The Morning Routine for Busy Moms that Changed My Life

If you’re a mom, you’re busy. It seems to go along with being a mom. We tend to assure that everyone’s world is turning as it should.
Even with moms who have hands-on support from their partners, most moms tend to carry the maternal mental load.
So a routine can dramatically improve your day as a busy mom.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom or a mom who works for herself or owns a business at home or outside the home – we all need a routine.
There was a time in my life where I had four young kids, owned the largest destination natural parenting education center and retail store in Southern California, ran the largest natural parenting and birthing expo, plus had a marriage and was primarily in charge of the kids.
Life was busy to say the least.
But it was this morning routine that gave me sanity.
If you have toddlers, you know the importance of routine for them. However, the need for a routine doesn’t stop as we become adults.
Just like nature has a rhythm and a cycle, so should you. It grounds you, allows you space to breathe, and calms your busy day.
At the end of the day, it’s essential for moms to be at ease. Your wellness matters.
As a busy mom of four, a business owner, and also a Certified Positive Parenting Educator, I will be focusing on giving you a routine that has the best results in giving you more peace and calm.
You’re doing amazing, and my desire is to give you more tools to do what you do best.

Why a Routine Matters for Busy Moms
For busy moms, finding enough time in the day for everything can feel like a constant struggle.
But creating a productive morning routine is a great way to take control.
It’s not just about getting a head start on the day though. The purpose of the routine I’ll discuss is to set the tone for a successful day for you and your family.
When you start your day right, you find you have more energy and focus, which lasts the entire day.
Think of your morning routine as the foundation of your daily schedule.
When you wake up, the first thing you should do is give yourself a moment of quiet time.
Maybe you’re an early riser, or perhaps you’re more of a night owl forced into early mornings by school days or work hours. Either way, taking even a little bit of time for yourself can go a long way.
A routine can be as simple as drinking a glass of water to hydrate your body after hours of sleep and consider doing a quick workout to awaken your senses.
Preparing for the next day the night before can also ease your morning stress.
Lay out workout clothes, fill up water bottles, and prep breakfast. This time management trick ensures you’re not wasting precious minutes in the morning looking for car keys or deciding what to wear.
A solid routine as a busy mom can impact greatly the mood that carries over into the rest of the day.
For kids, especially young kids or older kids, seeing their mom manage her time effectively teaches them important things about organization and responsibility.
A thoughtful morning routine for a busy mom can lead to a more productive and harmonious family life.
It’s all about making small adjustments to find what works best for your unique family dynamics.

7 Easy Steps to a Daily Productive Morning Routine for Busy Moms
Creating a productive morning routine is essential for busy moms who aim to optimize their day from the start.
Here are seven easy steps that can help streamline your mornings, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities each day brings.
1. Prepare the Night Before
To make mornings less stressful and more efficient, preparing the night before is key.
Laying out clothes, packing lunches, and setting out breakfast items are easy ways to streamline your morning, allowing for less time spent on decisions and more time for those self-care activities.
This evening routine might also include loading the washing machine or setting the coffee maker, so you’re greeted with fewer chores and a warm cup of coffee the next morning.
2. Wake Up Before the Kids
Becoming an early riser provides you with a peaceful head start to your day.
This quiet morning time is perfect for some alone time, whether it’s for meditation, planning your day, or simply enjoying a hot cup of coffee in silence.
It allows you to gather your thoughts and set your intentions without the distractions and demands of family life.
If you’re currently a night owl, consider shifting to becoming an early bird.
With intention, I was able to become one over the course of adjusting my wake-up time earlier and earlier until it allowed me to fall asleep easily at night. I was then able to wake up easily before the kids woke up.

