Hey there, mama!
Mornings can be a whirlwind of chaos, especially when you’re a wearing your superwoman mask and juggling multiple roles. But we’ve got your back with some tried-and-true tips to help you kick-start your day like a mom boss.
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In this blog post, we’re dishing out five quick and actionable strategies that will set you up for success as you embrace your motherhood reality and tackle the day. Get ready to conquer mom life, one morning at a time!
So, grab your favorite mug of steaming coffee (and water… but we’ll get to that), and let’s dive into these game-changing mom hacks to start your day off right.
Trust me, you’ve got this!
1. Wake Up Early
I have a love-hate relationship with this mom tip. But on those days that I successfully wake up before my baby, I never regret it.
Waking up and immediately having to attend to the needs of another (adorable, yet needy) human is not the most relaxing way to start your day.
Even if it is only 10-20 minutes, try waking up before your kids for a week! You could take that time to shower, get dressed, and do your hair and makeup (maybe even treat yourself to some Grow Gorgeous hair products). Feeling put together can boost your confidence and help you tackle the day. n
Or you could use that time to tackle the rest of the list below! Even if you spend those few minutes sitting at the table with a glass of water and a cup of coffee scrolling through social media… having that morning quiet time for yourself is valuable and underrated.
2. Hydrate
Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
It kick-starts your metabolism and helps you feel more awake. YES… this means before your morning coffee. Here are some of the benefits of hydrating first thing in the morning:
- Replenishes Dehydration: Your body is typically dehydrated after a night of sleep. Drinking water right when you wake up helps replenish the water levels in your body, keeping you hydrated and improving overall bodily functions.
- Boosts Metabolism: Hydrating in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism. It activates thermogenesis which is a fancy word for when your body generates heat and burns calories. This can actually help you maintain a healthy weight!
- Gives You Supermom Brain: Hydration is crucial in maintaining optimal brain function. Drinking water in the morning improves cognitive performance, concentration, and alertness, helping you start your day with mental clarity – something all moms can use more of!
- Aids Digestion: Drinking water on an empty stomach can stimulate the production of digestive juices and help regulate bowel movements, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- Supports Detoxification: Hydration helps to eliminate waste and toxins from your body. Drinking water in the morning helps flush out toxins, cleanses your system, and supports overall detoxification processes. You don’t need to do a fancy detox diet; just get in a good habit of drinking water when you wake up each day.
- Promotes Healthy Skin: Proper hydration contributes to healthy and radiant skin. Hydrating in the morning moisturizes your skin from within, improving its elasticity and reducing the appearance of dryness and wrinkles. (Check out our article on pregnancy skin care products!)
- Boosts Energy Levels: Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy. Hydrating right when you wake up gives your body the necessary fluids to replenish energy levels!
- Improves Mood and Emotional Health: Dehydration can negatively impact your mood and cognitive function. Hydrating in the morning can help uplift your mood, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall emotional health and stability. This is especially important during pregnancy and in the fourth trimester.
If you’re feeling wildly ambitious, you can even throw in some simple stretches or exercises to wake up your body, boost your energy, and increase blood circulation. You can check out this Yoga Burn program if you need a little motivation to get moving.
But really, focus on hydration.
3. Plan for Some Mom Self Care Quiet Time
Carve out a few moments in the morning for some quiet “mom time.” Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in peace (after your water, of course), reading a book or devotional, listening to your favorite podcast, journaling, planning out your mom morning routine, or spending a few minutes doing a hobby you love, this time helps you recharge and set a positive tone for the day.
[Related Post: Embracing your Identity Beyond Motherhood – A Christian Perspective]
[Related Post: Managing Mom Guilt and Self-Care]
4. Review Your Daily Schedule and Prioritize
Take a quick look at your calendar for the day so you are mentally prepared. Then prioritize! Is there something that needs to be done today? When are you going to get it done? Are there any tasks or events that you can postpone to another day?
This will help you stay organized and focused and eliminate some of the chaos so you can focus on enjoying motherhood.
