I only made 1 resolution this year. It was to be more productive, energetic and of course happier. And, yes, it's counted as one resolution. (Check out my new resolution - Do these 10 things for your daily routine).
Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my life overall. I have 2 most amazing kids and the best husband in the whole wide world. I am healthy, so is my family. I could not ask for more.
But there are days (and sometimes they lead to weeks) where I just don't feel like doing anything. I am moody, I crave for junk food, I don't want to look in the mirror and I don't dream and stop making goals to grow bigger person.
Jump to:
Perfect Morning Routine
1. Get Up Before The Kids
Getting up super early wasn't an option for me, but getting up BEFORE the kids was doable, but I still could not manage my time well. This course helped me to totally revolutionize my mornings without doing big sacrifices such as getting up when it's still dark outside. I learned to manage my productivity, fix my routines and I finally had time to invest in things that matter.
2. Massage yourself with your favorite essential oil
Say what? Massage? With oil? Yourself?
Yes. You read it right. Massaging yourself has so many benefits including:
- Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
- Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
- Calming the nerves
- Joint Lubrication
- More alert (mentally and physically)
- Improved elimination of impurities
- Softer, smoother skin
- Better stamina through the day
My favorite oils for morning massage are: lemon essential oil, lavender oil and of course peppermint oil which definitely does the trick to wake my body up. I use them separately or mix them up.
It takes me about 10 minutes every morning. This self massage is like an exercise itself. A quick warm shower afterwards and you are good to go.
Believe me on this one, you will thank me later.
EDIT: I am offering a special deal NOW on those (and more) essential oils. Read more about it here. (affiliate/consultant link)
3. Get pretty
Comes from a women who doesn't even own a mascara anymore. Hey, even a fancy sweatpants and non-stained shirt might do the trick. But if you do a have a mascara, put it on, you will look in the mirror more often. To smile, of course.
4. Get your soul happy
Put some headphones on and listen to your favorite music.
Lately I have been crazy for these beats.
5. Sip sip sip...
While you are listening to your favorite song, make yourself some warm lemon water. I promise you, after few days you will see a brighter light in the mornings.
There are many reasons with plenty of benefits why you should drink warm water with lemon.
However, no morning routine will take away my cup of Joe. But I take it after I drink the water.
6. Relax
This is best part of my morning routine. With the cup of coffee in my hand, lovely music in my ears I sit down outside and enjoy the beautiful view I am so blessed with.
You could meditate, pray or just open your mind to some positive thoughts.
Last year when I was waking up late (together with the kids), I used to be the crankiest person in the mornings. I hated the voices and even hugs from my children in the mornings. I felt horrible.
And now, I can't wait for them to get up and see a happy mommy.
Update: Read my recent post: Revolutionary Morning Routine For Kids.
This morning routine has definitely changed my life by making me a happier person, more patient mommy and a more positive and energetic wife. Actually, I have more energy to stay on top of things and I even manage to have some ME time EVERY SINGLE DAY.
It would mean a lot to me if you would share YOUR morning routine (in the comments below) as I am always looking for fresh ideas how to improve the quality of my life.
Do you have 15 minutes a day?
Read short chapters and watch a short video every day. That's all it takes to make your life more productive.... and happier as a busy mom whether you stay at home or you work outside your home. Make Over Your Mornings is the course for moms who don't want to feel constantly behind, overworked, and overwhelmed!
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing this. I must make a good effort to get up gpbefore The little One!
Birute Efe says
that one was the hardest for me too. Thanks for comment, Andrea
Elizabeth S. says
I have woken up early randomly and withouth a specific purpose in mind and I guess it is true. It somehow makes a difference to do things at your own pace and be able to watch a few minutes of what you choose, rather than cartoons- or do what you please without hearing little voices complaining, for me sometimes it is sneaking off to the gym and having the kids go to daddy even they happen to wake up.
