A Rare Mama’s Morning Routine
Routine? Was the word “routine” really in a title near the term “Rare Mama?”
If you’re like me, you’re thinking, nothing is really routine in my life! Everything is everchanging, and the demands of a rare disease almost always disrupt any system or process I put in place. I hear you!
Over the years, I’ve recognized the importance of my own care, but I’ve felt beholden by the demands of my schedule and the inconsistency of our weeks. I crave a routine week with regular programming, but our family rarely gets one. There are specialist appointments, durable medical equipment repair needs, and therapy visits. Because we don’t get to dictate these appointment days and times, we are at the mercy of taking whatever we can get and squeezing them into spots in the schedule where they don’t necessarily work well. Or we’re forced to cancel other things to attend them. While I hate to admit this, I’ve been one to cancel out on my own care to make appointments fit into our schedule. Yep, out goes the workout or the walk I was planning on that day because the only time the specialist has available is during the time I set aside for those self-care activities. If this only happened occasionally, perhaps it wouldn’t be a big deal. But when it happens on the regular, it’s time to think about a new approach.
This led me to figure out what I could change so that things that were important to me—praying, stretching, exercising, getting outside for fresh air, and taking my vitamins, weren’t consistently falling off the list. The solution? Leveling up my morning game.
I know this to be true: the minute my kids wake up, my time is not my own. There are needs to be attended to, breakfasts to make, carpools to carry out, and schedules to keep. Then the phone begins ringing, the emails start dinging, the to-dos are calling, the clock is ticking, and the day begins to get awaaaaaaaay!
But if I get up early (not easy, I know), in the wee hours when the house is quiet, before the craze and daze of the day begins, I can actually hear myself think. In the peaceful calm, I can follow a routine just for me. Before the day begins, I can knock out a few things that uphold my well-being. This helps for multiple reasons. Beyond the obvious physical and mental benefits of taking care of my self-care in the morning are the psychological benefits of knowing I’ve completed some of my priorities first thing before the chaos ensues.
Having a morning routine has been a game-changer for me. I’ve learned that my best thinking is done in the morning. I wake up with my mind alert and ready to go. I feel most creative and inspired when I first awaken. I am most receptive to hearing God’s voice at the dawn of a new day. I decided I didn’t want to miss out on all this goodness, so getting my morning routine in place became my priority!
Figuring out a morning routine takes a little thought and planning. Here’s what I learned about getting a solid morning routine into place.
Go to Bed Earlier
To get up earlier and still get enough sleep, I have to go to bed earlier. I am definitely not promoting getting less sleep. Nope, that does not work in rare mama life (I need a full 8 hours). Sleep is a sacred time and an essential piece of self-care, so we cannot trade that for anything. To start getting up earlier, start going to bed earlier. Go little by little in 15-minute increments over the course of a week or so. For example, on day 1, go to bed 15 minutes earlier; on day 2, wake up 15 minutes earlier and repeat until you reach your desired wake-up and bedtime. You may be tired initially, but your body will settle into this new rhythm before long.
Let me caveat this by saying morning routines are challenging to carry out when you’re not sleeping through the night. Many of our children need help throughout the night, so many of us are not getting a full night or restful sleep. If you’re in this situation, waking up early may not be possible because you need full rest. That is understandable, and rest is a very important part of your self-care, so making it a priority is well-warranted!
Get Ready the Night Before
Whatever I plan to do as part of my morning routine, I prepare what I need the night before. If you’re going to listen to a podcast, make sure your headphones are charged. If you’re going to exercise, make sure your equipment is set up and your clothes are set out. This way, you won’t stub your toe while tip-toeing around in the dark, trying not to wake anybody up. Preparation can make the morning go smoothly and set you up for success.
Do What Matters Most First
The time will go quicker than you think, so use it wisely and do what matters first. This will help you accomplish your priorities before anything can knock your routine off-course (your kid wakes up, the dog needs to go out, etc.). Doing what matters first helps us make the most of this precious time.
Do Nothing
Perhaps you start your day with nothing but stillness and calm. Maybe you sit on the edge of your bed for five minutes of quiet. Perhaps you sit and sip on a hot beverage. Maybe you look out the window at nature. Perhaps you listen to calming music with your eyes closed. Maybe you just be. Instead of looking at your phone, some device, or news, trade it in for something that will keep you relaxed. Sometimes, quietness and calm are the softest ways to ease into the day.
Do Something For Your Body
Take care of your precious temple by spending a little time on it first thing in the morning. Whether stretching, walking, exercising, deep breathing, drinking water, or taking vitamins, do something that promotes your physical wellness. After a good night of rest, it feels good to get the blood flowing and the body moving, and it primes your body to take on the day.
Do Something For Your Mind
Feed your mind by reading, learning, or studying something stimulating or that promotes one of your interests. By continually learning and growing, we can move closer to the person we want to be.
Do Something For Your Soul
Nourish your soul before the day begins. This may be through praying, meditating, writing, journaling, a gratitude practice, affirmations, etc. This is the time to allow meaningful and purposeful thoughts that help you set your attitude for the day. I find this to be centering, and I am more prepared to take on whatever the day is going to throw me when I’ve spent time on my emotional and spiritual well-being. When I spend my morning talking to God, I am reminded of who is in control, allowing me to surrender and give gratitude to God.
Do Something To Set Up Your Day
Use a little time before the day’s race begins to set up your plan. Set goals, list what you need to get done, schedule your time, etc. Sometimes, going through the process mentally can relieve stress and anxiety and help you figure out your flow.
Make it a routine
Building a new routine can take a little trial and error. That’s okay! Give yourself time to work through it and find the system and rhythm that works for you. Once you’ve made the tweaks and figured out the flow, make it habitual. Get up and carry it out routinely so your body and mind understand this is your new normal. Hopefully, you’ll start to crave it, look forward to it, and prioritize it as the precious opportunity it is. If you get off track, it’s okay; just start again.
Now, let me say a thing or two about the realities of rare mamahood that make it hard for me to carry out my morning routine. If my son has an appointment scheduled for arrival at 6 a.m. (Ugh!) it knocks out my morning routine, as does planned procedures, surgeries, travel, special occasions, and emergencies. This is real life, and it’s everchanging, and there are times when the extreme importance of things will trump this morning routine. But as best I can, I am trying to keep it consistent. It’s not perfect by any means, but I will say this: I am committed to finding ways to get the time I need and deserve to take care of myself. It’s a work in progress, but I am still striving and reaching for it.
If you’re working on your own morning routine, I hope this gives you food for thought.
Continue, friend; it’s worth it!
I hope your morning routine helps you take your care to new heights!