[Related Post: Working Moms: Balancing Work and Motherhood Without Feeling Overwhelmed]
And don’t forget to set realistic expectations! Not everything will go perfectly every day. Set realistic expectations for yourself and let go of the need for perfection. Embrace flexibility and adaptability to the best of your ability (I know this can be tough for my fellow Type-A moms) so you can focus your energy on those priorities rather than stressing over perfection.n
Here are some tips for setting a daily schedule and prioritizing your day:
- Make a to-do list: Write down tasks, appointments, and commitments for the day to clearly overview what needs to be accomplished.
- Prioritize tasks: Determine the most important and urgent tasks (or ones with a time constraint… like picking your kids up from school at 3pm) that need your attention and focus on those first.
- Set realistic goals: Be mindful of your time and capabilities. Set achievable goals for the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
- Plan themed activity blocks: Designate specific time periods for focused activities with your children, such as reading, crafts, or outdoor play. This helps create structure and ensures quality time together.
- Organize chore routines: Establish a schedule for household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, or meal preparation. Allocate specific days or time slots for different tasks to maintain order and make the most of your time.
- Engage kids in age-appropriate tasks: Involve your children in age-appropriate chores or activities. This teaches them responsibility and allows you to accomplish tasks while spending quality time together.
- Plan outings and playdates: Set aside specific days or times to go on outings with your children or arrange playdates with other moms and their kids. This helps create social interactions and breaks up the routine.
- Establish a routine for meal planning: Dedicate a specific time each week to plan meals, create shopping lists, and prepare for cooking. This saves time and reduces stress when it comes to mealtime preparations.
- Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, a quick workout, or a few minutes of meditation, prioritize activities that promote your physical and mental well-being.
- Allow buffer time: Account for unexpected interruptions or delays by leaving some buffer time between tasks or appointments.
- Learn to say no: Prioritize your own needs and avoid overcommitting yourself. It’s okay to politely decline or delegate tasks that are not essential or align with your priorities. If you haven’t already, be sure to read our article on Setting Boundaries and Overcoming Mom Burnout.
- Review and adjust: Regularly review your schedule and make adjustments as needed. Recognize that flexibility is key as a stay-at-home mom and be open to adapting your routine to meet the changing needs of your family.
[Related Post: How to Be a Stay at Home Mom]
5. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
It’s so easy to forget about your own health when you have a chaotic house to run each morning. Maybe you’ve got three different breakfasts to prepare, a baby to nurse, kids to get ready for school, lunches to pack, or pets to take care of (This is why tip #1 is so valuable!)
But your health matters too, mama! Your family needs a healthy mom, not a supermom. Plus, when your kids see that mom prioritizes her health, they know it must be important! Kids learn by example… so take the time to set a good one when it comes to a healthy breakfast.
Aim for a balanced meal with protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. A nourishing breakfast gives you the energy to take on the day’s challenges. Fresh fruit is easy to keep in the house, and there are so many options! And you can get protein from eggs, a protein shake, yogurt, or nut butters!
Here are three balanced breakfast ideas:
Menu 1: Yogurt Parfait
- Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries).
- Add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Drizzle honey or a dollop of nut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Menu 2: Veggie Omelet
- Whisk together two eggs with a splash of milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté a mix of your favorite veggies (such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and onions) in a non-stick pan until tender.
- Pour the egg mixture over the veggies and cook until set.
- Serve with a side of whole grain toast or a small portion of cooked quinoa for additional fiber and complex carbs.
Menu 3: Overnight Chia Pudding
- In a jar, combine 1/4 cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and flavorings such as vanilla extract, chocolate, dates or cinnamon
- Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, top the chia pudding with sliced fruits (such as bananas, mangoes, or peaches) and a sprinkle of your favorite nuts or seeds for added texture and healthy fats.
If all 5 of these tips seem overwhelming, just pick one and try it out for a week! And be sure to come back and let us know what you think in the comments!
Jess
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment) says
Great post. Important suggestions that will be beneficial when starting your day. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com