To have breakfast setup on the table and have them simply eat it happily- rather than give them time to nag and have random ideas of items they want for breakfast that you might not even have or that don't qualify as at least somewhat healthy breakfast food.
And yes, the simplicity of listening to music that puts you in a good mood without any background noise is very soothing.
Like I said now that I read your article I look back and it so very true. I am going to try to make this a habit as I just realized how much easier and happier life would be if I woke up earlier than the fam, on purpose! 🙂
Theres Just One Mommy says
Getting up before the kids so I can have that little bit of time to myself definitely is the best start to the day!
cmb says
Thanks for sharing, I will try this! Always looking for ways to improve my mood & happiness level while being a stay at home mommy!
Emily says
I would also recommend the occasional nookie with the husband! Puts me in a good mood every time!
Ciara says
I started doing almost exactly the same routine a few months ago, you are so right, it makes all the difference!
Rachel Valentine says
I was afraid you would say that when I clicked on the Pinterest link. I am having a LOT of issues with suddenly having three kids (foster care) instead of zero. I am not handling it super well. Moody, eating mostly just junk food and barely getting the basics done so we have food and clean clothes. Plus being grumpy and irritable. Basically not coping well at all. I am trying to figure out what I can do to make it better, and I keep thinking that I need to get up before them. Right now they wake up before me, so I leave books and toys in their beds in the morning. I am also someone that literally cries sometimes when I have to get up early. Maybe I will try it a few days (sans the warm lemon water because I HATE warm drinks - coffee, tea, cocoa, broth, its all gag inducing to me) and see if it helps. Thanks for the advice 🙂
keeeves718 says
Any type of lemon water, even cold is cleansing/detoxifying. Try a nice cold glass in the morning when you first wake...it does help!
Birute Efe says
Yes, I totally agree. Lemon and water does a lot of good things for your body. Thank you for your comment.
Rachel says
I am a foster mommy, too, and I know exactly what you're talking about. Those extra moments of alone time in the morning are IMPERATIVE to us having a smooth day! I need to center myself before the craziness begins, and this article was a great reminder that it's time to get back to routine, and mommy can no longer sleep in until the hooligans are begging for breakfast. 🙂
Birute Efe says
Hooligans begging for breakfast. haha, you are funny. That's how I felt too when I used to sleep in every morning. Thank you for your comment Rachel, and hopefully you can get back to morning routine pretty soon.
Kristin says
You got this, mama! I know the shock of going from none to a full house with foster kiddos and the best way to cope is to make sure YOU are taken care of. Children can fill you up or suck you dry; it all depends on the way you face the day (two and a half years on, I still need to remind myself of this).
This routine is great - and I add yoga.
Gina says
Instead of getting up early try staying up late. I did this for years when my kids were little. Now that they are a little bigger and sleep all through the night we all go to bed at the same time and I get up before them. But it is not really about getting up early or staying up late it is about finding that little bit of quiet time for yourself.
Lissette says
I do this too. My toddler is in bed by 8pm the latest, so I'll clean the kitchen while he finishes dinner, bath time, and then bed time and once he's in bed, I finish up whatever needs to be done and I'll stay up til 10 or 11 doing my thing. It's a great way to unwind from my crazy day.
jen says
I HEAR YOU! I am a Foster /fostadopt mom and adjusting to being an INSTANT PARENT is rough! No amount of training can prepare you for going from your own routine to being responsible and getting in routine with 3 strangers!!! Not to mention the special needs, extra doctor appts, case workers lurking everywhere, and even the initial expenses until your reimbursement stipend comes! I MOURNED the loss of my alone time. My wife coped much better which added to more inadequate feelings on my part. AND even though we trained and prayed for our family to be built this way, it was still very hard to adjust! I ended up putting the little one in daycare one day a week while his sister was in school so I could get some time ( I became a s.h.m.) otherwise I would not even be close to the Mommy I wanted to be for them. I am now home all summer with both and am going to try getting up earlier. And for the bad days, putting in a DVD in our room and having a pile up in the bed and dozing after breakfast is great!
