It goes against our very nature as women and moms to take care of ourselves. To take this a step further, we would never think to take care of ourselves first.
Beginning your morning routine with something you enjoy is a great way to build a long-lasting habit. I believe these four habits make for a more relaxed, happy, and productive mom.
Nourish Your Soul
In the morning, before others wake and before work, take time for prayer, meditation, and silence. In the quietness of these moments, you can reflect on your blessings, seek guidance on your day, and leave room to hear answers. If you have time, you can also read a short Bible passage or chapter from a devotional or book. {15-30 minutes}
Nourish Your Body
Although I don’t typically wake with an appetite, I can tolerate something warm like a pastry, muffin, or croissant with my morning coffee. Drinking coffee has been a part of my morning routine for over 11 years. I’m so thankful that even as a diabetic, I can still enjoy it with sugar-free coffee creamer and an artificial sweetener.
My goal is to begin waking up 30-40 minutes earlier to make time for a one-mile walk on the rural road I live on. First, I need to master getting to bed on time. {15-45 minutes}
Nourish Your Confidence
How often do you help the kids get dressed, complete with hats, scarves, earrings, or belts? Every day I bet! Yet, I can’t tell you the last time I made sure I had earrings along with other accessories like a necklace, bracelet, or scarf. Honestly, I get them dressed first and scramble to get ready in the time that’s left. {10 minutes}
Nourish Your Success
Plan what you want to accomplish during the day. I love that one of the features of my phone is the Briefing Alarm. Not only does the alarm wake me, but it also announces the day’s weather, the day’s appointments in my calendar, and a few breaking news stories. In the past, I have worked on this blog for about an hour before leaving home for work. The quiet moments of the morning are prime time for any creative or productive work. {10 minutes}
Building a habitual early morning routine, will give you more time, energy, and productivity. This may be the best way to set yourself up for a productive day, in under an hour.
For More Ideas on How Mom Can Take Care of Herself:
::How to Avoid Working Mom Guilt
::How to Be a Working Mom and Go To School
:: What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed & The Key to Getting Everything Done
::Take Some ‘Me Time’ without Sacrificing ‘Mom’ Time
:: Shortcuts to Finding Time for Yourself
::Practical (and Pretty!) Fashion for Working Moms
What do your mornings look like? Do they give you a more enjoyable kick start to the day?
Read other posts in the 31 Days to Make Being a Working Mom Easier series.
i need to be more confident each day. I hold of on phone calls and emails all the time.
Hi Melinda,
Just take baby steps. Success breeds success.
These are great tips. My solution to the accessorizing problem is to keep my necklaces in my desk drawer at work. I put one on when I arrive and take it off when I leave. Not only is it one less thing to remember before leaving the house, but it keeps my baby from breaking the necklace by yanking on it!