The Struggle Is Real
I get you! The idea of adding literally anything else to your already running list of to-dos feels utterly exhausting, maybe even impossible. Managing your household tasks, kids, and other odds and ends makes you want to collapse in a heap by bedtime!
The mental and physical load is so real for moms this day and age (like I’ve lived 100 years already) which can make carving out time for a morning routine feel out of reach.
I’m here to tell you that it’s not! Morning routines don’t have to be this complicated or time-consuming task. Prioritizing small changes - micro habits - can lead to real results without a huge energy investment. What if I told you that you don’t need hours or a perfectly planned out morning routine? You just need a few minutes and some micro-habits!
Why a Morning Routine is Worth the Small Effort
Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day. If you start frazzled, the chaos snowballs as soon as your feet hit the ground (that was me!). But if you start with just a moment of peace - I’m talking 10 minutes - it can make everything feel a little lighter.
I could go on and on about the benefits of a morning routine but here are a few I have highlighted for you:
- Gives you a fresh start
- Shifts your mindset
- Boosts your energy
- Improves mental clarity
- Shows self care and respect
- Sets the tone for your day
- Is the catalyst to positive change
- Builds your confidence
- Encourages mindfulness
- Puts you back in control
Imagine having all of this! No more feeling behind or so groggy as you try to catch up with the kids (they woke up before you, remember?). I’m telling you, even 5 minutes can give this to you. I’ve seen it firsthand - even on the days that I wake up way later than my alarm goes off. When I take a few minutes for myself in the morning everything from breakfast chaos to toddler tantrums feels a little easier.
The Power of Micro-Habits: Start Small, Feel Big
Micro-habits are small, manageable changes that don’t require much time or energy but can lead to big results over time. I’m not talking about revamping your entire morning - I’m talking about those tiny actions that take almost no time but help you feel more grounded.
Simple examples:
- Take 2 minutes to drink a glass of water in silence, completely by yourself
- Stretch or deep breathing for 5 minutes (set a timer)
- Enjoying a cup of hot coffee while you read your bible or book
- Washing your face and getting dressed for the day (maybe a little makeup if you’re feeling up for it)
It really isn’t about the length of time - it’s about the intentionality behind the small actions.
I know as a high achiever you’re probably thinking but, Autumn, that’s not enough. Your brain is telling you “go big or go home.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Giving yourself some monumental habit to tackle is just going to lead you down the road of disappointment. James Clear outlines 4 steps to making a habit stick: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying (in his book Atomic Habits). These are proven steps backed by science to guide you in solidifying that habit. It doesn’t have to be grand. These small habits can actually lead to bigger, sustainable changes down the line without the burn out.
Overcoming the Mental Hurdles
There are going to be constant voices in your head telling you that you can’t do this; a morning routine is just not for you. But let’s be real for a minute - I can’t say you’re going to like this…motherhood is hard.
Before deciding to take the journey of transformation, I would constantly find myself blaming my kids for my bad habits or the state of my life. This mindset is a fast track to misery in motherhood. Blaming your unhappiness on external things or circumstances will never serve you or help you. If you are feeling this way it’s time to take responsibility. You’re going to find that it’s easy to blame your problems on things outside of yourself. However, there is no way to control those factors. There’s no way to know when your toddler will throw a tantrum, or when your spouse will be home after working late, or if your kiddo gets sick in the middle of the night. BUT you can control you and what you take ownership of. Shifting from the mindset of the victim to the empowered mom that you are is essential.
So how can you do this?
- This is an obvious one since I mentioned it above but here it is anyways - take responsibility
- Forgive yourself and others
- Practice self compassion
- Challenge negative thoughts - use this technique I just learned called the Three C’s (catch it, check it, change it)
- Develop empathy
- Practice gratitude
- Identify personal goals and work towards them
- Say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals
There are plenty of other ways to shift your mindset but these are some great places to start. Don’t overthink this part but look for times in your day where you are playing the victim and ask yourself, what can I do now?
Small Changes = Big Impact
Don’t let social media make you think that you need a picture-perfect morning routine to see the benefits. I don’t think I ever have the same exact morning routine at this point in my life. I have a preschooler, a toddler, and another baby on the way in a few months and my life is not predictable. My sleep is even less. However, I have a general idea of what fills my cup in the mornings and I work to do those things before my kids get up. Sometimes it’s only coffee and my bible study, other times it's coffee, bible study, light reading, journaling, and 30 minutes of work.
I’m cheering you on, friend! You’re on a journey to a more purposeful and productive motherhood! Try to implement just ONE small morning micro-habit for a week - see where it takes you. Be honest with yourself on what is holding you back. You’re doing an incredible job. Start small, be kind to yourself, and know that those tiny wins really do add up over time.
Feeling like you need help kick-starting your morning routine or maybe you want to have better nights so you can wake up ready to jump into that morning routine? I have two resources for you (click below):
Need some book ideas? Find my Summer 2024 Reading List here!
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