You hear about it everywhere, and think, “There’s no way I can do that!” Being a special needs mom definitely adds it challenges to our already busy days, and adding anything in seems practically impossible. But I’ve got a little secret to share with you, so you can begin incorporating a simple morning routine that will literally change your life!

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Why do you need a morning routine?

What’s so special about a morning routine anyway? Why is everyone talking about it? Well, because it really is that much of a game-changer! Starting your morning off on the right foot can set the mood for the rest of the day.

If you don’t have a morning routine, the day can completely get away from you. Once you’ve got the kids down, you’re lying in bed thinking, “What did I even do today?!” (Psst…in case you didn’t already know, that’s never a good feeling!!)

If you had a list of things to get done this week, you’re already down a whole day. Now the rest of your week is going to be more stressful, because you have to try to fit in your to-do list into a shorter time span.

So you’ll wake up tomorrow and do the same thing. Maybe you’ll get a chance to squeeze in an item from your growing task list, but you still end the day feeling unproductive. Give yourself some credit though – remember, you did manage to keep your children alive and mostly well. 😉 That counts for something! But you still feel like you’re running behind.

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Notice a pattern yet?

Before you know it, it’s already Friday, and you feel like you’ve accomplished little to nothing all week. And then there’s another question you have to ask…

Did you take any time for yourself?

Probably not. When you let the day happen to you instead of taking charge of the day, it will quickly build into a snowball of stress: always running behind, never getting everything on your to-do list done, never taking time for yourself, always feeling unaccomplished and stressed.

This is NOT the mode you want to live in! So how do you change it?

Simple. Start implementing a morning routine! Notice I didn’t say easy…I said simple. 😉

But it really is that simple! Look at the example we just went through. Letting one day slip away can turn into an entirely unproductive week, which will leave you stressed as you constantly feel like you’re playing catch-up.

But the opposite is true too.

If you start with a simple morning routine, you’re taking charge of your day. Then it doesn’t get away from you, which means you accomplish more on your to-do list. You end the day feeling productive, and motivated to get up the next day and do the same.

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Continue the pattern, and you will finish the week wanting to give yourself a metal of honor! (Okay, maybe an ice cream will suffice though!) Your confidence will increase , and you’ll feel ready to tackle the next week. And the next week.

See that pattern?

Changing that one little thing can literally change your life. But how in the world do you actually start implementing a morning routine? What does that look like? Well, I’m glad you asked, because I’m going to show you!

How to start a simple morning routine

Implementing a simple morning routine will take a bit of effort on your part – but not too much! And trust me, the payoff is well worth it. Here’s what you need to do.

Download my simple morning routine printables

First, download my pretty morning routine printables! You don’t need an expensive planner – these printable pages will help you get started!

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Wake up before the kids

Let me highlight this, put it in bold print, and increase the font size to about 800…because I want to make sure you don’t miss it somehow!! It’s super important!

It doesn’t matter how independent your kids are, if they are awake, you’re not completely alone. You need to start your morning before your kids get up so you can be sure that they are not going to make 472 requests during your morning routine.

Got it?

I know it can be hard. I know some of your kids practically don’t sleep. My boys are usually up by 4:30, no matter how late they go to bed. It’s insane.

Whatever it takes, wake up at least 30 minutes before your kids. If you have to start at 15 minutes earlier, and work up to half an hour, so be it! Just make steps towards that goal.

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Have a plan

In order to successfully implement a simple morning routine, you need to have a plan. So take a few minutes to figure out what you want to do with this extra time at the start of your days. I have my morning routine written out in the front of my personal planner.

I suggest making a short list of things that are most difficult for you to accomplish once the kids are awake, and consider adding some of these items to your morning routine.

There are a few things you should do during this time alone that will help get you motivated and set the tone for the day.

1) Be encouraged

Whether you want to do a short Bible study or just read encouraging quotes off Pinterest, find something that lifts your spirit. Starting the day off with encouragement will help set your mood for the rest of the day. When your cup is full, you can pour into your kids much easier!

I always start my day with prayer and reading the Bible. Sometimes I read back through my gratitude journal too, and it reminds me of the good things that have happened in my life. It’s a great way to boost your mood!

2) Make a to do list for the day

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It’s good to have a plan, and to have small goals for the day. Whatever you really want to get accomplished, jot it down and give yourself some direction.

I typically do this the night before. You can do this the night before as well, but if you’re just starting out, at least make a short to do list as part of your morning routine.

3) Get moving

We don’t have time for these new workout trends, but we can at least get moving a bit! Getting your blood pumping will help increase your energy level, and boost your mood. Sometimes all I do is play an upbeat song on my phone and jog in place for 5 minutes. Hey, it’s something!

4) Hydrate

I love to enjoy a cup of coffee by myself in the morning, but that’s not hydration! Before the coffee, I always drink some herbal tea, or infused water. If you’re like me and you just can’t drink straight water, you’ll love having an infuser bottle to help keep you hydrated!

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Start your simple morning routine

Okay, mama, are you ready to do this? You don’t need to wait and make this a New Year’s resolution – do it now! You will be so glad you did! Having a simple morning routine changes your attitude towards the rest of the day, and helps you get control of your life again.

So, what time do you get up in the morning? Let me know in the comments! I love to hear from my fellow mamas!