Life’s a bit crazy these days. I’ve been trying make an effort to slow down and find shelter this month. I’ve been thinking a lot about the juxtaposition of two ideas so prevalent in the summertime: the temptation towards perpetual busyness, for better or for worse, in addition to life’s normal responsibilities – the jumping about to and from family reunions, weddings, picnics, fellowships, graduations, soirees, vacations – and the never-ending desire for rest and calm and escape – the doing nothing, the morning coffee, the poolside reading, the fresh fruit picking, the simply being present.

Amidst the busyness of summer, I find myself longing for shelter. To find it for myself and to provide it for others; a place of rest, rejuvenation, and protection. One way I’ve been finding solace is in a morning routine, before my children wake up. Specifically, I’ve been spending time outside on my porch, soaking in the stillness, always with my morning coffee in hand. Sometimes checking email, sometimes writing to-do lists, sometimes reading a book or meal planning, sometimes doing nothing at all. Even if it’s for just a few moments, this sacred part of my day sets the tone for the remainder of the day.

For me, coffee is an essential part of my morning. The ritual of putting the kettle on, weighing and grinding my beans, preparing the filter in my pour over, and then methodically pouring the water over the beans. It’s a beautiful rhythm, and is a cherished component of my morning routine. As you may know, I’ve been trying to stay away from dairy since I’m still nursing Jojo and my newest favorite non-dairy addition to my morning cuppa is SILK Coffee Creamer (their vanilla almond milk is my flavor of choice). SILK Coffee Creamer is conveniently available at Target, so I’m always sure to put it on my list when I escape to Target for my mom-vacations.

Speaking of, where are all my Target vacation moms at…you know what I’m talking about…the 9 PM solo Target run, the exotic vacation we’ve been longing for. We only need one thing (SILK Coffee Creamer) but end up trying on all the cute summer hats, redecorating our home, planning for our new morning routine, and buying all the things. Happens to the best of us.

Another essential in my morning routine: nursing the baby! He’s 9 months old now and for these past 9 months, every morning around 6:30, he wakes up and needs me. It’s a beautiful, swiftly passing time that I try to cherish while it’s here. After he nurses, he typically goes right back to bed for a few hours, so he and I have our time together and then I’m alone again.

On days when I intentionally set aside time for this morning routine, I find myself more productive and happier. Even more patient with my children. It’s incredible how starting off on the right foot can set the tone for the entire day.

Here are Five Practical Ways to Actually Start A Good Morning Routine: 

1. Actually Do It: Don’t just talk about starting a good routine. Actually set your alarm clock for 15-30 minutes earlier than normal, just to prioritize that quiet time before your day actively starts. It’s so important to prioritize this time to rest, gather your thoughts, and just be.
2. First Things First: Make your bed. It sounds so basic, but for the majority of my life, I neglected to make my bed immediately after getting out of bed. When you do, you physically set the tone for the entire day.
3. Atmosphere: Surround yourself with beautiful things that will help you to relax and be inspired. For me, this includes cozy throw blankets, fresh flowers, and a candle. And try to have a designated space where you will spend your time, void of distractions. For me, this space is my porch. It faces the rising sun, which is one of the most inspiring parts of my morning. And nothing compares to the sounds of nature to help awaken your senses.
4. Be Prepared: Nothing is worse than thinking up a brilliant idea or brainstorming your shopping list, only to realize you have nothing to write on. My morning routine always includes my journal, and my day planner. I’m ready and prepared for any inspiration that may strike!
5. The Evening Before: Mentally prepare the evening before; remind yourself of what you need to do that day or week. And prepare your space to be conductive for rest and shelter. Clean the kitchen before you go to bed so that you are greeted by calm in the kitchen when you go to make your coffee, and so that you don’t have to clean up “really fast” before you start your restful routine. I find that if I’m greeted by distraction in the morning, I will not follow through on my routine.

Your morning routine doesn’t have to be intense or long or burdensome. Just set aside a few minutes (or more, if you like) to rest, regroup, and set yourself up for productivity throughout the day! Don’t try to cram too much into your morning routine, or it can become troublesome and harder to actually commit to the routine.

Here are a few ideas of things to include in your morning routine:

• Eating healthy breakfast (I do this about half of the time)
• Making coffee (pretty much my number one!)
• Journaling (always have the journal nearby, don’t always write in it)
• Writing to-do or shopping list (yes yes yes, definitely included in my AM routine, and then editing all day long)
• Planning week/day (always on Monday, and then checking back throughout the week)
• Praying/doing devotions (try not to start my day without these!)
• Reading (I do this about half of the time; trying to cultivate a lifestyle with more reading)
• Stretching/yoga (to be honest, my morning routine almost never includes these)
• Showering/bathing (I’m a nighttime shower-er, so my AM routine rarely include this)
• Making bed (as long as no children made their way into our bed in the middle of the night, I do this first!)

My peaceful morning routine inevitably always comes to an end. Naomi is typically up first, then we snuggle together on the porch couch for a bit until she asks for some “dinner.” Then it’s on to the rest of my day. I don’t typically find this shelter again until the following morning (unless I’m able to have one of those rare solo Target runs) and I’m grateful for it each day!

Read more about my life as a Work-From-Home mom!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Danone. The opinions and text are all mine.

Photography by Abigail Gallop Photography

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