. I would pack my own alongside them so I could keep my eye on them and help when needed. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they become independent. My boys fought me on it at first but eventually got into it and my daughter wanted to take over from day one. Each child will be different but encourage them to take over when you think they are ready.
Multi-tasking:
While we were busy packing lunches I would list a couple choices we had for breakfast and ask each child what they wanted. I prepped up what I could and set up a napkin and silverware at their spots at the table.
Preparing meals the night before takes the decision making out of the morning hustle so the focus can be on actually getting ready and getting out the door in a timely manner. It also ensures a nutritious start to the day that might be missed if you run out of time.
Streamlining Your Morning Routine:
Create a daily routine by allocating specific time slots for each task. I suggest starting with bedtime and wake up times and adding in time allocations for other tasks such as getting dressed, personal hygiene, eating breakfast and gathering belongings if need be. Once expectations are known to each member of the household, it’s time to put your routine in motion. If you do not have morning people in your family, I would suggest building in some extra time to account for this so everyone is set up for success.
Real Life Experience:
My boys (who are now 22 and 19) needed the timeframes to be successful. As they developed time management skills, they didn’t need them as much. My daughter preferred a less structured approach to her mornings from the get go. She is now 11 and still prefers this method. She is actually very structured but prefers to do things in her own order each day based on her mood. We lay out everything the night before and she has a good sense of self and time management so we gave it a try. It worked wonderfully, we were both much happier, and our mornings went much smoother after this shift. Communication is key. Not everyone works the same way, so adjust as needed.
Week-ends:
The week-ends don’t have to be as structured (unless your kids are very involved in activities that require them to be) but I do suggest setting a wake up and bedtime, as well as making any other regular commitments known.
For us week-end bedtimes were 1 hour later, and week-end wakeups were 2 hours later if our schedule allowed. For example: If bedtime was 8pm on a school night we would allow week-end bedtimes to be 9pm (unless sick, overtired, or our plans the next day required an early wake up) and if wake up times during the school week were at 6am then we allowed them to sleep until 8am.
When my kids were younger, they used to wake-up earlier than that time. As they got older, they wanted the extra time. Once my boys reached high school, I allowed them to regulate themselves as long as it wasn’t affecting their schoolwork. Turns out, they were very good at figuring things out by then and listening to their bodies’ cues. These systems do work!
Minimize Distractions:
Limit screen time and distractions in the morning. I used to tell my kids, no TV at all until they were ready. I say used to because now they are either old enough to regulate themselves or already know the drill. It was an incentive to move quickly so they could have a few minutes once they were dressed, fed, and prepared for the day. This also helped them focus on essential tasks and avoid unnecessary delays.
Choose Balanced and Energizing Foods For A Healthy Breakfast:
Opt for whole grains, fruits, and proteins for sustained energy. Try to avoid sugary and processed foods that may lead to energy crashes later on. Some of our go-to breakfast options are smoothies, oatmeal with fruit, and egg cups prepared on Sundays for the week.
Mindfulness Practices:
Mindful eating isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the morning hustle but it cultivates a healthier relationship with food and promotes healthy habits so I highly recommend it.
Getting things ready the night before and keeping a structured schedule allows you to set up a few extra minutes to savor your morning meal. Through the years, the timing and execution of my morning routine has varied but I have always woken up earlier than my children. I eat in total peace and quiet, drink my tea, jot down my most important things to get done that day, 3 things I am grateful for and just breathe before I wake the kiddos. This is my “me” time and I live for these quiet moments before the morning grind begins.
Things to Remember:
A well thought out morning routine is a powerful tool for success. By incorporating elements of preparedness, calm, efficiency, and mindfulness into your morning, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling and productive day. Remember, it takes time to build a routine, but consistency is key. Keep at it! Embrace the opportunity to start your day on the right foot and witness the positive impact on your overall well-being and the success of you and your family.
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Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
