A few years ago I was pretty sure that I had mastered a morning routine. I was in a good rhythm, and rarely missed a beat. But after my third kiddo was born, I couldn’t find a way to get back into a routine. Having three was my tipping point, and the morning routine went right out the door.

Over the past couple of years I’ve come to realize that there will be no such thing as a perfect morning routine. Especially when you have a handful of children. But, you can find a way to start your day well.

A the list maker that I am, I decided to jot down key elements that needed to come out of my morning routine in order for me to start my day well and put my best foot forward each day. These were:

• Feel Awake
• Be Alert
• Feel Healthy
• Be Mentally Refreshed

I’ve found that these things combined were not only a benefit to myself, but also to my family, and anyone who comes into contact with me. I kept it simple, and uncomplicated. I left out the list making, the workouts, and anything I considered busy work.

5 SIMPLE WAYS TO START YOUR DAY WELL

1 – Get up before your kids

I know, I know. Sometimes, it’s not that easy. But having time without the kiddies jumping all over you first thing, is super important and essential to helping you start off your days well. It doesn’t matter if you work outside of the home, or are a stay at home mom – you should try and get into this habit. I’ve been both a work-out-of-the-home mom and now I’m a stay-at-home-mom (working from home). Waking up before my kids is a make it or break it for my day.

Are your children early risers? Gradually get them into the habit of staying in their rooms until you call them out. Or, if they are old enough, put a clock in their room and tell them they can’t come out in the morning until “x” time. If that isn’t an option, set them up in the living room with some quiet toys like coloring books. The key is to get them into the habit that until Mommy is ready for the day, they should try and stay calm and quiet.

2- Shower/wash your face

A shower first thing in the morning always wakes me up – mind and body. But sometimes I don’t have time for a shower first thing, or I’ve already showered at night. That’s when I make sure to at the very least – wash my face. It won’t have the exact wake-up effect as a shower, but it will take you from “bed-face” to “I’m-awake” face!

3- Drink a tall glass of cold water

You have gone 6-8 hours without fluids and you need to give your body water. Dehydration messes with how you feel and look. Your body needs fluids first thing in the morning.

Why cold water? Drinking cold water first thing speeds up your metabolism! Your body has to warm up that water as it enters your system. Which means you will be increasing your metabolism in the process.

4- Drink Green Tea

I’m a coffee junkie. But for first thing in the morning I prefer some green tea with honey. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, it improves brain function and doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee. You’d think the less caffeine would be a deal breaker, but for me I feel lighter when I drink green tea first thing. I’ve also read the green tea helps with fat burning and lowering your risk of several types of cancer.

5- Read your Bible and pray

Starting the day off in the Word and prayer helps to set the right tone for the day. Refreshing yourself daily in the Word keeps it as a constant reminder throughout the day. If you don’t know what to read, or what to pray about, check out the different reading plans on YouVersion. They offer them by topic and you can listen to the audio version right from the app. I would also check out Heidi’s podcasts. They are all so encouraging, and she takes you right to the Word where you can read the verses yourself and pray over them.

A tip if you have little ones: Take it one step at a time. If your kids are not in the habit of being calm in the morning while you get ready for the day – you can’t expect them to get into that habit instantly. They’ll need time to get into to the new routine, so don’t stress it and don’t overwhelm yourself. 

These are my 5 must do things in the morning if I want start my day well. When I skip any of these, I feel it throughout the day. Without these, I can’t even begin to tackle to-do lists, workouts, homeschooling, or chores. I would LOVE for you to share what are some of your must-do things in the morning to help you start you day off well.