Updated: Feb. 28, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 12, 2021
Before embracing the role of motherhood, I was a self-proclaimed morning enthusiast. I could pull all-nighters studying—okay, maybe binge-watching—and still manage to rise with energy. Fast forward to motherhood, and I found myself in a constant state of fatigue. The exhaustion I experienced pre-kids was a mere warm-up for the marathon of sleepless nights ahead. I naively thought that once my little ones were out of the baby phase, life would become easier. But then came school mornings, and suddenly, I was thrust into the role of a morning person, whether I liked it or not.
If you’re a night owl navigating the morning madness, don’t fret. While you may never truly become a “morning person,” you can make early mornings a bit less dreadful with these useful hacks:
1. Plan Ahead
I get it; once the kids are asleep, it feels like prime time to unwind with your favorite show or a relaxing drink. But if you take care of tasks like packing lunches or laying out outfits the night before, you’ll save precious minutes in the morning. You’ll have a bit more time to wake up before the chaos begins.
2. Rise When You Wake
Ever find yourself waking up before your alarm just to hit snooze for a few more minutes? Resist the temptation! That little bit of extra sleep will only leave you feeling groggier. Instead, embrace the day early; take a moment to appreciate the sunrise and snap a photo for Instagram.
3. Embrace Technology
Living in the digital age has its perks, including a host of apps designed to improve your sleep quality. These range from sleep trackers to alarms that wake you gently during your lightest sleep phase. There are even apps that simulate the sound of a calm ocean or a gentle breeze to help you wake up peacefully.
4. Get Moving
The thought of exercise might not thrill you, but a little morning movement can boost your energy. Start small: place your alarm across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. A few minutes of stretching or deep breathing can work wonders in shaking off sleepiness.
5. Discover Your Motivation
Instead of focusing on your overwhelming to-do list, think about something positive that awaits you during the day. Whether it’s the joy of a fresh cup of coffee or the satisfaction of completing a project, finding your motivation can help you leap out of bed.
6. Let the Light In
Waking up in the dark can feel tortuous, as our bodies are wired to respond to light. Open those curtains or step outside for a moment to soak in some sunlight. The bright exposure will help your body know it’s time to wake up.
7. Prioritize Sleep
While parenting often disrupts our sleep, aiming for better sleep hygiene is crucial. Spend an hour winding down before bed—turn off screens and engage in a calming activity. Keeping your bedroom cool can also enhance your sleep quality.
8. Avoid Late-Night Temptations
It’s easy to convince yourself to stay up “just a bit longer,” but this can lead to a rough morning. Remind yourself how much harder it is to wake up after a late night. Prioritizing rest over late-night scrolling will pay off in the morning.
9. Hydrate First Thing
After hours of sleep, your body craves hydration. Start your day with a big glass of water to jumpstart your system. A splash of cold water on your face can also help you look more awake—trust me on this one!
10. Get Dressed
As soon as you get out of bed, put on your clothes—even shoes! This simple act signals to your brain that it’s time to get moving, even if you still feel half-asleep. No need for a fashion show; comfort is key.
You might not ever bounce out of bed like those cheerful morning folks, but you can certainly approach your mornings with less dread. That’s a victory in itself!
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Summary:
This article provides practical tips for moms who struggle with mornings, highlighting the importance of preparation, motivation, and self-care to ease the transition from sleep to wakefulness.