As a busy mum, I used to feel like I was constantly on the go from the moment I woke up until the time I collapsed into bed at night. My days were filled with nursery drop-offs, work deadlines, food shopping, cooking meals, and trying to keep what felt like a million plates all spinning. By the time the kids were finally asleep, I was so exhausted that I didn't have the energy to do anything else. I would just scroll through my phone mindlessly or watch netflix until I fell asleep.
I knew that something had to change. I felt like I was just going through the motions of life without really experiencing it. That's when I decided to start incorporating mindfulness into my morning and evening routines.
At first, I was skeptical. I didn't think that a few minutes of mindfulness could make that much of a difference in my day. But I was willing to try anything to feel more present and connected with my life.
So I started small. I set my alarm for just 10 minutes earlier than usual and used that time to sit quietly and breathe. It was hard at first - my mind would wander and I would get frustrated with myself. But over time, I started to notice a shift. I felt more calm and centered throughout my day, and I was able to approach even the most stressful situations with a greater sense of ease.
The same thing happened in the evening. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through my phone before bed, I started doing a short yoga practice or taking a warm bath. These small acts of self-care helped me to wind down and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
And the best part? These mindfulness practices didn't add anything extra to my to-do list. Instead, I started to habit stack by incorporating them into things I was already doing. For example, I would practice mindfulness while brushing my teeth or take a few deep breaths when I got into bed.
Now, my mornings before the kids are up and evenings after they are asleep, are some of my favorite parts of the day. They're the times when I can slow down, tune in to my body and mind, and set myself up for a successful day ahead or a restful night's sleep.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and disconnected as a busy mum, I encourage you to give mindfulness a try. Even just a few minutes a day can make a world of difference.
So, how can you create a mindful morning routine? The key is to keep it simple and make it a habit. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Wake up a little earlier: I know, I know. As a parent, sleep is precious, but even waking up just 10-15 minutes earlier can make a big difference. Use this time to meditate, journal, or simply enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in peace.
Create a simple ritual: Choose a simple mindfulness practice to do each morning and evening. This could be anything from a short meditation to a gratitude practice to a few minutes of deep breathing. The key is to make it a habit and stick to it.
Practice habit stacking: One of the best ways to make a new habit stick is to "stack" it on top of something you already do consistently. For example, if you always brush your teeth before bed, add a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation after brushing. Or if you always have a morning coffee, make it device free and allow yourself to be present with your thoughts.
Use technology to your advantage: There are so many great apps and tools available to help you cultivate mindfulness. Whether it's a guided meditation app or a mindfulness journaling app, find something that works for you and make it a part of your routine.
Don't worry about being perfect: Remember, mindfulness is a practice, not a perfect. Don't worry if you miss a day or two, or if your routine isn't perfect. The key is to keep showing up and making mindfulness a priority in your life.
Creating a mindful morning routine can have a profound impact on your life as a parent. It can help you feel more grounded, present, and calm, even in the midst of chaos. So, take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness and see what shifts start to happen. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it can make.
Tell me here, what are you craving the most out of a mindful routine?
- Greater sense of calm in myself, my home and my family
- To take better care of my mental health
- To feel more present and in the moment
If you resonate with this, you are not going to want to miss another day of the Mindful Living Accountability and Coaching Group. Find out how to join this online community for just £5 per month here