Yesterday we talked about finding the time in your busy morning to do the things that are important to you. Today I want you to think about your best things to do in the morning. We’re looking to be consistent here, so think about important things to do every morning, to maximize your calm, productive self.
Take some time to think about what you should and what you shouldn’t be doing in those first few hours of the day. That’s an important idea to ponder. So often we get stuck in a rut or a routine and do things because that’s what we’ve always done. We do it without really thinking about whether or not it’s the best use of our time.
What should you do every morning?
To figure out what you should be doing every morning, let’s first think about what you shouldn’t do: cram. Making over your morning isn’t about figuring out how to cram more tasks into fewer hours. When you read books and articles on productivity and time management, that’s often the main message and gist of it.
An Unforgettable Thanksgiving Starts with premium turkey and ham, sides and desserts from Perdue Farms!Related: 10 Time Management Hacks When You Work From Home – How To Be Productive Working At Home
While it can help in the short term, it isn’t a good long-term strategy for meaningful change. Very soon you’ll hit the limit of how much faster and how much more efficient you can get. The very best things to do in the morning doesn’t mean you keep adding tasks until you’re overwhelmed. We’re aiming for calm mornings here, remember?
Shift your thinking and don’t try to add to what you do in the morning. If you want 15 minutes for bible study, meditation, or exercise, don’t just think about getting up 15 minutes earlier, or shaving 15 minutes off your morning routine by showering faster, getting dressed in record time, and rushing through breakfast.
In other words, don’t add to your already lengthy list of things that need to get done. You’ll only feel more rushed and stressed if you do. When creating your list of things to do every morning, simple is better. Less is definitely more, when it comes to deciding what to do in the morning.
How do I make my morning routine productive?
Spoiler alert: eliminate and delegate. Take a second here and think about what is the best use of your time in the morning. Compare your perfect morning with your current morning routine. What aren’t you doing on your ideal morning? If you can start by cutting things out, figuring out the best things to do in the morning becomes much easier.
There are two great ways to find things you can stop doing. The first is to look for busy work. This is something you do out of habit that doesn’t necessarily need doing every day. These are typically things you do without thinking about at all and you may not even realize how much time they take each day.
Maybe it’s checking your email first thing in the morning or playing around on social media for half an hour while you drink your coffee. If that’s how you choose to spend your time, that’s perfectly fine, but if you’re doing it out of habit it may be time to rethink it.
Being intentional with your time is one of the best productive morning routine ideas I can give you. But, it starts with being honest with yourself about how you’re spending your time. It’s time to be conscious and aware instead of doing things that no longer serve you simply because it’s a habit. A mindful morning routine can lead to a productive morning routine.
The second way to quickly earn back time is to see if you’re doing things or others that they can do themselves. One of the best things to do in the morning to have a productive day is to delegate. Take some tasks off your plate and pass them on to someone else.
Related: How To Clean Your House and Keep It That Way
Kids are the perfect example. Mama, how much are you doing for your kids that they could do themselves? We start out fixing their breakfast, making their lunch, cleaning up after them, picking out their clothes, and making sure their backpack is packed and ready to go.
When they are very small, we have to do these things, but all too often we continue to do them long after they’re capable of doing things on their own. Give your kids the opportunity to care for themselves. Not only will you teach them crucial life skills, you’ll also have more time for yourself.
The same goes for things we do for our spouse. Maybe there was a time when you had less to do in the morning and it made sense to take on the majority of morning chores. Did things change and if so, is it time to lighten your load and get help from your partner?
A few small changes may be all it takes to make the time in your busy morning for what’s important to you. After all, the best things to do in the morning are the things that best serve you, mama. You can serve your family best when you’re at your best. So it’s so worth it to do the work of putting those productive morning ideas to use. Create a mindful morning routine that sets you up for success, every day.
Related: Discover The 5 Science-Backed Habits That Can Improve Your Brain Health (free e-book)
Where To Find More Productive Morning Routine Tips For Busy Moms
This post is part of my FREE 7 day mini challenge: Mama’s Morning Makeover. Over the course of the seven days, I will guide you through the process of making over your morning. I’ll help you figure out what healthy things to do every morning and what you could take off your plate.
As we’ve already established, a mindful morning routine that best serves you is the secret to a present and productive day. Take back control of your morning routine and make it work better for you.
What are you waiting for, mama? Click here to join the challenge today! You deserve the morning routine of your dreams!
Until next time,
Stay Courageous!
