Bonjour lecteurs! Are you a morning person? J’adore the calm before the day begins. I always have a hot water lemon while journaling. But for many of us, mornings can feel rushed or heavy, a race against the clock rather than getting things done. The day does not have to start on a stressful note, especially for busy mamas eager to get their children ready on time for school. As the Black Friday coffee machine sale is coming up soon, why not refresh your morning routine with a good cuppa? Here are 10 simple morning rituals to make your day brighter. Give them a go and see how they can uplift your mood first thing in the morning.
Wake Up Gently
The way you wake up always influences your mood throughout the day. So, rather than waking up to the sound of a blaring alarm, why not have a gentler start?
I have my phone set on a gentle tone with raindrops so that I wake up in an exotic place, well, kind of! I also adore l’idée of a sunrise alarm clock that simulates natural light. Those have been très populaires lately as they help you wake up with a sense of ease. You already feel lighter and not stressed.
If you can, take a moment or two extra to stretch under the blankets or do a quick breathing exercise before you rise. I like reading some affirmations to get me grounded. But anything simple would do. It’s just so that you don’t hurry first thing in the morning. Savour the day. Waking up 5 minutes earlier to do so can be so beneficial. Carpe Diem or savour the moment.
Create a Morning Coffee Ritual
You might already have a coffee in the morning, but is it a true ritual? Or don you drink it in a rush, already thinking about your list of things to do today? Rather than doing so, take a few moments of quiet time to make your morning cup special. Whether you take it black, with some milk or sugar, turn it into a ceremony. It’s a great way to be centred and ready for the day ahead.
Le plus of a coffee maker? It feels more intense and transform your experience making a routine cup into a tiny treat. Enjoy the flavours, smell the aroma and pause for a moment.
After all, coffee is more than caffeine. It sets you up for the day. It gives you the mental and physical energy to go ahead with whatever you have to tackle. Motherhood is busy and stressful at times. Take 5 to get read as much as you can.
Move Your Body
You don’t have to exercise vigorously as you wake up. Even a gentle stretch, a brief yoga flow, or walking around the block can get your body and mind moving. We are not made to stay put all day long! If anything, it’s bad for your health.
Movement gets your circulation going, dispels mental fog, and releases endorphins those natural mood-busters that make the day feel more doable.
So after I drop him off school, I usually go for a quick stroll in the country. I used to think this kind of morning activity was a waste of time. But I am actually so much more productive and généralement happier. Try it! I promise you will not go back the old way.
No Phone
I’ve share it many time. As soon as I go to bed, I put my phone on air plane mode so I am not distracted by notifications. I sleep better.
We’ve all got into the routine of reaching for notifications as soon as we wake up. But did you know? The direct contact with screens tends to fill our mind with distractions even before the day starts. You are already hyped first thing in the morning. Whatever it is, another political scandal in the press, a social post that enrages you… It will affect your mood even before you are dressed.
Instead, leave your phone alone and occupy yourself with things that nourish you. I used to read (I need to get back into it as a morning routine), but I love journaling.
This little boundary protects your peace and keeps you from beginning the day on autopilot. Lave the outside world at the door. It does not need you yet…
Nourish Yourself with a Real Breakfast
I used to not eat much, but comes 10 am and I was starving. Fuel your body with the right nutrients. I make sure mine includes plenty of protein so that I have all the energy needed and I don’t crave mid-morning.
It does not have to be fancy: a cup of oatmeal with fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a smoothie will do fine to fuel your body.
I got into the habit to have breakfast à la table with Stanley and we speak about our dreams, life or read a book.
Prepare your breakfast the night before if you don’t have much time in the mornings. Having a ready-to-go petit-déjeuner makes mornings feel smoother and helps prevent that mid-morning slump.
Set One Gentle Intention
Before diving into the chaos of work and errands, take a moment to set an intention for the day. It doesn’t need to be a long list of goals that will stress you further.
Just a quick thought about how you want your day to go ahead. Also, I usually set myself no more than 3 tasks. If I start scribbling an extra long list to do, I already feel overwhelmed just thinking about it. Plus I know, I won’t be able to do it all.
So I set things that are achievable.
Let Light In
I am adamant that our body needs natural light but also fresh air. So as soon as I am out of the bed, I open the window wide open to the boys despair. They think it’s a weird French tradition. But I feel it regulate the energy in the room. My mum used to do it and I have fond memories of still being in bed, lying around with my windows open so I would get out.
Natural sunlight informs your body that it is time to wake up. So open your curtains or take a quick walk outside to get some sunshine in the morning. It not only lifts your mood but also regulates your internal clock, which makes it simpler to sleep at night.
This is not some crazy French thing, I promise it will help your morning! Plus, I love hearing the birds tweeting. It’s just so lovely and peaceful.
Add Something That Brings You Joy
Make your morning routine yours. It does not have to be the same every day. You can light a scented candle to make yourself feel good. O have a happy playlist to get you going.
Listening to music in the morning can improve significantly improve your mood and boost your energy level. So release the dopamine and get a smile on your face.
Rituals don’t have to be a big show. They only need to be significant to you and make you feel good to tackle the day ahead.
Prepare the Night Before
The simplest way to make mornings more peaceful is to begin them the previous night. Lay your clothes the evening before, prepare your breakfast, or clean up your area before going to bed. It might sound silly, but it’s a game changer.
A clean and organised setting immediately makes the morning less stressful. Plus, you give yourself some extra time to have a slower morning.
Be Kind to Yourself
No one’s morning routine is parfait. In an ideal world, I would wake up before 7 am, have a quite coffee with a good book, before preparing him for school and stay calm at all times.
But I sometimes oversleep, or I have to repeat things instructions 3 times before he gets on with it… I also have moody mornings, but an overall good routine with good intentions is better than nothing. Celebrate progression over perfection, especially if you are not a naturel morning person. Try some of those morning rituals to make your day brighter and see what différence it makes to the rest of your day. You will feel better and happier.
