Photo by August de Richelieu via Pexels

by mikkie mills, guest contributor

Mornings can be stressful. They're often rushed with the hope that everyone stays on track for what lies ahead. As a parent, you're most likely very familiar with the hustle and bustle of it all.

Fortunately, there are things you can do that can make your mornings more relaxing — wake up before your kids and establish a routine of your own. Here are six to-dos to consider.

1. Exercise

When days are busy, exercise is often pushed to the back burner. Not only is this bad for physical health, but it's also detrimental to overall well-being as well. Exercising in the morning could be an overall health game-changer.

You don't need to exercise for hours or take expensive boutique classes to see results. Figuring out what works for you in the comfort of your home might take some time, but once you're in a groove, you'll be so thankful. It doesn't matter if you're trying to lose weight, improve mental health, or reduce your sometimes bloated abs — morning movement will be more than worth it.

2. Get a Head Start on Chores

No matter what the day brings, you can always count on housework of some kind. Taking the initiative early in the morning to get going on one or two things can set a productive tone for the day.

For instance, consider getting the laundry ready to go the night before so all you need to do is start the cycle once you're awake. Prepping that night's meal would save you from the dreaded "What's for dinner?" conversation.

3. Pray, Meditate, or Journal

One of the best things about early mornings is the silence. Why not take advantage of it by praying, meditating, or journaling?

By doing these things, you'll get yourself in a relaxed and clear headspace — something so important for navigating full schedules and the demands of busy days.

4. Nourish Yourself

When was the last time you sat down and enjoyed your cup of coffee? Do you take time out to nourish yourself with a healthy and satisfying breakfast? If these things are foreign to you, now's the time to change your ways.

You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else, so making sure you're not hangry or dehydrated when the kids wake up is key. If you're worried about spending too much time on prep, get things done the night before. Set the coffee maker on auto, make as much of your breakfast as you can, and even set yourself a nice place at the table.

5. Connect with Your Spouse

A common challenge parents have is finding time to spend together. Varying schedules play a big part, as do the general responsibility and demands of everyday family life. However, it's incredibly important to find time to spend together and if you can make it work, mornings could be it.

While finding time for romance is important, think more along the lines of enjoying a cup of coffee together on the front porch or even doing a couples workout. However you can bond will boost your endorphins, which is always a good way to start the day.

6. Get Ready

If sweatpants and unwashed hair are your typical look, make bathing and getting dressed a priority. Even if you don't have plans, feeling put together will go a long way in how you approach the day ahead.

If time is tight, there are plenty of shortcuts that might be helpful.

How you start your day is incredibly important and getting up before the kids will make all the difference here. What do you think you'll try first?

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