Brittney says
I am also a foster parent. I have toddlers and their energy in the mornings amazes me! I HATE waking up... I've been miserable lately and dreading every morning- I hate that I feel this way! I woke up the other day on my own 2.5 hours before the kids got up and it was the most glorious day EVER! I know I need to just make myself get up early every day
Shelley says
I was a foster mother for three and a half years so I know somewhat of what a shock to the household it is to wake up one morning and have children (plural) in the house. I remember lots of tears, and setting up a good routine helped. God bless you for taking on the kids. Remember it's even more important that you take care of yourself so you can continue to help them. And I highly recommend getting into a foster parent support group too if you're not already.
Tiffiny says
These sound like helpful tips for a morning routine. I'm trying to get in the habit of getting up before my daughter. I notice I'm in a better mood when I do. The only thing I could think of to add to your list is to empty the dishwasher first thing. I know it sounds like a silly thing, but it makes me happy each time I can put a dirty dish straight into the dishwasher throughout the day. Then the kitchen stays cleaner, which is a relief for me.
Krystle says
I agree! Emptying the dishwasher in the morning and starting a load of laundry are always an awesome feeling for me too!
Chanda says
Oh my goodness this is the best. As someone who is not loving the stay at home mom gig this was the best to read! I'm taking your advice and Monday will be a new day!!!
Birute Efe says
Chanda, thank you for stopping by and I hope you will try these tips and they will help you to enjoy stay at home mom time a bit more. PLEASE let me know if you did it and if it worked.
Jessica says
I love your article. And it's so true. My first 6 months of becoming a stay at home mom was terrible. I would wake up in a frenzy, rush my little ones down the stairs, make them eat cereal, snap at them about any little thing, take them to school looking like I just woke up then come home with my smallest and sit on the couch depressed. Then I changed it... I got my life and happiness back. This is a gift these days to be a stay at home mom and I was wasting it. Now I get up at 5 am with my husband, make us each a protein shake, take a warm relaxing bath, completely make up my face ( you feel better when you feel pretty) get dressed, drink hot green tea with honey ( gave up coffee recently) then at 6:30 I wake my kids up singing with lots of hugs and kisses. If my youngest wants me to make her pancakes... I do!
Birute Efe says
Jessica, you have no idea how much I relate to your story. I love so much how you changed it all around. It's amazing how much those little things make difference. I am so happy for you. Thank you for your comment, I am sure other mothers will read it and will get a lot ideas.
Carrie says
This is good advice for ALL Moms....not just stay at home moms.
Birute Efe says
Yes, Carrie, after I wrote an article I thought that it's for all moms, not only for SAHM.
Brooke says
I love ALL your tips!! I also agree with Tiffiny that the dishwasher being empty first thing helps out a ton. I've only been a SAHM for less than a year, but have seen that if I don't make me a priority then some days it's 2:30 before I shower - this makes me feel horrible. This is all great and I'm so thankful for your wisdom : )
Birute Efe says
Brooke, oh yes, there were times I would shower in the evenings only and pajamas was my daily clothes. Thank you so much for your kinds words and stopping by to comment.
Melissa Carr says
I am not only a SAHM, but a WAHM as well! Having a morning routine is KEY!! I get some of my important "ME" time of reading, or just thinking. Then I get right to work, trying to get my work partially done so we have time for picnics/walks etc. Even if it is rainy, we put on our raincoats and go stomping in puddles! I think adding in the "getting outside" even for 30min/day will help improve your mood and overall outlook!
Birute Efe says
Melissa, working at home moms definitely need that routine. And probably more throughout the day too. I know, I do. And I totally agree with you about getting outside everyday even if the weather is not perfect. That does have a big difference in how kids play and behave later on in the house and it makes me more energetic after I have some fresh every day.
