Crafting a Morning Routine that Sticks
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, mornings can feel like a real struggle. I’ve tried again and again to pin down a solid morning routine, but I somehow always end up hitting snooze and scrambling around. Trust me, I’ve had more chaotic mornings than I’d like to admit, where getting the kids ready feels like the ultimate race against time.
With maternity leave wrapping up, I’ve been on a mission to understand why a morning routine matters—not just for me, but for my whole household. And guess what? It turns out that having a routine is more than just about organizing my day; it’s about setting a positive vibe for everyone at home.
Why a Morning Routine Matters
Everywhere I looked, I kept hearing the same thing: how you start your morning sets the tone for the whole day. I think I’d always known this deep down, but seeing it confirmed by experts really got me thinking.
When I rush through the morning, feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it isn’t just affecting me—it affects the kids too. They’ve got this radar for mom’s mood, and when I’m frazzled, it throws the whole house off balance.
I’ve come to see that a calm, intentional morning is more than just checking things off a list—it’s about helping me be a better mom, partner, and person. Starting the day with a sense of peace, instead of chaos, makes all the difference.
The Struggle is Real
Mornings have never really been my thing. Just thinking about becoming an early riser makes me want to crawl back under the covers. Here are a few hurdles I’ve faced:
- I love my sleep: Waking up early feels like a punishment after long nights with the kids.
- Overthinking it: I used to aim for the “perfect” morning routine—exercise, journaling, meditation, you name it—and then give up when I couldn’t do it all.
- Kid chaos: Even with a plan, the kids have their own schedule, and my routine would often go out the window.
Committing to Change
(For Real This Time)
After digging deeper, I’ve realized a morning routine doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to work for me. This week, I’m focusing on something that’s manageable and intentional. Even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet before the kids wake up, it’s a start. I’m taking baby steps and staying realistic because that’s the only way it’ll stick.
Here’s what I’ve learned from the experts:
1. Small Wins Make a Big Difference
I used to think I needed to overhaul my entire morning to make it worthwhile. But after reading advice from people like James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, I’ve learned that tiny habits can build huge momentum. Committing to one or two small changes is enough to get started.
2. Setting the Tone for Myself and My Household
When I start my morning calm and focused, the whole house feels more peaceful. Kids pick up on energy, and when I’m in control, they’re more likely to follow suit. Crafting a routine for myself is really about creating a routine that works for our family.
3. Getting My Body Moving is Key
I’ve always known that moving around boosts energy and mood, but I never prioritized it. Now I realize it’s about shaking off that grogginess. Health experts like Dr. Kelly McGonigal say even a few minutes of movement can shift how you feel for the rest of the day.
My New Morning Routine
(The Test Run)
Here’s what I’m trying out this week. It’s simple and doable because if I overdo it, I’ll just quit (been there, done that).
- 6:00 a.m. – Wake Up & Stretch.
- 6:10 a.m. – Morning Coffee & Reflection
- 6:20 a.m. – Get Ready & Prepare for the Day
- 6:30 a.m. – Wake the Kids & Start the Day
By the time the kids are up, I’ll hopefully be more grounded and ready for whatever comes our way.
Final Thoughts
Progress Over Perfection! I know every morning won’t be perfect—sometimes the kids will wake up early, or I’ll hit snooze a little too much. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Even small changes can set a positive tone for the day, and I’m excited to see how this new routine pans out for me and my family.
If you’ve faced similar struggles with starting a morning routine, remember it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, be kind to yourself, and know that even little changes can make a big difference.
What’s your morning routine like? Have any tips that work for you? I’d love to hear your experiences—share your thoughts in the comments!share your thoughts in the comments!
