Pre-motherhood, I was the type of person who could study all night and still rise bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. But then, I became a mom. Suddenly, I found myself in an endless cycle of fatigue that made my previous exhaustion seem like a walk in the park. Those dark circles under my eyes? They were practically carry-on luggage. I naively thought things would get easier once my kids outgrew their infant phase, but then came school mornings. Getting up at the crack of dawn to whip up something resembling breakfast while ensuring my little ones looked presentable was no small feat. So, if you’re a fellow night owl grappling with early mornings, don’t fret! While you may never fully embrace the morning vibe, these tips can help ease your transition from snooze to cruise.
- Prep the Night Before
I get it. Evening is when you want to unwind, maybe with some mindless TV or a glass of wine. However, knocking out a few morning tasks like packing lunches or laying out outfits can save precious time. This way, you can enjoy a few extra moments of semi-consciousness before the chaos begins. - Rise When You Wake
Ever find yourself waking up and thinking, “I can squeeze in 15 more minutes”? Spoiler alert: that rarely works. Those extra minutes often lead to frustration rather than refreshment. So, if you wake before your alarm, just get up. Snap a pic of that sunrise for Instagram and pretend it’s a wellness moment. - Embrace Technology
Thanks to the digital age, there’s a plethora of sleep apps at your fingertips. From tracking your sleep patterns to gently waking you during lighter sleep cycles, these tools can really help. Just be careful not to download the one that claims to simulate a hand grabbing your ankle from under the bed—yikes! - Get Moving
I know, the idea of moving first thing is about as appealing as a root canal. But simply getting out of bed can kickstart your day. Try placing your alarm across the room to force yourself up. A bit of movement, even if it’s just a shuffle to the bathroom, can wake you up. - Find Your Motivation
Starting your day with a mental checklist of chores is a recipe for disaster. Instead, think of something to look forward to—a tasty coffee, a fun project, or even some quiet time after the kids head off. It’s easier to rise and shine when you have a little sparkle to chase. - Let There Be Light
Waking up in darkness is a drag. Our bodies are wired to sleep when it’s dark. Open those curtains, step outside, or even just flip on a lamp. Let that light in—it can make a world of difference. - Prioritize Quality Sleep
If your toddler is a midnight kicker or you’re dealing with unexpected wake-ups, better sleep may feel out of reach. However, establishing a bedtime routine can help. Create a tech-free hour before sleep and aim for a cool room to foster better rest. - Resist Late-Night Temptations
It’s so easy to tell yourself you’ll stay up just a little longer. But when you look at the clock and it’s past midnight, you know you’re setting yourself up for a rough morning. Remember, that late-night scrolling isn’t worth the morning misery. - Hydrate First Thing
Your body has just spent hours without water, so start your day with a big glass. Chugging water can jumpstart your system, and a splash on your face can brighten that sleepy visage. - Get Dressed
As soon as you’re out of bed, throw on some clothes—yes, even shoes. This little act signals your brain that it’s time to function, regardless of how groggy you feel. It doesn’t have to be stylish; just get dressed!
You might never transform into one of those chipper morning people, but you can at least avoid the urge to stab them with a fork. And hey, that’s progress, right?
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Summary
These life hacks aim to help moms who struggle with mornings find a bit of joy and efficiency in their early routines. By prepping the night before, embracing technology, and focusing on hydration, you can improve your morning experience, even if you’re not a natural morning person.