Throughout the years, I’ve discovered several morning habits that, if I stick to them, virtually guarantee a happy morning and more peaceful day.
1. Wake up early. Before Edwin, early meant 5:30 on work day, 6:30 or 7 on a weekend/holiday. These days, Edwin is my alarm clock, and I’m usually up with him before 6:00. I’m a morning person, so I rarely have trouble getting out of bed, and I like to accomplish things early in the day. I’m of the “work until it all gets done, and then you can relax” mentality, and I feel more calm if I’ve accomplished more by noon.
2. Exercise. A good workout gives me energy for the rest of the day. Sometimes I do it right after breakfast, with Edwin in the pack-and-play, and sometimes I wait until after his nap, so I can take him for a walk. Either way, I like to get it done in the mornings; except for gentle yoga, I don’t have the energy for exercise after 2 PM or so.
3. Make the bed. I used to pretend that this habit didn’t matter to me- it doesn’t matter to my husband- but it does. It only takes 90 seconds, but it makes me feel like I accomplished something, and somehow the sight of that clean, neat bedspread every time I walk past our room makes me feel clean and neat inside, too.
4. Read blogs. This is a newer habit, but I’m enjoying it immensely. I set up all my favorite blogs on Feedly, and I like to read them on my iPhone app as I follow Edwin, who likes to explore the house before breakfast. (Does he think it changed while he slept?) I like joining the conversation by commenting on blogs, and I often get inspired by other bloggers (in fact, this post was inspired by Carrie Willard’s 31 Days of Habits series).
5. Eat a good breakfast. I’m going to be that mother who always tells her kid, “Eat up! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” I really believe that. If I eat well in the morning, I generally eat and feel well for the rest of the day. If I eat pancakes, not so much.
6. Do not watch TV. I can’t get sucked into anything mindless early in the day. I have to stay sharp and get my brain going, and that won’t happen if I put on an old episode of “Scrubs.” (Even though “Scrubs” is awesome and almost always puts me in a good mood.)
7. Put on makeup. I don’t have to get dressed until I’m going to leave the house (why bother when Edwin will just wipe stuff on me anyway?) but I do need to put on makeup. Not to impress my one-year-old with my beauty, but because I’m more likely to leave the house if I know all I have to do is put on clothes. If I wait too long to put on makeup, I might decide just to stay home with Edwin, and that never turns out to be the right choice.
8. Write in my journal. This helps get my writing going for the day, and when I sit down to work on my novel, blog or article, I’m already warmed-up and rarely experience writer’s block. (If you’re thinking of starting one, see my post 3 Tips for Starting A Journal.)
9. Listen to music with Edwin. We’ve taken two Music Together sessions and Edwin is loving it. I love it too, not necessarily because of the actual classes, but because Edwin responds so well to the music. I put on one of the CDs whenever we’re in the kitchen, and he listens intently while he eats meals or snacks. It helps me get more cooking and cleaning done, and the songs put me in a lighthearted mood.
10. Make Edwin laugh. Sometimes I forget to be silly. Often, I take myself too seriously. Making my son laugh is so easy at this age (peek-a-boo or silly faces) and it starts the day off right for both of us.
What morning habits make the rest of your day better?