Before I embraced motherhood, I was the quintessential morning enthusiast. I could easily stay up late studying (yes, studying) and still manage to wake up functioning like a champ. But everything changed once I became a parent.
Now, I find myself trapped in a constant state of fatigue. The exhaustion I once knew pales in comparison to this new level of tiredness that clings to me like an uncomfortable second skin. I naively hoped that once my kids grew out of their infant stages, I’d reclaim some semblance of restful mornings. But alas, school started, and I soon discovered that rising at the crack of dawn was now mandatory. Not only did I have to wake early, but I also had to muster enough energy to whip up a half-decent breakfast and ensure my kids looked somewhat presentable. Talk about a double whammy!
If you’re also not a natural morning person, don’t despair. While you may never fully transform into a “morning person,” you can certainly make your mornings more bearable with these tips.
1. Prepare the Night Before
I get it. After the kids are tucked in, it’s tempting to relax with some mindless TV or a glass of wine (or whatever your guilty pleasure is). However, by taking care of tasks like packing lunches or laying out outfits the night before, you can save precious minutes in the morning. This will give you a little extra time to wake up before you actually have to be alert and functional.
2. Rise When You Wake
Ever wake up and think you can sneak in a few more minutes of sleep? Trust me, that’s not going to help. Instead, if you find yourself awake before your alarm, just get up! Snap a sunrise pic for Instagram and share it with a motivational caption like “Morning yoga vibes!”
3. Embrace Technology
In this digital age, we have access to an array of beneficial tech tools. A quick search for “sleep apps” will reveal options that can help you sleep better, track your sleep patterns, and wake you gently when you’re in a lighter sleep phase. There’s even an app that simulates the sensation of a hand grabbing your ankle from beneath the bed (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea).
4. Move Your Body
I know, I know—exercising in the morning sounds painful. But a little movement can go a long way in waking you up. Start small by placing your alarm clock out of reach so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Resist the urge to crawl back into bed, even if you feel like a sleep-deprived zombie at first.
5. Identify Your Motivation
Starting your day by focusing on the chores ahead can be demotivating. Instead, think about something you’re looking forward to, even if it’s as simple as enjoying a new coffee creamer or relishing a moment of peace once the kids are off to school. It’s all about finding that little spark to help you get moving.
6. Let There Be Light
Waking up in darkness can be like a cruel joke. Our bodies are wired to sleep when it’s dark. So, a quick fix is to expose yourself to light as soon as possible. Open the curtains, step outside to greet the morning, or just flick on a lamp—whatever it takes to banish the darkness.
7. Prioritize Sleep Health
With little ones disrupting your slumber, it might be tough to get quality sleep. However, improving your nighttime routine can help you wake feeling refreshed. At least an hour before bed, turn off screens and unwind. Consider keeping your bedroom at around 65 to 68 degrees for optimal sleep quality.
8. Stick to Your Bedtime
It’s all too easy to convince yourself that just a few more minutes of scrolling is harmless. But those minutes can easily turn into hours, and you’ll pay for it in the morning. Remind yourself how much harder it is to rise when you’re sleep-deprived. Trust me, that late-night social media rabbit hole isn’t worth it.
9. Hydrate First Thing
Your body operates best when it’s well-hydrated, especially after hours of sleep. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up. You might also consider splashing some cold water on your face to help you look more awake!
10. Get Dressed
As soon as you’re out of bed, put on your clothes—shoes included. This signals to your body that it’s time to start the day, even if you might still feel half-asleep. It doesn’t matter what you wear; it’s all about the mental cue to get going.
While you may never be one of those chipper early risers who leap out of bed ready to tackle the day, you can at least work toward being a functional human who doesn’t want to throw daggers at the morning people. And honestly, that’s a solid goal, right?
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Summary:
Navigating mornings as a mom who isn’t naturally inclined to rise early can be challenging. However, by implementing strategic changes—like preparing the night before, embracing technology, prioritizing hydration, and finding motivation—you can make the experience more manageable. It’s not about becoming a perfect morning person, but rather about making mornings less daunting.