Ela says
My kids wake up at 5am:/
Birute Efe says
Ela, I feel ya. 5 am? Wau. I guess I need to do more research and write and article about "How to keep kids sleeping till 7.30 am", because I don't think getting up before at 4 am would make your day happier.
Jamie says
Mine get up at 5am too!! 🙁 No matter what time I put them to bed.
lisa says
Mine did too, until I took morning TV away. Then it dropped to 7am. I made sure he knew before he went to sleep each night for a few weeks too.
Krystle says
I know there is an article out there about keeping kids in bed until 7. They used a digital clock and covered the minutes up with a piece of paper with the number 7 on it large enough to compare to the "hour" on the clock. Kids were taught how to stay in bed until the #s were the same.
I wish I still had the link to share for you all! I am sorry.
Kate says
Yes, Krystal, I read that article too. We tried it a few months ago and it worked beautifully! My son was waking at 5am (that is hellish) so I asked him to stay in bed until 6am and wrote a 6 and stuck it over the minutes numbers on the clock. He loved having a rule to follow and was so excited to climb in to bed with me and report that he had seen a "5" on the clock but knew it was too early so he went back to sleep!
Linda had a little Lamb says
Thanks for the tips. It's really tough being a stay-at-home mom, but I know it's good for my little girl. I do agree with having a morning routine. Thanks again.
Q says
Not able to click on self massage link. Maybe my phone.
I would love to share with you a self lymphatic massage routine I put together. It can be done in the shower, bath or
Working on just starting a routine.
Make bed
brush teeth
yoga
prayer time.
Birute Efe says
I am so sorry the link was not working indeed. I fixed the link now. Thank you so much for telling me that. Will have to look into lymphatic massage routine. Sound very interesting. Have you been doing it for a while?
Anna says
This is great advice! I will definitely try getting up earlier and also try the massaging. I occasionally do get up before my children, but I usually end up doing something related to them, such as make lunches, get breakfast ready, etc. I think it's important to emphasize taking the morning time (before kids wake up) for yourself. ALL day is spend thinking about the children's needs that sometimes I forget that I have needs too--like a cup of coffee (Or tea!) for only me 🙂
Heather says
I love this suggestion and have a feeling it would be great for me -- if only I could get my 7-month old to sleep well at night! He did so well for the first 4 months or so, but now wakes up every hour or 2 throughout the night. That leaves me just trying to squeeze in as much sleep as possible...lol. We have done the nighttime routine and crying it out. He will usually cry himself back to sleep, but he isn't happy about it and still is up again an hour or so later. And whether we are getting him up or not, you still wake up every time he does. It all does leave me feeling like I am chasing my tail in the morning, just trying to make it through.
AmieJo says
I think once my youngest starts sleeping through the night I am going to try to get up before the kids. I think if I could have a little time to myself and maybe start working or get something off my to do list before the kids get up we would all be happier. Thank you for the tips.
Vita @ VitaLivesFree says
First of all, I love your blog! And I don't even have kids yet! 🙂 Is that strange? I guess I'm subconsciously preparing for them because lately I've been reading a lot of mommy blogs. I love your morning routine, and I find a lot of similarities with mine. I also love oil massage in the mornings, dry brushing is great, too. I also drink lemon water, but I add a tablespoon of raw local honey (it's an Ayurvedic recipe). It gives me a lot of energy, and makes me happy. It's so true about music: it can definitely make your soul happy. Right now my obsession is the new album from Coldplay, it makes me feel light and happy at any time of the day. Keep up the awesome work!
Birute Efe says
Vita, thank you so much. You and your blog are such a good source of amazing natural tips. I will add honey to my water now and I am a new fan of Coldplay. I always learn the best stuff from you.
Aysh says
I can never have a morning routine.. with three kids and a big kid that has to be up at 5am... ughh... I wish! I love yours. You are lucky...