One Productive Momma: How to Create a Morning Routine with 10 Simple Steps

10 Simple Steps to a Successful Morning

Photo by: Taylor Jay Photography

1. Make Your Bed

Making your bed motivates you to clean everything else.
You can start the day off by accomplishing a task from your to do list very quickly.
It makes you feel good knowing at least one thing is clean, tidy and put together in your house.

2. Exercise

3. Shower & Get Ready for the Day

4. Take Time to Study & Be Still

Spend some time in solitude with no distractions - unplug...put the electronic devices away!
Its best to study or pray in the early mornings when everything is still and silent.
Focus on your spiritual side - clear your mind and take time to rejuvenate yourself
This is the time when I study my scriptures, talk with my Heavenly Father and write in my journal or meditate/ponder or think deeply about things that are weighing on my mind.
Instrumental music and natural light also help me to focus and enjoy my study time more.

5. Plan Out Your Day

Get out your planner of choice and have it readily available at a moments notice - since you will be referring to it throughout each day. My Mom used a Franklin Covey Planner all growing up and gifted one to me a few years back, so that's what I use to plan with now.
You can use a notebook, planner, calendar, google calendar, online planner apps, etc.
Choose the "Big Rocks" - or most important (and urgent) things first, and then fill your schedule with the remaining "pebbles" and "sand" - that are important, but not as urgent.
Alphabetize your to do list: A-1,2,3, B-1,2,3, C-1,2,3,

Schedule your to do list in between your appointments and other filled time slots

6. Unload the Dishwasher

Put away all clean dishes, wipe countertops, clean up breakfast, sweep floor, etc.
Have the kiddos help. They are never too young to do chores and help out.
My one year old takes one piece of silverware out of the dishwasher at a time, hands it to me and I put it away. Let me repeat that...she's one! Yes, even a one year old can help out.
My motto is if you teach them while they're young, they will continue those good habits as they get older.

7. Do a Load of Laundry

Throw a load in the wash in the morning, dry or hang dry that load, and fold/put away that same load. Never leave a load of laundry unfinished...thats how it molds in the wash or laundry piles up! If you start a load, dont go to sleep until its folded, put away and finished!
Do the same thing every evening - that way you always have two loads of laundry that get cleaned on a daily basis and your laundry piles will get smaller and smaller-not pile up!

8. Eat Breakfast

So important to kick start your day with a source of energy...BREAKFAST!
Not to mention it kick starts your metabolism too.
Breakfast is literally the most important meal of the day...don't miss out on the benefits of it!!!
Smoothies, eggs/toast, cereal, muffins, waffles & fresh fruit, etc. are just a few delicious options to start with.

9. Pack Your Bags

Every morning I pack my purse/diaper bag for that days activities (bonus points: if you do it the night before)
I also have my kiddos pack their own backpacks
They fill up their sippy cups, put snacks in their bags, pull-ups, a few toys or books, etc.
I always pack 2 water bottles, nutrition bars/granola bars, trail mix, etc.
We are always ready to go do something fun and the kiddos get to learn a little independence in the process.

10. Get Out of the House

Plan to do something outside the house every day...for their sanity and yours!
You can go to the park, play in the backyard, go for a walk, or go to the zoo, aquarium, etc.
You could even have a playdate, go to the pool, have a picnic, go for a hike...it doesn't have to be anything huge, just find a reason to switch things up, it always helps to get a change of scenery.
If the kiddos are driving you crazy and you're all getting cabin fever...seriously its time to pack your bags and get out of the house for a bit. :) Believe me, you'll be thankful you did :).