During these unpredictable times, I would like to know what in your life has remained predictable? If the answer is absolutely nothing, I totally get it. I’ve been hearing various stories from mothers of all walks of life, and the ongoing consensus is that the day to day is characterized by spontaneous challenges and unpredictability.
This feeling of uncertainty can have a tremendous impact on your health and well being. Not knowing what will come next can feel like a mouse in a maze looking for a piece of cheese that doesn’t exist. (Trust me, I tried to think of an alternative analogy, but this is the best that I could come up with.)
One place I personally have found a sense of stability in, however, is my morning routine. It’s was consistent before I became a mother, during my pregnancy, and I’ve been trying to stay as consistent as possible since. I can attest that the sleepless nights have given my morning starts a big update. Before, I knew that my start time would be at 7:15 am. That time was so consistent for so long that I didn’t need my alarm to wake me up. Now I have a new alarm: I wake up to a new “sun” (son). Now I have a range, waking up between 5:45 am-7:00 am every day. Of course, my new alarm also works on the weekends, and whereas I might have enjoyed some sleeping in before, I am now guaranteed to wake up before 7:15 am. But I digress…
Although my morning routine has been updated, it has been mostly consistent, primarily because I value the different parts of my routine so much and get so much out of them. Below are 10 things that are a must for me. Not all of them will be right for you, but I can personally attest that things like committing to drinking water, writing down 5 things I’m grateful for, and walking every day bring me comfort and joy and give me the boost that gives me the energy I need to go about my day.
1 – Drink Water!
2 – Drink – Lemon, Ginger, Honey & Apple Cider Vinegar.
3 – 5-year Question & Answer Mom’s Journal
4 – Focus Planner Journal – write down 5 things I’m grateful for in journal
5 – Focus Planner – set Goals for the day book
6 – Feed my son
7 – Eat an apple.
8 – Workout – jump rope 2 minutes.
9 – Workout – run, walk, jog – 4 miles on the bayou.
10 – Shower, eat oatmeal with lots of fruit, nuts, and hemp hearts…start my workday
The above list of 10 items can appear to be a bit overwhelming, but choosing at least one item can result in adding perhaps two or three items to your morning routine before the end of the year. The goal of this article is not to add one more thing to your plate, but maybe to consider taking away some items that do not bring you joy. An additional goal could be to consider listing out your morning routine and updating it according to what works for you and what works for your family. I look forward to hearing all about your morning routine, leave in the comments below.
