10 Morning Routines of Highly Successful Moms: How to Kickstart Your Day

10 Morning Routines of Highly Successful Moms: How to Kickstart Your Day
Photo by Brooke Lark / Unsplash

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding yet demanding roles, and getting your morning routine right can set the tone for a productive, joyful day. From entrepreneurs to stay-at-home moms, many successful women swear by specific morning habits that keep them energized, focused, and ready to conquer whatever comes their way. In this guide, we’ll dive into the 10 best morning routines of highly successful moms and how you can incorporate these game-changing habits into your daily life. Get ready to transform your mornings!

1. Rise and Shine Early: Own Your Mornings

Why it works: Waking up early is a cornerstone habit of successful moms. It’s an amazing time of quiet before the house wakes up, allowing you to focus on yourself, set intentions, and prepare mentally for the day.

Tip: Try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier than usual. Use this time to meditate, read, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee without interruptions. Remember, even just 15 minutes of quiet can make a difference.

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Success Story: Michelle Obama starts her day at 4:30 AM to fit in a workout before her family wakes up. This dedicated time to herself keeps her physically and mentally strong. In her memoir, Becoming, Michelle shares how this early start allows her to prioritize her well-being and sets a positive tone for her day, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and public figure.

2. Prioritize Movement: Energize Your Body and Mind

Why it works: Physical activity is not just about staying in shape; it’s about boosting your mood, energy, and productivity. A quick morning workout can kickstart your metabolism, clear your mind, and make you feel accomplished before the day even begins.

Tip: You don’t need an hour-long session—try a 20-minute walk, or a quick HIIT workout. The key is consistency. Apps like Seven or Werise can be very useful to set up a good routine and consistency!

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Success Story: Jessica Alba starts her day with a sweat session to keep her mind sharp and her body strong. She swears by morning workouts to help her handle the demands of running her billion-dollar business and parenting.

3. Hydrate First Thing: Refresh and Replenish

Why it works: After a night of sleep, your body is dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and wake up your body from the inside out.

Tip: Keep a glass of water by your bed and make it a habit to drink it as soon as you wake up. Adding lemon or apple cider vinegar can add extra benefits, like aiding digestion and boosting your immune system.

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Success Story: Cameron Diaz starts her day with a big glass of water to rehydrate and prepare her body for the day ahead. This simple habit helps her stay energized and maintain her radiant glow.

4. Plan Your Day: Set Your Intentions

Why it works: Planning is a powerful tool for moms juggling multiple responsibilities. Successful moms don’t just react to their day; they plan it. By mapping out your tasks, you can prioritize what’s most important, making you feel more in control.

Tip: Use a planner or a simple notebook to jot down your top 3 priorities for the day. Bullet journaling is another popular technique that can help you stay organized and focused.

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Success Story: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, swears by her morning planning session. She writes down her goals and tasks, helping her to stay on track and focus on what truly matters.

5. Get Sunlight Exposure: Align Your Circadian Rhythm

Why it works: Exposure to natural sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can improve your sleep quality and overall mood. Morning sunlight signals your body to wake up and sets your internal clock for the day.

Tip: Try to spend at least 10-15 minutes outside in the morning sunlight. If you can’t go outside, open your curtains wide to let in natural light. This practice not only boosts your mood but also enhances your energy levels throughout the day.

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Success Story: Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, emphasizes the importance of morning sunlight for regulating circadian rhythms. His recommendations are used by many successful individuals to enhance their daily productivity and well-being.

6. Have a Nutritious Breakfast: Fuel Your Day

Why it works: Breakfast is your body’s fuel, and eating a nutritious meal in the morning can enhance concentration, energy, and overall health. Highly successful moms know that what you put in your body matters.

Tip: Opt for balanced breakfasts rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Think avocado toast with eggs, a smoothie packed with greens and berries, or oatmeal topped with nuts and seeds.

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Success Story: Jennifer Lopez kicks off her day with a protein-packed breakfast to keep her energy high and her body fit. This mindful approach to eating helps her maintain her iconic figure and stamina.

7. Take Time for Self-Care: A Moment for You

Why it works: Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Even five minutes of ‘me time’ can make a huge difference in your day. Successful moms make self-care a non-negotiable part of their morning routines.

Tip: This could be anything from a quick skincare routine, stretching, listening to a motivational podcast, or reading a few pages of an inspiring book. The key is to do something that makes you feel good.

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Success Story: Victoria Beckham starts her day with a skincare ritual that doubles as a self-care moment. It’s her way of grounding herself before the chaos of the day begins.

8. Limit Screen Time: Focus on Your Morning, Not Your Phone

Why it works: It’s easy to fall into the trap of checking emails or scrolling through social media first thing, but this can set a reactive tone for the day. Instead, use your mornings for mindful activities that boost your mood and productivity.

Tip: Consider putting your phone on airplane mode until after breakfast, or set specific times for checking emails and social media. This helps keep distractions at bay.

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Success Story: Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, emphasizes a phone-free morning routine. She believes that starting the day without tech helps her stay centered and calm.

9. Dress for Success: Get Ready for the Day, Even at Home

Why it works: Getting dressed, even if you’re staying home, boosts your confidence and signals to your brain that it’s time to work. It’s a mental shift that sets the tone for a productive day.

Tip: Choose clothes that make you feel good and put together. A little makeup, a comfy yet stylish outfit, or even just brushing your hair can have a big impact on how you feel.

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Success Story: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, is known for her polished appearance. She uses her morning routine to prepare mentally and physically for her high-powered role.

10. Practice Mindful Breathing: Keep Stress at Bay

Why it works: Incorporating mindful breathing exercises into your morning routine can help reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and set a calm tone for the day. It’s a simple yet effective way to manage daily stress and improve overall well-being.

Tip: Spend a few minutes each morning focusing on your breath. Try deep breathing exercises or guided breathing apps to help center yourself and reduce anxiety.

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Success Story: Melinda Gates starts her day with deep breathing exercises to manage stress and maintain focus. This practice helps her handle the pressures of her work and personal life with greater ease and clarity

References

  • Obama, M. (2018). Becoming. Crown Publishing Group.
  • Breus, M. (2021). The Power of When: Discover Your Chronotype. Per Capita Publishing.