7 Steps to a Better Morning Routine for Working Moms

Are you a morning person?

Change your morning; change the trajectory of your day. You might have heard this before and for good reason.

A 2012 study by the American Psychological Association found that "morning people" tend to be happier, more productive, and report feeling healthier too. Not only that, research done at Tel Aviv University shows that repetitive routines can reduce anxiety.

Highly successful people have morning routines that they swear by to fuel their high-performance days. Oprah has famously credited morning meditations as a game-changer. Arianna Huffington has a morning gratitude and yoga practice. ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia says she has made a habit of waking up and reading an aspirational quote. This list could go on and on.

Morning routines aren't just something for "them"—the people with success, time, money, or whatever "it" is that you might believe you need first in order to create habits that serve you.

But you're a mom in business, and who has time for that? Well, here's the secret... Morning routines aren't just something for "them"—the people with success, time, money, or whatever "it" is that you might believe you need first in order to create habits that serve you.

It's easy to dismiss when life is moving at you fast. Days can be hectic and carving out time or adding just "one more thing" to your morning may seem like a chore. As a busy working mom of two, believe me, I get it. But, I'll also tell you this. When I committed to creating the space for my morning routines, I found more energy, more focus for my top priorities, and simply just a better way to wake up.

You don't need a whole lot of time or an elaborate process.

It honestly doesn't take much to rewire your morning routine. You don't need a whole lot of time or an elaborate process. Just check these seven habits for better mornings that can easily fit into your day, even as a busy woman balancing motherhood and work.

There are tons of things that you have to do in the morning, so get a head start the night before. No seriously,preparing earlier will give you more free time in the morning. You can arrange outfits for you and the kids. Making lunches the night before will save you the early morning hassle. Sit down and think about all the to-dos that you're tackling daily, are there any that can be done the day before (or even better, batched out on a weekend to prep for the whole week)? Free up your morning time by prepping ahead of the day.

Most of us have the urge to check our phones immediately after waking up. But, do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through notifications or social media when—oh, look at the time—now you're in a rush to get ready. Checking your phone first can sometimes create this cycle of feeling that more things require your immediate attention than they actually do. Avoid picking up the phone first thing until you've had a moment to review what your top priorities, meetings, or events for the day are. Be the keeper of your time and give it to the things that matter most. Some notifications can wait.

Not everyone is a morning person but there are benefits to getting yourself out of bed before everyone else. A quiet morning is great for enjoying your morning beverage in peace before "busy" starts. It can also be a great time to check-in with your calendar or write out your goals for the week. When you're all set before you move into checking that your full house is set, too, you can feel ready to take on anything.

It is common knowledge that staying hydrated throughout the day is good for your health. Did you know that drinking water in the morning will not only benefit you physically but mentally as well? Research suggests that dehydration decreases alertness and concentration. A cup of water first thing in the morning is an easy win for your physical wellbeing. It's amazing how one small action for your physical health can set you up for success when you have even bigger fitness goals.

It is easy to worry about the negative things that are happening. Instead, make a list of what you feel grateful for in life. It does not have to be a long list, just a couple of things. Be sure to take the time to be thankful before doing anything else. You will be ready to face the day with a positive attitude.

Meditation is a great way to have a quiet moment to check in with yourself in the morning. It can help you create more calm and clarity. If just a few minutes is all you have time for, that's plenty. If you want to learn how to meditate and you don't know where to start, you can join us in the Hey Mom Co. community where members have access to guided meditations and live workshops with wellness experts.

If you have children who are old enough to do things on their own, let go and support them. It may take longer for them to get dressed or pour a bowl of granola but—with practice and support—they'll learn something new. Taking just one thing off your morning to-do list will be great for you and will help foster independence in your kids and give them a feeling of accomplishment.

Be the keeper of your time and give it to the things that matter most. Some notifications can wait.

Everyone's morning routine will look different but don't sleep on this proven way to have a more productive, happier day.

P.S. Just know that however you choose to level-up your morning routine, you have so got this! Seeing driven women invest in themselves absolutely lights me up. It's one of the reasons I started Hey Mom Co., a self-care community for moms in business. If you're looking for more inspiration on self-care habits that you can add to your morning routine (or any time of day, really) then head over here to get your totally free copy of our self-care planner. It was made especially for busy moms like you, with 20+ self-care ideas, planner pages, and helpful tips to make more "me time" happen.