The way you begin your morning often sets the tone for the entire day. As a working mom or mompreneur, your mornings may feel like a blur of chaos, with the demands of work, family, and household all vying for your attention. However, creating a structured and intentional morning routine can give you the foundation you need to manage your time, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Let’s explore how to design a morning routine that sets you up for success!

Why a Morning Routine Matters

A morning routine is more than just a series of tasks; it’s a powerful tool to help you start your day with clarity and intention. Research shows that having a structured morning routine can improve focus, boost mood, and enhance productivity. By intentionally crafting your morning, you create space for self-care, mental clarity, and organization before the world’s demands take over.

For working moms or mompreneurs balancing work and family, a successful morning routine can help you stay grounded and organized throughout the day. Whether you’re getting ready to lead a team meeting or managing a busy household, a solid routine ensures you’re starting from a place of strength.

1. Get Clear on Your Goals

Before diving into creating a morning routine, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve each day. This can include personal goals (e.g., self-care, fitness, mental health) or professional goals (e.g., productivity, leadership, or career growth). Understanding your goals will allow you to design a routine that aligns with your priorities.

Ask yourself:

• What are my top three priorities for the day?

• How do I want to feel when I start my day?

• What are the non-negotiable tasks that must be accomplished today?

Your morning routine should support these goals and give you the mental and physical energy to tackle them. For example, if personal well-being is important, you might incorporate meditation, journaling, or exercise into your routine.

2. Wake Up Earlier (But Be Realistic)

One of the keys to a successful morning routine is giving yourself enough time to complete your tasks without feeling rushed. Waking up just 15 to 30 minutes earlier can make a world of difference in how your morning unfolds. It allows you to have dedicated “me time” before the rest of the household wakes up or before work emails start piling up. This is my absolute favorite time of day!

However, be realistic about your wake-up time. If you’re not a morning person, it may not make sense to suddenly start waking up at 5 a.m. Gradually adjust your wake-up time by 10-15 minutes each week until you reach your ideal time. The goal is to create a routine that is sustainable, not overwhelming.

One trick I rely on to get myself out of bed without the struggle? Mel Robbins’ “5 second rule.” When the alarm goes off, count down in your head “5-4-3-2-1” and then get up. That countdown sets you right up to take action—it’s like literally launching yourself into your day!

3. Incorporate Movement

Exercise in the morning is a powerful way to set the tone for your day. Physical activity boosts your mood, energy levels, and focus, helping you feel more productive and motivated. Whether you prefer yoga, a quick home workout, or a morning walk, incorporating movement into your routine can have lasting benefits.

If you’re short on time, a 10-15 minute workout can be just as effective. The key is consistency. By moving your body first thing in the morning, you’re signaling to your brain that you’re ready to tackle the day ahead. Bottom line: just move!

4. Practice Mindfulness

Starting your day with mindfulness practices can help you cultivate a sense of calm and focus. Whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a gratitude practice, mindfulness allows you to center yourself before the demands of the day begin.

Here are a few simple mindfulness practices to consider:

• Meditation: Take 5-10 minutes to sit in silence, focus on your breath, or use a guided meditation app (I love the Insight Timer app! As the name implies, it offers a timer function as well as a ton of guided options).

• Gratitude journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for to shift your mindset to a positive place.

• Visualization: Spend a few minutes visualizing your day ahead, imagining yourself handling challenges with ease and achieving your goals.

Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase your ability to stay focused throughout the day.

5. Fuel Your Body

What you eat in the morning plays a crucial role in how you feel throughout the day. A nutritious breakfast fuels your body and provides the energy needed for productivity. Try to incorporate a balance of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains for sustained energy.

Here are a few quick and healthy breakfast ideas:

• A smoothie with spinach, almond butter, chia seeds, and protein powder.

• Overnight oats with berries, nuts, and Greek yogurt.

• Avocado toast with a side of scrambled eggs. (One of my faves!)

Avoid skipping breakfast or relying on sugary foods that can lead to an energy crash later in the day. Instead, aim for meals that will keep you full and focused.

6. Plan Your Day

Taking a few minutes each morning to plan your day can save you time and reduce decision fatigue. Review your schedule, prioritize your tasks, and set realistic goals for the day. This will help you stay organized and focused as you navigate the demands of work and family life.

Here’s a simple approach to morning planning:

1. Review your calendar: Check for meetings, appointments, or deadlines.

2. Prioritize tasks: Identify your top three tasks that must get done today.

3. Time block: Allocate time for these tasks and any other commitments you have. (I go into this in more detail in this blog post!)

By planning your day, you eliminate uncertainty and give yourself a clear roadmap to follow.

7. Limit Screen Time

One common morning habit that can derail your productivity is checking your phone or emails right away. While it’s tempting to dive into your inbox or scroll through social media, this can lead to distraction and stress before your day has even begun.

Instead, try to limit screen time during the first 30 minutes of your morning routine. Use this time to focus on yourself, your family, or your goals. You’ll find that your mornings feel more peaceful and intentional without the distractions of notifications and emails.

8. Start Small and Build Gradually

Creating a successful morning routine doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire morning all at once. Start small by incorporating one or two habits into your routine, and build from there. As you gain momentum, you can add more practices that align with your goals and lifestyle. Remember, it’s a marathon—not a sprint!

For example, you might start with 10 minutes of exercise and a 5-minute meditation session. Once that feels comfortable, add a nutritious breakfast or a daily journaling practice.

Creating a morning routine that sets you up for success doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By incorporating small, intentional habits into your mornings, you can start your day feeling energized, focused, and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way. Remember, the key to success is consistency and making your routine work for you, not the other way around.

As a busy working mom or mompreneur, designing a morning routine that aligns with your goals and lifestyle will help you feel more in control of your day and set you up for long-term success. Start today by taking small steps toward a morning routine that works for you!