In another of my posts inspired by podcasts, today I’m talking about morning routines. I first listened to the Mom Hour Podcast on this topic, followed by the Coffee and Crumbs episode on the same topic.
I’ve never been a morning person. I probably wake up earlier now than I ever did, even when I was working. And even so, I normally get up between 6:30 and 6:50 AM. If I’m up after 6:50, I’m late! Even though I don’t consider myself a morning person, I’ve found ways to make it through the mornings with routines that work for me.
If I wake up at 6:30, I don’t have to be up till 6:50, so I might read for a bit in bed. Once I do get up, I brush my teeth and then make breakfasts for the boys. Gabbie makes her own breakfast, because she gets up a bit earlier than the rest of us. I finish any last minute lunch preparations (I make them the day before) and I put Simon’s backpack by the door. Zachary is now in charge of packing his own backpack.
I fill up my water and I check my email. I share my blog post to social media and check Instagram too. The kids get ready and have time to themselves after they eat, but I call them to the front door just a bit before their ride comes at 7:30. We are very lucky that on most days our friend takes the kids to school!
After the kids head out, I make my breakfast and my coffee. I read blog posts while I’m eating / drinking. Then I get dressed for the gym. I normally go to the gym at 8:15 or 8:30, unless I have another morning appointment elsewhere. I try to plan my mornings around going to the gym, because if I don’t go in the morning, I won’t go later either. On days that I don’t go to the gym, I might shower and leave the house by 9, or I sometimes have lazier days where I work on my blog before getting ready for the day.
After the gym, if I have any errands to do, I usually do them before going back home, to get everything done at once. Then when I get home I shower and dress for the rest of the day.
Here are my tips for easier mornings:
– Do as much as possible the day before. I make lunches and take out clothes for the boys.
– Have a routine. The kids know they get dressed, eat, and then have free time. That way they aren’t dawdling in their rooms and not ready when it’s time to go.
– If your kids need you in the mornings, get up before they do. When I accidentally wake up after them, I feel like I’m rushing around, even if I’m not!
– Have your kids do as much as they can on their own. It’s been easier for me since Gabbie started eating on her own, and Zachary packing his own back is helpful too.
– If you want to get morning gym time, quiet time, or any other personal time in, make sure you account for that when you schedule any other appointments.
– Try to start each day with positivity!
What are some of your morning routine tips?
