As the sun slowly rose, casting a warm glow over the room, not all of us were ready to jump out of bed with energy and enthusiasm. Some struggled to find the right routine to start their day off on the right foot. But for me, implementing this simple morning routine checklist has been a game-changer for several years now.
As a busy mom, mornings can often feel like a whirlwind, trying to get yourself ready while also getting the kids ready and tackling everything on your to-do list can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
We have all experienced the frustration of constantly playing catch-up, feeling behind schedule from the moment we wake up. But it’s time to break free from that chaos and create a smoother morning routine that works for you.
That’s where my simple morning routine checklist comes in. It helps prioritize tasks, streamline the morning process, and most importantly make time for yourself before starting your day. Trust me, it makes all the difference in conquering your mornings and taking control of your day.
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Bid farewell to the chaotic rush of mornings and welcome a peaceful, productive beginning to your day with my essential morning routine checklist.
Do you yearn for a fresh burst of energy and drive in the early hours? If so, it’s time to revamp your morning routine and incorporate some basic yet powerful habits that will ignite your day.
Having a structured morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day, keeping you on track and inspired. So let’s create a checklist filled with simple yet effective tasks to jumpstart your day and stay focused all day long.
In this blog post, I will share a simple and easy-to-follow checklist that will help you build a morning routine that works for you.
- Plan Your Day With This Genius Morning Routine Checklist
- Wake up before the kids.
- Stretch and exercise.
- Turn your coffee machine on.
- Make your bed.
- Head to the bathroom.
- Journal with your coffee.
- Fill up your water bottle.
- Empty your dishwasher.
- Turn on your washing machine.
- Eat a good breakfast.
#1 Start Getting Up Earlier Than The Kids
The soft glow of the sun peeks through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. The key to a productive morning routine is waking up early. Set your alarm to go off before the kids get a chance to wake up and give yourself an hour alone in the morning. This time is crucial for establishing a sense of calmness and mental preparedness necessary to tackle your day.
But let’s be realistic, life happens and sometimes getting an hour alone isn’t feasible. Maybe you were up all night with a sick child or have other obligations that require your attention. Don’t worry, even just 30 minutes or 15 minutes can make a difference. Any time you can give yourself in the morning will greatly benefit you.
Mornings are ideal for working on your goals or just having some much-needed alone time. You may think, “There’s no way I can get up any earlier than I already do!” But trust me, I used to say the same thing. I never had a chance to wake up gradually – it was full speed ahead! And it left me feeling stressed and irritated, not a good way to start my day.
That’s when I started setting my alarm a little earlier, giving myself time for a cup of tea and some quiet reflection before starting my day. It quickly became something I looked forward to and I gradually started waking up even earlier. Eventually, 5am became my norm.
My son is an early riser, so sometimes he would be up at 6am, which worked out well for me as it gave me an extra hour of solitude. It took some time for this new habit to become routine, but now I would consider myself a morning person. In fact, I’m usually up at 5am most days, even when I don’t have to be.
Having this extra time in the morning has made such a positive impact on my life and I encourage you to give it a try. It doesn’t have to be 5am, maybe for you it’s 6:30 or even just 15 minutes earlier than your usual wake-up time. Trust me, it will make a difference.
#2 Stretch and Exercise
Don’t feel pressured to jump out of bed and go for a grueling 5 mile run at the crack of dawn – that might not be your cup of tea. Sometimes, simply getting out of bed is enough of an exercise in itself, am I right? But instead of lingering under the covers, try incorporating some gentle stretches or movements as soon as you wake up. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout, just get your body moving and energized. Not only will it benefit your physical health, but it can also clear your mind, improve your mood, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 30 minutes, this simple morning routine can make all the difference.
#3 Turn Your Coffee Machine On
For many of us, coffee is the fuel that gets us through the morning. The first item on my checklist for a successful start to the day is to turn on the trusty coffee machine. Whether your preference is a classic drip coffee maker, a French press, or a convenient single-serve machine, it’s important to have it all set up and ready to go the night before. That way, in the chaos of the morning rush, all you have to do is press a button and let the magic happen while you take care of other tasks.
Personally, I prefer to start my day with a comforting cup of tea. And just like with the coffee pot, I make sure to set up my teapot and tea leaves the night before so that I can simply flip a switch and wake up to a steaming cup of tea. This gives me peace of mind knowing that even if something goes wrong in the morning – like my alarm not going off – I can still count on my trusty tea to be there for me. I even leave a clean cup beside the pot in the evening, ensuring that no matter what obstacles may arise in the morning, I will always have my much-needed cup of tea by my side. Because for me, facing the world without my beloved tea simply isn’t an option.
#4 Make Your Bed
As the sun begins to peek through your bedroom window, the first thing you should do is make your bed. The crisp sheets and fluffy pillows beckon for a morning cuddle, but before you surrender to their comfort, take a moment to smooth out the wrinkles and fluff the pillows into place.
The simple act of making your bed may seem trivial, but it sets the tone for an incredible day ahead. Walking into a tidy room at night will bring a smile to your face, knowing that you have already accomplished one task before even leaving the house.
And let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day to a messy bed that needs to be made before you can climb in. By taking care of it in the morning, you can come back to a serene and inviting space.
Not only does making your bed bring a sense of accomplishment and control over your living space, but it also has ripple effects throughout the day. A tidy home can give you the motivation and momentum to tackle more tasks, leaving you feeling like a boss.
So don’t underestimate the power of making your bed. It may seem like just another chore, but it holds the key to a more productive and peaceful day. Plus, who doesn’t love snuggling up in a perfectly made bed at night? It’s the ultimate reward for starting your day off right.
#5 Head to the Bathroom!
