Hey mama. Let’s chat about how to create the best morning routine for stay-at-home moms.

Why Do Moms Need a Morning Routine?

Do you want to add a little peace to your mornings? If so, you’re in the right place.

As moms, our days can quickly become chaotic for various reasons—night terrors, missed alarms, can’t locate the shoes to match the dress your nine-year-old wants to wear to school, etc. It can be very overwhelming when your day feels like it’s falling apart when it’s just getting started.

We’ve all had those days, but one of the best ways to prevent them is to get your morning routine in place.

If mom is on her A-game, then everything else falls into place.

Figure Out Your Priorities

How do you know what to add to your morning routine? Well, that depends on your priorities. Ask yourself:

• What is the state of my overall health?
• How do I feel most days? Am I calm and content or overwhelmed and stressed?
• What structure do I need in my day?
• What mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support do I need?
• Am I struggling to get out of bed in the morning or do I come bounding out the door ready to take on any of life’s curveballs?

After you’ve answered these questions, it will be much easier to nail down your priorities for creating the best morning routine for stay-at-home moms. Everyone is different, so we all need something different in our routine. We have unique personalities, needs, children, schedules, and lives. But we all have to start somewhere when developing a morning routine that works to keep us motivated and productive.

The Morning Routine for Stay-at-Home Moms

I utilize this morning routine daily as a stay-at-home mom. Without this routine, my day goes completely off the rails before 8:00am.

1. Wake up at least 1 hour BEFORE the kids
   
   This is crucial! Waking up before your children gives you the opportunity to mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for the day.
   
   
2. Make your bed & get dressed (workout clothes)
   
   Making your bed right after you roll out of it sets you up for a more organized day. There’s just something about a made bed that makes everything seem less messy overall. Once you’ve made your bed, put your workout clothes on and head to the kitchen.
   
   
3. Drink a full glass of water
   
   
   
   Drinking water first thing in the morning will help you rehydrate after sleep. It’s unbelievably beneficial, and while it won’t help with weight loss, it DOES help you become more alert and keeps the dehydration symptoms at bay.
   
   
4. Exercise for 20 minutes
   
   
   Move your body, mama. This can be anything involving stretching, strength training, or walking.
   
   The important thing is that you are moving your body and elevating your heart rate. The benefits of a morning workout include improved mood, higher energy, and better sleep.
   
   
5. Shower & get dressed (day clothes)
   
   Take a relaxing shower after your workout, then get dressed. Don’t throw on your baggy, old sweatpants. Put on real clothes—a dress, shorts and tee, jeans, whatever—you will feel SO much better.
   
   I have discovered that my productivity and mood are always more positive on the days I am wearing real clothes. I’ve made it out of my pajamas—I am ready world!
   
   
6. Eat a healthy breakfast & have a cup of coffee
   
   
   Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Your body will be ready for the right food after your workout, so give it what it needs to continue to fuel you for the day.
   
   Coffee does count toward your hydration, but you may not need it after your workout. However, if you do, then definitely take the time to enjoy your cup of Joe in peace before your kids wake up.
   
   
7. Do the dishes
   
   Get them out of the way! You’ll feel better having an empty sink and one chore knocked off your list before the day truly starts.
   
   
8. Confirm the schedule for the day
   
   I recommend doing this the night before, as well. But I always double-check the schedule in the morning to ensure my Mom Brain hasn’t kicked in overnight.
   
   
9. Breathe before the Chaos
   
   
   
   This step can be done at any point during your morning routine. Some moms like to pray, meditate, or just be before they have made their beds. Other moms add this step prior to breakfast.
   
   I tend to take my moment to breathe when I first wake up, when I’m enjoying my coffee, and again about five minutes before I need to wake my eldest for school.
   
   It is up to you to decide when it feels right, but ensure you take the time for the calm before the storm.

Everyone is Unique

As I said, everyone has unique priorities and needs, so what you decide to include in your morning routine will be unique to you. But this is a good starting point, especially if you have no idea what goes into a morning routine in the first place.

Here are a few additions or substitutions you can make to fit your unique needs:

• journaling
• scripture study
• skin-care routines
• self-care
• creating your to-do list for the day

Sum it Up: Create a Morning Routine Unique to You

To create the best morning routine for stay-at-home moms, you have to consider your priorities. Decide what is most important to you and focus your energy on better preparing for the day.

The morning routine outlined here is a great starting point, and can easily be adapted to your busy life. It may be perfect as is—it works beautifully for my mornings—but you may find that you would rather start your morning with prayer before you make your bed, and that’s fine! The point is to create a morning routine that helps you find peace and provides structure and support before the chaos begins.

You’ve got this, mama.