Before becoming a mom, I was the kind of person who thrived in the early hours, even staying up late to study (or at least that’s what I tell myself). But once motherhood entered the picture, everything changed. Now, I find myself in a constant battle with fatigue. The exhaustion I faced before pales in comparison to the all-encompassing tiredness of being a mom. I held onto the hope that once my kids outgrew their baby years, I’d find some relief. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. School mornings arrived, and with them came the need to wake up way too early and somehow muster enough energy to prepare breakfast and get my little ones ready for the day.
If you’re a night owl like me, don’t worry! You might never transform into a “morning person,” but you can make those early hours a bit less miserable with these practical tips.
1. Prep the Night Before
I get it—once the kids are asleep, it’s tempting to unwind with your favorite show or a well-deserved glass of wine. However, tackling some tasks the night before, like packing lunches or laying out clothes, can save you precious minutes in the morning. This gives you a little extra time to ease into the day.
2. Rise When You Wake
Ever wake up with a few extra minutes before your alarm? Resist the urge to snooze, as those extra minutes rarely lead to anything but frustration. Instead, embrace the early start and maybe even snap a sunrise pic for Instagram with a motivating caption.
3. Embrace Technology
The digital age offers numerous sleep apps designed to improve your slumber. From tracking your sleep patterns to waking you gently, these tools can help make mornings less daunting. There are even apps that mimic the feeling of a hand grabbing your ankle from under the bed—okay, not really, but you get the point!
4. Get Moving
It might sound daunting, but a little movement can significantly boost your energy levels. Place your alarm out of reach so you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. A few deep breaths while you’re up can do wonders for your morning mood.
5. Find Your Motivation
Instead of fixating on your to-do list, start your day by thinking about something positive that you’re looking forward to, no matter how small. Whether it’s trying a new coffee creamer or savoring a moment of peace after the kids leave for school, focus on that to help motivate you.
6. Let in the Light
Waking up in the dark can feel brutal, so make it a point to expose yourself to light as soon as possible. Open those curtains wide or stand by a lamp to signal to your body that it’s time to wake up.
7. Prioritize Sleep
While it might be tough if you’re constantly interrupted by a toddler or bedtime accidents, quality sleep is crucial. Try to create a bedtime routine that allows you to unwind and prepare for the next morning, keeping your room at a comfortable temperature of about 65 to 68 degrees.
8. Resist Late-Night Temptations
It’s easy to justify staying up just a few more minutes, but those late-night scrolls through social media often lead to regret in the morning. Remind yourself how much better you’ll feel for getting to bed on time.
9. Hydrate First Thing
Start your day by drinking water. Your body has been without fluids for hours, and hydration will help you feel more awake. A splash of water on your face can also help you look less like a zombie!
10. Get Dressed
As soon as you get out of bed, put on your clothes—right down to your shoes. This simple action sends a signal to your brain that you’re ready to tackle the day, even if you’re still half-asleep.
You might never reach the level of those cheery morning people who spring out of bed ready to seize the day, but you can at least avoid the urge to stab them with a fork. And that’s progress!
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Summary
Mornings can be tough for moms who aren’t naturally early risers. However, by preparing the night before, embracing technology, getting some movement in, and finding motivation, mornings can become a bit more manageable. Small changes in your routine, like prioritizing sleep and hydrating first thing, can make a world of difference.