Blog

Sleep deprivation is one of the common problems that a lot of moms face. Between work, household chores, and taking care of their kids, most moms clock in less than the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep.  

As a result, waking up in the morning can be particularly torturous. For moms like you who can’t wake up early, following a consistent routine can do wonders. 

Here is a simple, but really effective, 6-step morning routine that will help you feel different about getting out of bed.

A crucial preparatory step you need to do is to get an alarm clock that isn’t your phone. A mobile phone offers a wealth of distractions that can prevent you from accomplishing your morning routine. It can be tempting for you to stay in bed and tinker with your phone, instead of getting up and ready for the day. 

If possible, find an alarm clock that does not have the snooze button. A snooze button encourages procrastination. You are effectively telling your body that it is okay to lack the discipline to wake up early.

Coffee is a no-brainer. A ton of caffeine will jumpstart your day, especially in the first few days of practicing this routine, when you are still adjusting your internal clock.  

If you are wondering which coffee works best for your personal routine, check out the Tradecraft's guide to coffee from around the world. It offers caffeine options to choose from, that can help you feel more awake and ready for the day’s challenges.

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day, especially for your kids. They need to have nutritious food that will give them the energy to stay focused in school. If you are pressed for time, try out some delicious and healthy breakfast smoothies that are quite easy to make.

Exercise so that you can get your blood flowing. It will also provide you with the energy you need for the rest of the day. It can be as simple as taking your dog out for a walk, or it can also include strength-building workouts such as lunges or squats. If possible, exercise outside in natural light since this helps you become more alert, motivated, and energetic.

Meditation is an effective way to release your stress, clear your mind, and find a better sense of direction for your day. It is definitely not a coincidence that meditation is also one of the recommended steps in the morning routine for highly successful people. 

Showering in the morning, especially with cold water, offers numerous benefits. It helps improve overall blood flow. It also serves as a zeitgeber, or an external indicator that lets your brain know that it’s time to start your day. 

Getting your child to observe a morning route helps them develop good habits. Just make sure that this would not clash with the routine that you made for yourself. Always build in time for yourself and some window for worst-case scenarios, such as tantrums or spills.

Some moms recommend asking them to stay in their room until their alarm clock lights up. This would give you some time for yourself before you need to attend to their needs. 

If you still find it hard to get out bed even after following the first five steps, motivate yourself by reminding yourself of your personal goals. Remember that waking up early does not have to be a punishment. Instead, think of it as a means to an end. Essentially, you need to think of waking up early as a way for you to get things done.

Focusing on your goals and what you wish to accomplish for the day will help you deal better with even the roughest of mornings.

A morning routine is vital for those who want to have a productive day. However, change is not something that can be done overnight. It will be too overwhelming to change your entire lifestyle in a single day.

Instead, try one step at a time and work your way up to the rest. One small change can make a big difference. If one step in this routine does not work out for you, don’t worry. You can always start experimenting and looking for other steps that work best for your particular situation.