As you saw the title of this article, you probably thought, “Oh no, not another thing to add to my list of daily tasks!”

We totally get it. As a mama, it’s hard to find time to do, well, anything! But we really want to invite you to view your morning routine as something you can’t not do.

Your morning routine is a gift to yourself; your sacred time, just for you when no one needs anything from you. If you have a young baby and a toddler, we understand that it may not be possible to implement this morning routine – not consistently anyway. Especially if you’re sleep-deprived, you likely have little or no control over your mornings. But even if you can manage only 10 minutes of “me time” in the morning, it will significantly change how you think and feel on a day-to-day basis. Of course, if you can’t manage it, don’t worry. The older your baby gets, the more likely you can squeeze in some time for yourself.

But if you feel that you can perhaps manage to get up 10 minutes or so earlier in the morning, here are a few suggestions for your morning routine.

How do I create a morning mama routine?

Wake up earlier. We know this is the last thing you want to hear, especially if the baby has kept you up all night, but getting up earlier to create extra time in the morning will seriously change your life. There is a lot of research to show how people who get up earlier live happier, longer and fuller lives. Just start with 10 minutes and work up. And remember, the getting up early is the hardest part. The being up is the most rewarding.

Create your own ritual. Creating a ritual for yourself is one of the most soothing and comforting things you can do. You can count on a ritual to always make you feel better and support you, as a best friend would. And you can get creative and personalise it in a way that really lights you up. You may want to begin your morning ritual by making a strong cup of coffee or herbal tea. Don’t check social media or do anything phone or computer related until after your routine. It’s important that your mood doesn’t become influenced by any external information. Stay present with yourself and your ritual. Other things you may like to include in your ritual include journaling, reading or meditating. There are a few great apps out there with meditations you can try. Choose a few you like and do one every morning. You may also want to include music or art in your morning ritual; you could play some relaxing music, play an instrument, sing or paint a picture. Experiment with different creative outlets and see which one suits you the best.

Set intentions. The morning makes for a wonderful prayer and/or intention-setting time. How do you want to feel today? How would you like your day to look? It can help to speak out loud so you can hear yourself. And what are some kind words you want to say to yourself? If you were going to tap into your inner wisdom, what does that part have to say?
Move your body. Beginning your day with movement not only energises and brings life to the body after a stagnant night, but also helps the mind to be clear and focused for the day ahead. Movement and exercise in the morning will nourish your mind, body and soul to help better prepare you for the day. You could even go out with your baby in the stroller to the nearest park and do some light exercise while your baby is asleep. Exercise in the morning gives you energy and releases endorphins that make you feel happy, focused and positive. Even if you don’t feel like it, it's worth making time for, even if it's just for 5 - 10 minutes.

Plan your day. This extra time in the morning is a great opportunity to be productive. What are three things that you really want to achieve today? And when in the day can you make those things happen? Ticking things off your “to-do” list (especially the things that you usually procrastinate over), will give you an amazing sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Evening prep. What can you do the night before that supports your morning routine? Maybe you could pre-prep your kid's packed lunches or get your baby’s breakfast mixed and ready for the next morning. Try and get as much ready the night before so you can have a better chance of enjoying a stress-free morning. Even if you’re exhausted in the evening, this prep is worth sticking to so you can have more mama time in the morning.

Final thoughts

For your morning routine to be truly supportive for you, you must decide that this routine is non-negotiable. You have to make time for it, as you would for having a shower or brushing your teeth.

Your routine is sacred – it represents a commitment to yourself. Honouring your routine is honouring yourself. And plus, your family will only benefit from this level of self-care. You will be happier, more peaceful and have an ease and joy about you that everyone benefits from.

How to create a morning mama routine

Adapt Unii's tips to support your needs and preferences.