As the morning light filters through the bathroom window, you take a moment for yourself. The cool tiles beneath your feet invigorate your senses as you stand in front of the mirror, ready to start your day. A quick splash of cold water on your face awakens your mind and refreshes your skin. You carefully select your outfit for the day, taking into consideration the tasks that lay ahead. Feeling fresh and prepared, you head out of the bathroom, ready to take on whatever challenges may come your way. And don’t forget, before you leave, make sure to wipe down the bathroom sink, leaving it spotless and ready for bedtime later on. This small daily ritual sets the tone for a productive and successful day ahead.
#6 Journal With Your Coffee
If you’re searching for a method to declutter your mind and center your thoughts, consider starting your day with journaling. As the sun trickles through the window, grab a crisp notebook and a smooth pen, find a cozy spot with your cup of coffee, and allow yourself to pour your goals, priorities, and worries onto the page. This soothing routine can provide a sense of clarity and readiness for whatever the day may bring.
However, if you find relaxation in sipping on a steaming mug while indulging in your favorite TV show for 15 minutes – by all means, indulge away! Give yourself the space and time to unwind before tackling the day ahead.
#7 Fill Up Your Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the morning. As you awaken from a restful night’s sleep, your body craves water to kickstart your metabolism and give you the energy you need to conquer the day ahead. Make it a habit to keep a tall glass of water by your bedside and make sure to drink it first thing in the morning. Your body will thank you for this nourishing ritual.
If you happen to forget, take a moment in the morning (before the hustle and bustle of the day begins) to fill up your trusty water cup. Throughout the day, always have it within reach so you can easily sip on water whenever you need to. Personally, I love using this insulated cup that keeps my water refreshingly cold all day long (I snagged mine while it was on sale). Alternatively, this transparent cup is also fantastic as it allows you to track exactly how much water you’ve consumed.
Amidst our busy lives, it’s easy for hydration to slip our minds. By making these simple adjustments, we can ensure that our bodies stay properly nourished throughout the day. Let’s prioritize hydration and show our bodies the love they deserve!
#8 Empty the Dishwasher
Start your day off on the right foot by completing a simple yet impactful task: emptying your dishwasher. As the first rays of sunlight peek through your kitchen window, take a few moments to unload the clean dishes before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Trust me, this small act of organization will set the tone for a smoothly running kitchen throughout the day.
Don’t hesitate to delegate this task to your older children if they are capable. My 13-year-old daughter takes on this responsibility every morning, even putting away any stray dishes left out from the night before. This has been a game-changer for me and my mornings feel much calmer as a result.
And if you don’t have any helpers available, don’t fret – it only takes a few minutes to complete yourself. You can use this time to catch up on your favorite TV show, listen to some music or a podcast, or simply enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the morning.
Even younger children can lend a hand in this chore by helping with their own utensils and bowls – no need to worry about delicate glassware.
Incorporating this quick task into your morning routine can make a significant difference in how smoothly your day flows. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ve got this!
#9 Press Start On Your Washing Machine
Imagine this: the sky is dark, and a sense of calmness fills the air. It’s late at night, but you’re already preparing for the next day. You gather up a pile of clothes from your bedroom floor and toss them into the washing machine, along with some fresh-scented detergent. The machine hums to life as it begins to clean your garments, and you can’t help but feel relieved that this chore will be taken care of in no time.
But wait, it gets even better. When you wake up in the morning, all you have to do is press that “Start” button, and your trusty machine will do the rest while you attend to your little ones. It’s like having your own personal assistant!
And here’s the best part: while your kids are happily eating breakfast, you can effortlessly transfer the now-clean clothes into the dryer. No need to worry about hanging them on a line or waiting for them to air dry, just pop them in the dryer and let it do its magic.
With these laundry tips, your mornings will become more peaceful and stress-free. Say goodbye to chaotic mornings filled with endless laundry tasks – today, your laundry practically takes care of itself. So go ahead, sit back and enjoy a chaos-free morning!
#10 Eat a Good Breakfast
As a devoted mother, it is imperative to never skip breakfast. This crucial meal provides the necessary nourishment for the day ahead, supplying the energy and mental focus needed to conquer the morning’s tasks. It is vital to make it a habit to consume whole foods rich in protein and fiber, empowering your body to function at its best.
Imagine indulging in delectable options like creamy oatmeal, refreshing smoothies, or a satisfying egg and toast combination. These nutritious meals can be prepared ahead of time, perhaps on a laidback Sunday with your husband home and some alone time to spare.
There are endless delicious choices available that leave you feeling both satisfied and fabulous. Personally, my choice for an ideal breakfast is a lazy sandwich made with eggs and melted cheese atop crispy toast, or a bowl of granola and yogurt for a guilt-free treat!
So go ahead and treat yourself, dear mama! Starting the day off with something you love and deserve sets you up for success.
Furthermore, take time to mindfully enjoy your breakfast without any technological distractions. If you have completed all the above steps, relish in breakfast with your little ones by your side.
Establishing a morning routine is an effective way to jumpstart your day and enhance overall productivity. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine checklist and tailor it to fit your unique lifestyle and needs. Start with simple habits that can evolve into a routine that works seamlessly for you. Above all, stick to it and turn it into a habitual act. A little self-care in the morning goes a long way towards making each day better!
Always keep in mind that finding what works best for you and your family is of utmost importance. Don’t shy away from trying new things and making adjustments until you discover a routine that truly brings out the best in you. And above all, remember to be gentle with yourself. Being a mother is no easy task, but you are doing an incredible job! Your dedication and love shine through every day as you juggle the many responsibilities of motherhood. So take a moment to appreciate all that you do, and know that you are making a positive impact on your family’s life each and every day.