As moms, we spend most of our time going through that never-ending mental 'to-do' list that seems to have absolutely no end in sight. By getting some basic things ticked off of your list early in the morning, you're going to start your day feeling more productive, organized and hopefully ready to tackle everything that your children have to throw at you!
1. Make the bed
Making your bed is such a simple task, but so effective in making you feel like you've accomplished something before the day has even started. Leaving your bed neat and tidy in the morning will help you start the day feeling organized - and ready to make all of the other beds around the house!
2. Prepare the diaper bag
Having the diaper bag ready can be crucial when you're having a bit of a hectic day. Being ready to leave the house before remembering that you haven't packed any spare clothes or nappies and that there are only two wipes left in the packet, will have you feeling when you realize that grabbing all of these things now is going to be the thing that makes you late. My top tip is to refill the diaper bag as soon as you arrive home and check again in the morning to make sure that you have outfits, diapers, wipes, muslins and anything else that your baby might need while out and about to avoid being unprepared for diaper explosions and general spills. Diaper bags that include multiple sections to house things are one of the best purchases that you can make from the vast world of baby 'things.' Click Here to have a look at the ideal bag for mums on the go.
3. Be active
Making the time to be a bit active in the morning, ideally before your children are awake, can really set the tone for the day and help to remind you that you also deserve some of your own time and love! 10 minutes of sun salutations, a 20 minute HIIT workout or even getting outside for a 15-minute bike ride is enough to create a bit of movement in your body and fight away the stresses of last night's bedtime. It's important to get this done before 10 am because, let's face it, once it's past noon you won't find the time to do half an hour of yoga...the list of mom jobs will be far too long and all-consuming by then. Get it out of the way in the morning, and you'll feel much better.
4. Get dressed
So simple, but so effective! Staying in your pajamas for the day is incredibly tempting and comfortable, but try not to make a habit of it. Decide right now that you will get dressed before 10 am and it will completely change how you feel for the rest of the day...especially when the evening comes back around, and you get to change back into your pajamas. Being dressed and ready to go out or have visitors can make all of the difference in keeping stress at bay.
5. Tidy
Quickly go through each room in your house and put away the loose toys, fold the clothes that are on the floor, even just lining up the TV controls will help you to bring a bit more order back into the chaos. Of course, the mess will re-appear in no time, but this way you'll have less to tidy next time, and will generally just feel a bit more in control over your house.
6. Get the washing machine on
The endless pile of washing doesn't stop. Get the machine on first thing in the morning, and you might even have the time to unload it before 10 am too! But let's not get ahead of ourselves...
7. Read something motivating and uplifting
Choose an autobiography written by somebody that you find inspirational, or get yourself a little book of inspiring quotes. Just reading something motivational in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day, and help you to be the best person that you can for your family and, more importantly, yourself!
8. Eat a healthy breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to start your day and set a great example for your children. Make yourself something that will give you energy for the morning and keep you feeling full until lunch. Preparing something like overnight oats before you go to bed is one of the best ways to make sure you'll be eating a good breakfast that will take absolutely no time to prepare in the morning.
9. Talk to your children
Talking to your children, whether they're one week old or eighteen years old, shows them you care and that you are listening – which is the essential groundwork for maintaining a relationship where your children feel able to open up to you. Also, smile in the morning even if you don't feel up to it, you'll instantly feel just a little more uplifted, and be kind – to your partner, your children, the postman – kindness can change someone's day and will always make you feel better.
These top tips are all small things that you can do to completely change your day, even just completing one or two from this list will help you start your day in the way that you mean to carry on and leave you feeling happy.
