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!
Amanda says
I've been told to do this many times. We have WWIII here almost very day. I am a sleeper and with my girls being 8 & 10, they completely get themselves ready every day. I have such a hard time even getting up with them until about 30 minutes later. Right now I'm pregnant (30 weeks) and don't think it would be wise to make the change because of the little amount of sleep I'm getting at night. However, once the baby is here and we can get on a somewhat normal sleeping routine again, hopefully I can imply this. I need it, bad.
Mystee says
I have 23 month old twins and a 6 year old. My twinkies are up by 5:30am no matter what time they go to bed. I feel like the more that I try to get routine the LESS me time there is. My husband works from 1pm-1am so it's ALL on me pretty much. I can't seem to find my happy place....help!!!
Maria says
Mystee I wish I could give you a hug! Do you go to bed when your children do? If you don't, maybe try this. Otherwise, do you have a support network? If not, there maybe some community support groups available. We have local councils in Australia with some that provide emergency respite with a carer for a 6 week period (for a couple of hours a week). I really hope that you get some help! Good luck
Lyn says
Thank u for thus post, I have a bad 10mth old sleeper so I'm really sleep deprived. I will try to do this. X
Beth says
After raising my children and helping with my widowed daughters children... I say AMEN to your article!!!! EVERY single one of these is a must
You got it perfect! I agree 100%....Thank you
Tabatha says
You hit it right on the nose! I'm going to make every effort to get up and be ready when my 3 wake up in the morning from now on! Do you have any ideas or suggestions for easy breakfasts? Ayn I do not eat anything in the meeting until about 1ish, I feel horrible all day and I dress eating because I go for the junk too, I feel like a lazy sack of ... well you get the picture! Any way thank you so much, I even cried while I read this because I am so hopeful that it will help me!!!! =)
Jennifer says
Love the article! For fast breakfast...we eat 4 eggs each day so we pre-cook them every 4 days (fried is easiest for me). I can throw together a breakfast sandwich quickly by slicing avocado, micro egg with cheese on it and if time permits, I toast the bread/English muffin. My 2 1/2 year old twins eat the egg with a microwaved healthy pancake as a "sandwich". I have frozen berries that I run warm water over and that is their meal. Throughout the day I snack on a banana, cheese sticks and almonds. This keeps me away from junk food between meals.
Tia says
I have been getting up early for a couple years now & it's amazing how much happier I became. That alone time does wonders! I eventually found myself looking forward to my mornings, and getting up earlier & earlier. Now my routine is a good hour of coffee on the front porch, then getting ready for the day (including make-up!) I do all the cleaning etc. So I can be calm & at ease when my kids wake up, with nothing to do but focus on them.
Kellie Edwards says
This is such a great self care idea - my morning routine is much shorter than yours but still one that I have given thought to (see 5 mindful things I do every day: http://mindfulness4mothers.com/m4m/blog/). Asa huge massage fan I am definitely going to think about adding that in to my morning mindfulness practice, thank you!
warmly, Kellie
Michelle Dewhurst says
I wake up at 5:15 so I can go walking for 4+ miles while listening to music that lifts my mood and encourages me. Then, I am able to do a quick 10-15 min ab/butt routine and get a shower before the kids have needed me. I recently did a 21 day cleanse (which started me walking) and have since bought a few new pieces of clothes and wedge shoes which help me feel more human and less "mom like". My kids recently turned 1 and 3. Love the way I feel taking some time for myself
diana says
This is the best advice! I have a 4 yo and 3 yo. Ever since I started waking up before them (about a year now), I've been a much happier mom. I just started really working from home (another CRAZY transition), so I work before they're awake. But, prior to that, I would wake up and work out. I lost another 25 pounds, I have tons of energy and my emotional state is much happier. I feel that I have a little control and that helps immensely! Now, with work, I squeeze in my workouts while they're eating lunch or doing a quiet time activity. I've found I have to work out and wake up before them or I'm a beast! Lol. Good luck to all moms!
tara says
I would just add to the get pretty part, that if I start the day with my shoes on I'm happier. Silly, right? My joints are happier at the end of the day and I'm ready for anything.
