I know that the early hours can be a bit of a whirlwind when you’re juggling parenting duties. I’ve been there for many years, and it doesn’t slow down all that much as our kids age. But fear not, because in this bustling world of diapers, school runs, and endless to-do lists, we can choose to carve out a mindful morning routine where tiny habits weave the grace of God into every moment.
Depending on the ages of your kid(s), you may not be able to do all of these. But incorporating just a couple will help you find solid ground on those mornings you feel like you’re about to be washed away by a flood of to-dos.
Rise and Shine: The Power of a Gentle Wake-Up
Abrupt wake-ups are the worst. My son has a beeping alarm clock in his room, and hearing it puts my limbic system on high alert because it reminds me of rushed high school mornings.
Try setting your alarm to a soothing music instead of using an abrupt and loud wake-up call. If you live in a place with regular sunrise hours, you can also allow the gentle touch of natural light to awaken you. That doesn’t work for me because sunrise can vary from 4:45 to 9 am, but it might be a great fit for you! Embracing a gradual, gentle start to your day can make all the difference.
One tiny faith habit you can incorporate into your day is to say “Good morning, God” when your feet touch the floor. This is a great way to welcome the day and turn your mind to your Creator right from the start.
Sip Mindfully: The Morning Brew Ritual
The joy of a warm cup of coffee can be a sacred moment. Establish the tiny habit of turning this daily ritual into communion with the Creator. Savor the aroma, relish the warmth, and visualize yourself in a tranquil garden, making this small act a reminder of the divine presence in your midst.
If you’d like to take your morning coffee ritual deeper with God, try the tiny faith habit of turning on hymns, a prayer app like Lectio 365, or an audio Bible.
Breathe and Stretch: Mindful Morning Exercises
Another way to start your morning off well is to establish the tiny habit of incorporating gentle exercises into your morning routine. Yoga is a contentious topic in the Christian community, but if you’re into it, stretch out a yoga mat and do a few minutes of gentle exercises. If not, you can still stretch or do some slow, flowing moves. This is perfect to do alongside worship music or a prayer app. I listen to the audio Bible while I’m doing some stretches and ab work in the morning.
Let this be a small commitment to honor the temple housing the Holy Spirit, allowing your thoughts to ebb and flow in surrender to God’s peace.
Gratitude Galore: A Positive Mindset Boost
Gratitude is a powerful weapon against anxiety. Cultivate the tiny habit of starting your day with gratitude, offering a prayer of thanks for the blessings God has given you. Let this small act become a daily acknowledgment of God’s goodness, allowing gratitude to bloom like a well-tended garden, infusing your morning with joy.
Mood Elevation: The Psychological Impact of Style
The act of putting on something that makes you feel confident and beautiful can serve as a daily ritual. Clothing has a surprising impact on your mood and mindset. Invest in clothing that honors God and signals that you are a confident Daughter of God, turning this small daily choice into a testament of faith. (Side note: By choosing stylish clothing from an acclaimed fashion house like The Row, busy mums can tap into the psychological impact of dressing well.)
Tech Timeout: A Tranquil Morning Retreat
Resist the urge to check emails or social media immediately. Create a tech-free zone for the first part of your morning, allowing yourself to ease into the day without the buzzing distractions. One thing you can try is to picture this time as a serene walk through the wonders of God’s creation, making this small pause a daily ritual of peace and uninterrupted connection with God.
Mindful Munchies: A Nourishing Breakfast
Take a moment to enjoy a wholesome breakfast, establishing the tiny habit of relishing each bite thoughtfully instead of gulping down a bagel on the way to the school drop-off line. Whether you opt for a hearty dish of fried eggs and bacon or a trendy avocado toast, relish each bite mindfully. Indulging in a filling breakfast is the perfect way to motivate yourself before embarking on a day filled with adventures.
Start As You Mean To Go On
Weave these tiny habits and small changes into your routine, envisioning your day unfolding like a script written by the Master. Each tiny habit contributes to a morning filled with love, joy, and peace.
Embrace the tranquility of mindful, quieter mornings, letting these small but intentional acts transform your parenting journey. Here’s to starting our days off well!
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