I have found over the years that how I begin my day plays a very important part in how well it goes.
Starting each morning in a calm, organised and tidy environment gives me the best chance at things running smoothly all day, but how do we set ourselves up for success?
Here are my top tips for keeping the morning madness at bay and starting the day with a smile and a spring in your step.
1. Tidy up
Being organised is a huge help to keeping things running smoothly. I like to spend 30 minutes or so tidying up my home each evening. I wash, dry and put away any dishes, give the floor a quick sweep and return toys, books and clothes to their rightful homes. It might seem like a drag but it’s worth it to wake up to a tidy house.
2. Set up
Locate and get out school uniforms for the following day, prepare lunches and sign school excursion forms. Leave school bags and shoes by the door for easy escape in the morning. Doing all of this the night before may seem boring but it’s much less stressful than doing it all five minutes before you need to leave the house in the morning!
3. Early nights
Go to bed early! I know that can be easier said than done, believe me! But unless you have a new born or baby, try your best to set a lights out deadline and stick to it. You will be grateful you chose sleep over mindless facebooking when the alarm rings early in the morning.
4. Get up early
I like to wake up about half an hour before my children to have a cup of hot water with lemon and gather my thoughts about the day. If I can, I get out for a quick walk – it’s amazing what connecting with nature in the morning can do for your attitude! If you find it hard to get out of bed, as we all do at times, plan something during the day you can look forward to like a coffee with a friend or a massage or facial (we wish!).
5. Eat breakfast
A delicious, nourishing breakfast is essential for a smooth running day, but that doesn’t mean it has to be time consuming or mess producing! Kids love smoothies and filling them with fruit, yoghurt, coconut water, superfood powder and raw honey ensures they get a great burst of nutrients. Smoothies are portable so if someone is lagging behind, they can take theirs in the car! Toast is great with the right kind of toppings – think bang for your buck with banana and nut butter, avocado and tomato or baked beans and feta cheese.
The most important thing to remember is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Some mornings will be better than others and that’s okay. Keep smiling and rest with the knowledge that you get to try all over again tomorrow…and the next day….
Muesli-in-a-jar recipe
My kids love this simple and easy to prepare breakfast that is super speedy. It’s prepared the night before, portable and easy to adjust the flavours to suit everyone!
Ingredients for two serves
- 1cup oats (we use gluten free)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, apple juice or almond milk
- 1 green apple, grated
- Sprinkle of chopped nuts and seeds
- Natural yoghurt or coconut yoghurt to serve
- Fresh fruit to serve
Method
- The night before, place oats, juice or milk, grated apple and nuts and seeds into a bowl, or divide between two small jars.
- Mix to combine, then store in the fridge over night.
- In the morning, add a spoonful of yoghurt and top with some fresh fruit such as blueberries or strawberries. Serve with a smile.
About the author
Kristin Cosgrove is a whole food baker, blogger, educator and mum of three. She is a real food devotee and owns a small business, Mamacino Homemade, making whole food treats and snacks for those without the time (or inclination) to do so themselves.
