I’ve realized that, especially as a busy mom and business owner, I need to be very strategic in how I utilize my time to make sure I’m getting everything done and still taking care of myself, too. One of the biggest life hacks that helps me keep my sanity, run my business well, and truly love my life is having a mindful morning routine. There’s something about starting out my day with intentionality that just sets me up for success for the rest of the day! 

How about you? Do you have a typical morning routine, or do you struggle to get going in the mornings?

If you need some help jump starting your day and increasing your productivity, here are my top tips on how to create a mindful morning routine. 

Prepare for your morning routine the night before

I’m not always naturally chipper in the mornings, especially when I wake up to a blaring alarm at an oh-so-early time. Because of that, I like to make things as easy as possible for myself, so I have less to try to figure out as soon as I wake up. Wherever you can, prepare the night before. Write out your plan for the next day, and set out your outfit (especially workout clothes if you’re planning on an early morning workout.)

Moms: wake up before your families

To all my fellow moms: my biggest tip is to wake up before the rest of your family. This is crucial! Often times, early mornings before our kids wake up may be the only quiet, alone time we get throughout the day. It’s so important to have this time to let our bodies wake up in peace and take care of our own personal needs before our kids are needing us for a million different things. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids and being there for them, but I know I’m a way better mom when I’m taking care of myself, too!

Related: Being a Mompreneur: How to Successfully Run a Business With a Family

Don’t hit snooze – essential for a peaceful morning routine

As tempting as it is, don’t hit the snooze button when your alarm clock goes off. The longer you sleep and the more you hit “snooze,” the harder it is to wake up. Instead, challenge yourself to wake up and get going right when your alarm goes off. This way, you’ll have ample time for your morning routine, versus feeling rushed or late if you wake up later. It’s so hard to be mindful and present if you are feeling anxious or behind schedule.

Instead of starting your day with your phone, meditate

This next tip can feel like it goes against the grain of what the norm in society is: starting your day without your phone. No social media, no emails, no texts. The whole goal of a mindful morning routine is to help you start your day in a good headspace. Going straight to our phones usually has the opposite effect. 

Instead, start your day by meditating. You can start by meditating and letting yourself be still for even just five minutes, and then work your way up from there. Take some time to write out five things you’re thankful for; I like using my Start Today journal for this. Then, come up with ten goals for the day. These goals could be anything from “focus on quality time with my family today” to “submit that proposal for the project I’ve been too afraid to bid for.”

Doing these things as a part of your morning routine will help you start your day feeling peaceful, focused, and motivated.

Taking care of your body is a key part of a mindful morning routine

I know that it can be hard to find the motivation to wake up early to workout, but it is seriously one of the best ways to start your day outright. If possible, try to move your body for at least thirty minutes. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout either. Go for a walk around your neighborhood, or do yoga at home. Either way, the movement will release endorphins and give you a great energy boost to start your day.

Also, make sure you drink lots of water. I like to add fresh lemon juice to sixteen ounces of water every morning, which helps detox the liver. Your liver has been working all night cleansing your body of makeup/lotions absorbed from the skin, food, and drinks consumed, etc., and water with lemon is a great way to help this process.

Incorporating these steps in my morning routine has honestly been life-changing for me. I wake up looking forward to having some time to myself, and my mind feels at ease because I already know my game plan for the day. If you’re looking to implement a more mindful morning routine in your life, I definitely recommend starting here! Keep me updated on how it goes and what morning routine game changers you’ve found. 

Xoxo, Marcela