5 Ideas for Healthier, More Sane School Mornings

For most families back to school means back to crazy school mornings that start way before anyone wants to wake up and leaves us all feeling irritated, rushed, and unprepared for the day. I have found that waking up a little earlier to ensure I get some quiet time has made all the difference in my morning routine.

The hardest part is getting out of bed, but once the coffee starts brewing I never regret those few moments of peace before the rest of the house wakes up. Here’s my non-negotiable morning ritual that sets the tone for the rest of my day. Whether you try them all or start with one, hopefully there’s something here that will help you make the most of your mornings.

Photo via The Everygirl

Wake Up Early + Coffee

On school mornings my alarm goes off at 5am. I know that sounds brutal, but having an hour or so to myself before I have to wake the kids up for school gives me the space I need to feel calm and ready for whatever the day brings. I can’t do it without coffee though. I like to add something special to that first cup, it’s like a little gift I give to myself for getting out of bed. A slice of orange peel or a stick of canela is a simple gesture of kindness that makes me feel good.

If coffee is not your thing, plan ahead and make a batch of Jugo Verde {Mexican Green Juice} the night before. It’s like a Christmas morning when you open your fridge first thing to find it waiting for you.

Schedule Self Care

Once my first few sips of coffee have lifted the morning fog I like to take a minute or two to literally schedule a moment of self-care for that day. Taking the time to plan something nice for myself makes all those tiresome tasks a little easier. It doesn’t have to be anything big either, some days it’s planning a phone call with a friend or setting aside 30 minutes to read my book. Just knowing that time is there gives me a sense of joy that makes my whole day better.

Photo via Hian Oliveria

Meditate Or At Least Listen To the Birds

Taking 20 minutes for meditation every morning is the best way I know to clear my head and prepare for my day, allowing this time to just be present is priceless. If you don’t think you can spare that much time then at least try to scoot yourself to an open window, or better yet, step outside and quiet your mind enough that you can hear the birds. Focusing on the sounds of birds singing or the sensation of your breath for just a few moments is an amazing stress reliever and a wonderful way to get rid of all that pointless mind chatter.

Photo by Ben Blennerhassett

Pre-Made Pancake Batter

Having something ready to go in the morning that will get your kids out of bed is a breakfast blessing, and it doesn’t have to be pancakes, it could be granola, or bagels, or even hard-boiled eggs. In our house, if I take a few minutes the night before to whip up some pancake batter then I’m golden. All I have to do in the morning is heat up a pan or spoon some in a waffle iron and magically the kids wake up with smiles on their faces instead of crabby snarls which makes everyone so much happier.

Set An Intention

Lastly, right before I wake up the kids, I set an intention for the day. I make a verbal and mental recognition of how I want this day to go.  For example, “Today I’m going to greet the world with love”, or “Be immaculate with my language”, or “Ask questions”, or “Allow myself to be vulnerable”. Words have incredible power and I like to make a path for my day’s journey instead of letting the day just happen to me.

Photo by Drop the Label Movement

YOUR TURN

What are your non-negotiable morning rituals? Leave me a comment below!

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