“Fun” is not a word that most people use to describe their morning routines.
Now that school has been in full swing and I should have my schedule ironed out, I’ve really been (re)focusing on my morning routine.
But what do you do when you’re not a morning person?
I read Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning to create a morning that I would look forward to. I’ve also taken Make Over Your Mornings and Make Over Your Evenings to set up realistic routines that make my day easier.
Even so, I have to confess that I don’t always bounce out of bed in the morning and there are still nights when I stay up way too late and then I (and my whole family) end up paying for it the next day.
So other than having someone drag you off to bed at night and bribe you with fresh donuts in the morning, how can you make mornings fun?!?
7 Tricks to Make Getting Out of Bed Easier
On those days when getting out of bed is a struggle, try one (or all) of these tricks to turn your day around!
1. Drink an exciting kind of coffee (a fun mug helps)
My coffee doesn’t really look like “coffee” when I brew it. By the time I’m done adding creamer, it tastes delicious, but ends up being more of a “coffee drink” than “coffee.” Yes, there’s a difference!
Regardless of how you drink your coffee, having a fun morning drink to entice you out of bed is a wonderful thing!
I’m especially loving Gevalia Caramel Macchiato and these cute (reusable) to-go cups from Target, but experiment with different flavors to see which one motivates you to get out of bed.
2. Try “aromatherapy”
I just discovered Young Living’s Awaken, so I’ve been diffusing it every morning in my kitchen.
There’s something powerful about uplifting scents first thing in the morning. If you have a favorite candle or essential oil, try using it first thing in the morning to brighten up your day.
My kids have even come to love the diffuser and waking up to wonderful scents.
3. Exercise first thing
I never really believed that it made a difference when I exercised as long as I managed to fit it in regularly. However, since I added exercise to my morning routine, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy level, mood, and overall health.
I love going to my local YMCA (free childcare for members!), but on the days I can’t make it, I’ve been doing the 21 Day Fix workout videos. I love how I’m able to get a good workout in 30 minutes. Then I can start my day off on the right foot!
If you’re interested in tracking your exercise or morning routine, I added a workout/morning routine tracker to the Resource Library.
4. Take time to eat
You don’t have to make a gourmet breakfast or a kale smoothie to enjoy the benefits of breakfast. I love just eating berries and yogurt (bonus points for sprinkling some granola on top).
Another idea is to buy yummy bread. I “splurge” on cinnamon raisin bread or apple streusel bread (seriously, the loaf costs an extra 15 cents at Kroger) and treat myself periodically.
Plan ahead and wash up some berries the night before. You can even make oatmeal in the crockpot overnight (I love these overnight oatmeal recipes)!
5. Journal your thoughts in a cute notebook
Spending a few moments to gather your thoughts is a great way to start the day.
When I was in high school, my great-aunt bought me The Artist’s Way and encouraged me to try Morning Pages. It wasn’t until years later, when I finally worked my way through the book, that I fully appreciated the gift.
My days are so much more organized when I spend a few minutes gathering my thoughts, even if it’s not a full journal entry.
I no longer take the time to fill three entire pages of my journal, especially on the days that my kids wake up before I do. Even so, I love spending a few minutes writing, even if it’s just a quick to-do list.
It’s amazing how spending a few minutes of quiet time gathering your thoughts can change your mood. I’ve noticed a difference in my mood on the days that I journal versus the days that I just wake up and “start my day” without journaling.
6. Try different routines
No one ever said you have to follow the same routine every day. In fact, this was one of my favorite parts of The 5 A.M. Miracle.
No one even said you have to get up at 5 A.M. to have a flawless day!
I’ve learned to create different routines for the different days that I’m going to have. For example, if I have to be out the door by 7:30, I might follow a shorter routine than on the days when I don’t have to leave until 9.
But even doing this on a smaller scale can help. While it’s important to have the same basic routine, like getting dressed, brushing your teeth, etc., there’s probably room in your routine for some variety. If you exercise, try a new activity. Take a shower? Listen to a podcast while you get ready.
If you’re struggling to just figure out when to get out of bed and when to leave the house, try working backward and use my Morning Routine Worksheet (download it here)
Related reading on Organized Motherhood:
How to Create Your Ideal Morning Routine
Can’t Keep Up? 11 Ways to Simplify Your Morning Routine
A Peek at My Morning Routine (And Tips to Fix Yours if it Needs an Overhaul)
7. Plan an activity
At least once a month, a couple friends and I get together for a Mommy Morning. We usually bring a few fun breakfast foods and drink too much coffee while chatting and making sure our kids don’t eat Play-Doh.
You can plan an activity even on a smaller scale, though. While our Mommy Mornings are fun, try just giving yourself a small activity to look forward to.
If you’re struggling with your morning routine, I encourage you to add something fun to brighten your morning.
Mornings aren’t always the most pleasant part of the day, but if you add something you love, even for five minutes while you get acclimated to the day, you just might be surprised.
And if your mornings are just totally overwhelming? Check out the Make Over Your Mornings course to create a routine that works for you in this season of life.
Keli
Sunday 15th of October 2017
Great ideas! Not sure if these will make my mornings more fun but definitely a little more happy and productive. Thanks for sharing. :)
Lisa (mummascribbles)
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Oh I love this post. I feel energised just reading it! We are still getting used to our new morning routine but I will definitely try to fit some of this in. I love the idea of waking up to fresh scents :) thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
Karen, the next best thing to mummy
Friday 6th of October 2017
Great ideas here, I don't think that I will ever be a morning person though! #fridayfeatures@_karendennis
Tiffiney @ WelcomeHomeMinistry.com
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Lovely ideas! Love the coffee in a fun mug and eat bkfst ideas. Wish I could start excercise, but thats tough. Lol! Thanks for sharing!
Mrs U
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
Love all your ideas!!!