Let’s get real for a second. How many times have you heard the advice to wake up earlier, be productive before the kids are awake, and start your day with a perfect morning routine? If you’re anything like me, the thought of waking up earlier feels like it belongs to someone else’s life – someone who isn’t juggling a career, kids, and a million other responsibilities.
I mean, come on. Waking up at 5 AM? Maybe when the kids were babies, but now? I’m barely surviving the 6 AM wake-up call. So, if the idea of squeezing in a full morning routine before the kids wake up sounds unrealistic to you, you’re not alone!But here’s the truth: You don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn to have a powerful morning routine. In fact, I’ve created a routine that works really well for busy working moms, and it doesn’t require you to sacrifice sleep. It’s called Grace and Joy, and it’s all about slowing down and spreading your morning routine out over the first 90 minutes of your day.
Whatever steps you take in your morning routine, don’t rush to fit them into 30 minutes.
The Power of Spreading Out Your Routine
Here’s why I love this approach: Instead of cramming everything into a rushed 30-minute block, spread it out over the first 90 minutes. Imagine waking up, taking your time, and easing into your day with intention and focus. That’s how you create a morning routine that actually supports you, rather than leaves you feeling like you’re racing against the clock.
It’s simple: You can do it all, but you don’t have to do it all at once.
For example, let’s break it down:
- Meditation – Start your day with a few minutes of peace. Clear your mind, and set a positive tone for your day. You can do this before getting out of bed, or in the kitchen while your coffee brews.
- Prioritization – Take a moment to review your to-do list. What’s the one thing you absolutely need to focus on today? This isn’t about getting it all done – it’s about getting the right things done.
- Working Out – A short workout doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. 15-20 minutes of movement is enough to wake up your body and get your blood pumping.
- Tea or Coffee – Sip slowly and enjoy. This is your time to savor the little moments before your day kicks into high gear.
- Journaling or Visualization – Whether it’s a few sentences or a full page, journaling helps you center yourself and visualize your goals. It’s your time to connect with yourself and your intentions.
Why 90 Minutes?
I know what you’re thinking – “90 minutes? That’s a lot of time!” But the beauty of it is that you don’t need to cram everything into the first 30 minutes of your day. The kids may wake up early, or you might have other distractions – and that’s okay! The key is to spread it out over time.
Instead of feeling like you failed your morning routine when things don’t go according to plan, just remember that completing these tasks over the first 90 minutes of your day is far better than feeling rushed and getting nothing done.
So, here’s the plan: wake up, do a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and then – when the kids are awake – you’re already feeling grounded, focused, and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
The Takeaway
Ladies, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the only way to have a successful morning routine is by waking up at 5 AM, while the world is still asleep. That doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s okay. The truth is, you can have a morning routine that works for your lifestyle, even if you’re a busy working mom.
So, here’s my challenge to you: Stop rushing your mornings, and start spreading out your routine over the first 90 minutes of your day. Trust me, the results will be worth it.
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