3. Get Hydrated and Fueled
Beginning your day with a glass of water is a simple yet powerful way to kickstart your metabolism and hydrate your body after a night’s rest.
I suggest boiling up water in a kettle. Then take a glass and add a couple slices of lemon, followed by the boiled water, and then cold water, to create a detoxing vitamin C warm water drink.
Following up with a nutritious breakfast fuels your body and brain, giving you the energy needed to tackle your daily schedule.
Preparing a healthy meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming; meal prep and simple, nutritious options can save you a lot of time.
4. Do an Easy Mindful Movement
Incorporating some form of physical activity, whether it’s a quick workout, yoga, or a short walk, can significantly boost your mood and energy levels.
As a very busy mom of four, plus owning my own business, I opt for mindful movement in the morning through yoga at home. I then follow that with meditation.
Mindful movement first thing in the morning helps awaken your body and mind, preparing you for the productive day ahead.
Even small steps toward including exercise in your routine can go a long way in improving your overall well-being
5. Do a Gratitude Practice
Every new day offers a fresh start.
A simple yet effective morning routine begins with a gratitude practice.
Before the rush of the day begins, take a moment in the quiet of the early morning to list three things you’re grateful for.
This can be as simple as appreciating the quiet time before everyone else wakes up, the comfort of your living room where you can enjoy a few moments of peace or the health and well-being of your children.
Starting with gratitude shifts your focus to the positive, setting a great tone for the rest of the day.
As a firm believer in the power of a positive mindset, incorporating gratitude into your daily routine is the best way to ensure a good morning routine.
It doesn’t take much time; just a few minutes can make a big difference.
This practice is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, especially during the school year when mornings can feel particularly chaotic.
It’s a small change that goes a long way in making every new day feel like a fresh start.

6. Plan the Day
After your gratitude practice, the next step is to plan your day.
This means taking a look at your to-do list and appointments. It’s the best way to stay organized and ensures you have enough time for both work time and quality time with your family.
Planning helps avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed, which can often lead to chaotic mornings.
Use this time to decide what needs your attention first.
Whether you’re a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, understanding your daily routine and what you can realistically accomplish gives you a better start.
This could involve deciding when to fit in a morning workout when to do a load of laundry, or when to sit down and work if you have free time during work hours.
Remember, it’s about making small changes to your routine for better results.
7. Connect with the Kids
Morning time is also an ideal time for quality time with your kids.
Even if you’re not a natural morning person, spending a few minutes connecting with your children can set a positive tone for their entire day.
This could be as simple as making their own breakfast together, engaging positively with them as you make breakfast for them, reading a short book, or discussing what everyone is looking forward to that day.
These moments are the most important thing for your family’s emotional well-being and can make a significant impact on your children’s mood and outlook for the school year.
It’s also a great time to teach them about gratitude or help them plan their day. For kids, knowing that they have a moment in the morning with their mom can make all the difference in how their day unfolds.
By incorporating these steps into your morning routine, you not only give yourself a productive start to the day but also nurture your family’s well-being.
Gratitude, planning, and connection are key components of a morning routine for busy moms who want to ensure a great day for themselves and their loved ones.

Your Self-Care as a Busy Mom is Foundation
Incorporating a self-care activity into your morning routine is essential for any busy mom looking to nurture herself before diving into the day’s responsibilities.
Whether it’s a skincare routine, applying essential oils, or a quick meditation session, these moments of self-care set the tone for a day filled with self-compassion and mindfulness.
This practice is especially important if you’re a new mom and during the first week back to work after maternity leave, or any first time you find your routine changing significantly.
It’s about carving out a start of the day that’s dedicated to your well-being, ensuring you feel refreshed and ready to face whatever comes your way.
A morning routine that includes self-care can dramatically improve your work-life balance, offering a fresh start each new day.
I find that the best time for self-care is in the morning when the house is quiet, and you can focus on yourself without interruptions.
Choose the best time of the day for yourself to be able to add your self-care.

Busy Mom Morning Routine (Supplies Checklist)
I find that having what I need at home, allows me to be more consistent with a routine. So, here is a list of supplies you may want to have available.
Nutritious Breakfast Options
Overnight oats, smoothies, or whole-grain toast with avocado are nutritious, quick, and easy breakfast ideas that can save much time in the morning. These options provide the energy needed to tackle the day ahead without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Mindful Movement Activities
Incorporate short, effective exercises or stretches as part of your morning. Even just a five-minute yoga flow or a quick walk around the block can invigorate your body and mind, preparing you for the day ahead.
Daily Planner
Reviewing and updating your planner with tasks and appointments each morning helps stay organized and prepared.
It’s an effective morning routine tip that ensures you know what to expect from your day, from work time to quality time with your kids, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Self-Care Ritual Supplies
Having your skincare products, essential oils, or other tools for your morning self-care routine readily available saves time and ensures you can maintain this crucial aspect of your morning without fuss.
By integrating these routine tips into your daily schedule, you ensure a morning routine that’s not only productive but also fulfilling.
It’s about making small changes for better results, focusing on what’s important for you and your family.
The goal is to create a morning that feels less like a race against the clock and more like a new day filled with opportunity and joy.
Continue with: How to Get Your Kids to Do Chores (without Nagging and Yelling)