At 5:00 am my first alarm goes off (there are always a few backups). I can hear the coffee pot start its gentle brew and my mind slowly comes out of slumber. Some days I roll over and wait for the second alarm, hoping the extra 15 minutes of sleep will somehow feel like 3 more hours but most days I get up knowing that a little extra morning sleep won’t make a huge difference in my day but the extra quiet time will.

Being a mother for almost ten years, early mornings in our home have become sacred to me. It’s when I spend time with the Lord, sit with my thoughts and sometimes even tackle a load of two of laundry or get some uninterrupted work done. My children have always been decent sleepers, in the sense that they typically don’t get out of bed until at least 7 a.m., so while occasionally I will have an early-morning snuggler, most days it’s quiet.

Here are a few habits I have implemented into my mornings that have helped me start my day in the most positive way. Some of these truly can depend on the season you’re in and will ebb & flow, but I feel starting the morning in quiet is so beautiful and sacred.

1. Wake up before the household. Commit to waking even just ten minutes before the rest of the home to gather your thoughts and prepare your heart for the day. You will be amazed at what a difference this can make. This may seem challenging at first but like many habits, will get easier over time.

2. Spend time in His word. Scripture is a beautiful way to start your day and spending time dwelling in it first thing will fill your cup and position your heart in the right place. I am currently reading through the bible (just finished the book of Numbers!) but also love this book and this devotional.

3. Move your body. A simple sun salutation will stretch your ligaments, move your lymph and get your blood flowing. I like to do this in a sunny spot in the window.

4. Plan out your day: spend some quiet time in the morning mapping out your day so your family has structure. Plan even small the details . You will feel more prepared for what’s to come. I also use this time to do a brain dump, you know, get everything that’s on my mind down onto paper. This helps to free up brain space and allow me to delegate tasks for the day.

5. Get outside. Fresh air and morning sun and can wonders for your mental health. I have been implementing morning walks or runs and it has been life-changing. Obviously this depends on the time of year and your spouse’s work schedule but if you can fit this in, I highly recommend it. If you can’t manage a walk, just spend time in your yard with your bare feet in the grass and a cup of coffee in hand. I’ll take a “garden walk” around my yard to admire all the beauty.

6. Greet your children with a smile and a big hug. You are the first thing your children see in the morning. Help them begin their day feeling loved and cherished. They are truly a gift.

7. Nourish yourself. A nourished family starts with a nourished mama. Feed yourself within an hour upon waking, preferably with a focus on protein so you can have sustained energy and a healthy metabolism. I like to put a scoop of protein powder in my coffee if I’m not feeling like eating solid food. (I like this one, use code NURTURE for 15% off).

8. Get dressed. Getting yourself ready for the day sets the tone for the rest of your household. I feel that when I wear loungewear, I just want to lounge but when I shower and get dressed, I am ready to tackle anything that may present itself.

9. Set an intention for the day. It can be just a word such as ‘joy’ or a promise to yourself such as ‘I will sit down for 5 minutes today and enjoy my coffee’. Have a small goal to work towards each day.

10.Accomplish a small morning household win. Whether you make your bed, unload the dishwasher or clean off the counters, doing something first thing will help your day already feel accomplished.

However you start your day, I hope you know that you are so blessed and that it’s going to be a good one.

xo,

Angelina

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