Stephanie says
I should try to do this more often. I normally wake up with the kids, stagger down the stairs both kids in tow. Start the pot of coffee, sit on the couch, turn their shows on... Then I get up, fix myself a coffee, sit in the kitchen for a few minutes with my HEAD on the table... get up, make breakfast [normally a bagel for my 4 year old, and some kind of pureed fruit for my baby] I think about getting something to eat myself, then my 4 year old needs something else... [Normally juice] I get him his juice, start to think about what I want to eat as I shovel food into the babies mouth [I am never fast enough, I should just get the little guy a straw] and by the time I should be eating, I am busy cleaning the kitchen... My husband walks downstairs... says good morning to the kids and I... kisses my cheek as I push him out of the way and clean the counters or dishes. By this time its around 8:30 and I am totally fried... still in my pajamas, and getting ready to clean everything else...
SO... the time on my own in the mornings sounds great... waking up earlier than everyone... yeah... I should try that!! because, staying in my pajamas all day unless I HAVE to leave the house is getting boring and kind of annoying!!
Loriann says
I would also include some form of exercise in the list. 🙂
Renee says
Great tips thanks! Will give them a go and stick to them. I think once I break my current routine of staying up late and waking tired, I'll be off to a flying start!
Debs says
I am an older mommy, but I am just one big stress ball most of the time due to my worrying about my daughter, therefore, I am definitely going to give that oil massage a try. I absolutely love coconut oil!
Debs says
Question: Ok, I did the oil massage. The hair part how do you do it where one rubs oil in the scalp and hair what do you use to wash it out, just plain water?
Birute Efe says
Debs, I am glad you tried the coconut oil. First of all I only apply coconut oil to my hair and scalp once a week or so and I keep it in for at least few hours (sometimes overnight). Then I wash it out with regular shampoo I use. And I wash it twice to make sure all that oil is out. You will love your smooth and shiny hair afterwards I promise. Let me know how it turned out for you.
Debs says
Hello, I have been incorporating Vita's routine into the oil massage, therefore, to get the coconut oil out of my hair I used her no poo method with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I applied the warm water and baking soda to my scalp and hair and wrapped a warm towel around it and let it sit for about ten minutes then I rinsed it out and put the apple cider vinegar rinse and my hair was soft, full of bounce and shine. So much so I went into Ulta yesterday looking for a brush for skin brushing and a washing mitten and these women came up to me and said "oh my gosh! you have such beautiful hair! what do you use?" I shared reluctantly, but I thought about helping others, and told them what I had done. They couldn't believe it! But I love the massage so much I have ordered an extra jar of coconut oil as this is habit forming haha...
Birute Efe says
Debs, I actually do occasional baking soda and apple cider vinegar wash too. I love it. It's just a matter of getting used to not to have "bubbly and soapy" feeling on your hair when you wash it. But the results are pretty good. I totally agree!
Christina says
Great ideas- thanks for sharing. I agree that getting up before the kids and taking care of your self is the absolute key. For me that includes exercising and having a shower before the kids are up. Also, getting as much ready the night before as possible.
Kara @ ALLterNATIVElearning says
I SO wish I could wake up before the kids, but bed sharing just doesn't allow that anymore with my curious toddler 😉 BUT it used to be my oasis and retreat to have the morning to myself.
Birute Efe says
I hear you, Kara. I have a curious toddler who shares bed with us too. So not all mornings I have been lucky to sneak out.
Rachael says
Id love to get up before my little one, but he rises at 4:45 - 5am EVERY SINGLE DAY Yaaaaawwwnnn!!! Hubby and I go to bed at 10pm just to get our 8 hours of sleep in before he gets up for work, so when the boy rises he reads/plays in his own room until the alarm goes off. The chances of me getting up before him would mean that I wouldn't get enough sleep to even function let alone be chirpy. Il be keeping this in mind when he's a teenager and will want to sleep till lunch though haha x
Samantha says
I want to start this routine just unsure how?? I have a 4 month old who wakes up ever 2 hours. My 5 and 7 year old sleep till 5am but with the baby this routine seems impossible. Any suggestions?
Birute Efe says
Samantha, unfortunately I have no advice for mom with a newborn whose sleeping schedule is still not set. At this time - your best bet is to sleep when baby is sleeping. But the good news is that in few months (maybe even sooner) the baby will start sleeping through the night and you will be able to have enough sleep and wake up before everybody. https://playtivities.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form
Kelly says
Thank you for this. I was always a working mom, now I'm at home. My oldest is 18, but I'm home with my 4 year old son, and almost 2 week old daughter. I definitely needed to see this. Learning how to just be sy home is hard when working is what you know!
Birute Efe says
Kelly, I know exactly what you talking about. Sometimes it seems that working was easier than staying at home with kids. The important to still have schedule, routine and treat it as a real job, which sure is. A better one, but not necessarily easier one.