How we start our morning usually sets the tone for what the rest of the day will look like. If we wake up late, rush like crazy to get everyone ready to get out of the door, we’re already starting our day exhausted, stressed and with increased blood pressure!
Our morning routine can make us better mums
Having a peaceful morning routine will set a calmer, healthier and more positive vibe for the whole day. By waking up before the kids, we take care of our own needs first before spending the rest of the day attending to others. And because we’ve prioritised our needs early in the morning, we’re better equipped to take care of our families.
There are lots of articles and books out there about the morning routine, its benefits and what it should look like. I like to keep it simple and love the routine that includes THREE simple rituals:
- Movement
- Meditation
- Mindset
Regardless of how much time you have in the morning, incorporating these 3 practices into your morning routine will help you start your day in a calm and mindful manner. You can do it even if you only have 5-10 minutes.
3 Practices to improve your morning routine
Move your body
We all know regular exercise is good for us. It feels great to start the day in an active and healthy way. If you only have a few minutes, do some stretches to loosen up and wake up your body. If you have more than a few minutes why not try going for a morning jog or walk or doing a quick workout at home. There is no right or wrong here. Whatever you do though, make sure it feels comfortable and right for you. You can start easy and work your way up to something more intense like HIIT (high intensity interval training). Regardless of what you choose to do, find your way to get your body moving in the morning.
Practise meditation
Start your day by practising meditation. Meditation helps you become more mindful, mentally and emotionally resilient, and energetic. It’s a way to find peace within, where a level of clarity is found when your mental chatter is decreased. If you haven’t done meditation before, it may seem like a practice that only Buddhist monks do or that you will need to spend hours doing to see any benefits. It’s not true. Numerous studies show the incredible benefits of meditation, even if it’s practised for a short time. To begin, start with 2-3 minutes a day to allow the release of stress, create greater peace of mind and increase feelings of self-love. Through the daily practice of meditation, you will establish greater calmness and stability, and notice you will have more time freed up throughout your day as you approach tasks with a clear head and focused state of mind.
Grow a positive mindset
Feed your mind with positive thoughts in the morning. As mums, we often feel like all we read is bedtime stories, school newsletters and recipe instructions. Allowing a little time in the morning to read something inspiring or to listen to an uplifting podcast or audio book will set the tone for your thoughts to be positive and optimistic. A positive mindset can transform your day. When we have a positive mindset we tend to focus on the bright side and approach challenges with a positive outlook. Other benefits of having a positive mindset include better overall health, better ability to cope with stress, and greater wellbeing.
Create your morning routine
As mums, we don’t get a lot of time to ourselves during the day. How we spend our mornings can have a huge impact on our lives. Waking up before the kids and having some alone time is essential to refill our cup so we can have the energy for our family and the day ahead. Try to include these THREE simple rituals in your morning routine: movement, meditation and mindset and start your day calmly and on your terms.
