Stop making your mornings chaotic and a race against the clock. There’s a lot to do with the family, getting everyone up, fed, dressed and out the door, so it’s easy for chaos to take over. Did you know that you don’t have to start your day in a rush? A simplified morning routine can set the tone for a calm, productive day—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Trust me I don’t like complicated things. 

I’ve had a solid morning routine for years, but when the kids moved in, it took a little while to find a routine that worked for me and my family. Then when we started homeschooling, I had to adjust again. And when Jimmy’s job gave him a longer commute, I had to readjust my schedule once more. What I’ve learned is that my morning routine really makes a difference in my day and sets me up for success.

In this blog, I’ll share how to simplify your morning routine so you can start your day with purpose and peace. Whether you’re a working mom, entrepreneur, homeschooling, or taking care of the family, these easy-to-implement tips will help you reclaim your mornings and reduce stress.

1. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time

It’s tempting to hit snooze, I know. When the kids were off for the holidays, I found myself staying up later and hitting the snooze button more. And you know what? My days felt rushed and thrown off. Consistency is key to feeling more organized and in control. When I wake up early enough to have time for myself, I feel more grounded and ready to take on the day.

You don’t have to wake up hours before everyone else like I do—just 15-30 minutes can make a huge difference. Use that time for a quick moment of quiet, a cup of coffee, or a little stretch. I challenge you to aim for 30-45 minutes. I get up about 20-30 minutes before Jimmy and about 2 hours before my kids. Those 20-30 minutes before Jimmy gets up are my calm, and I’ll explain more when we get to number 3. You’ll be surprised at how much more peaceful your morning feels with just a small bit of personal time.

2. Prep the Night Before

A lot of the chaos in the morning can be avoided by prepping the night before. It might feel like an extra task, but it actually saves you time and reduces stress in the morning.

Here are a few ideas for prep:

• Lay out outfits for the kids (and yourself) the night before. I always lay out my workout clothes.
• Pack bags (school, work, or gym) so they’re ready to grab and go.
• Prepare breakfast or lunch items, so all you have to do is assemble. This goes hand-in-hand with meal prepping on the weekends.
• Do a quick 5-minute tidy in the main areas to start the day with a clean slate. I make sure the kitchen is cleaned, because it’s the first thing I see when I walk downstairs in the morning. Who wants to wake up and walk into a room that is a mess? I know I don’t.

Before meal planning and prep, I used to get up every morning to pack the kids’ lunches, make breakfast, and then take them to school. After months of this, I realized I needed to adjust our schedule. Now, by doing this prep work, I avoid rushing around and feel more organized when the morning arrives, giving me more time for important things.

3. Create a Simple, Positive Morning Ritual

Instead of diving straight into your to-do list, start your morning with a small ritual that makes you feel calm and centered. A positive morning ritual can set the tone for the rest of the day.

Here are a few ideas:

• Devotions and prayer time—I love this time of silence and stillness. I get to dig into my devotions and spend time talking to God. This is the one area I don’t like rushing.
• Practice gratitude—write down 1-3 things you’re thankful for. This helps shift your mindset for a positive day ahead.
• Workout—Spending time moving your body, whether it’s working out, walking, or doing yoga, gives your body the chance to wake up and take care of yourself.

This is why I get up 2 hours before the kid. I want to be able to spend time with God and get my workout in before they are up. Now I’m able to shower and get dressed for the day, while the kids are eating breakfast. So if you try just one of these actions, it can give you a sense of calm before the busyness of the day begins.

4. Get the Kids Involved

If you have kids at home, mornings can feel like a juggling act. But you can simplify your routine by getting the kids involved. A family routine means everyone knows what’s expected and when.

Here are a few ideas:

• Set up a simple morning checklist for your kids, so they know what to do (get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast). When our kids were younger, this was a huge help for them. 
• Make breakfast prep easy—have go-to breakfast options that the kids can grab themselves, like overnight oats or reheat a breakfast. 
• Incorporate a little family time—spend 5-10 minutes together before the chaos begins, whether it’s sharing a quick breakfast or chatting about the day ahead. Showing the kids they are important will have many different benefits. 

Getting everyone on the same page will reduce stress and help the morning run smoothly.

5. Focus on One Thing at a Time

As moms, we are the queens of multitasking. One thing I’ve learned is that focusing on one thing actually helps me be more productive and present. When we multitask, mornings can feel overwhelming. Instead of juggling 10 things at once, focus on one task at a time. Doing so will help you stay present and feel less rushed.

For example, focus on getting breakfast ready first. Once that’s done, move on to getting yourself ready for the day, and then help the kids with whatever they need. By not bouncing between tasks, you’ll feel more in control and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

6. Build in Buffer Time

I know how quickly things can get off track, so I started giving myself a little extra buffer time to handle things when the day goes awry. Whether it’s a last-minute request from your kids or something you forgot to pack, extra time helps reduce the morning rush. On the days we have that extra time, I use it to spend with Jimmy, the kids or take a few minutes for myself.

Start by aiming for an extra 10-15 minutes in your morning routine. This buffer time gives you a cushion and helps you stay calm, even when things don’t go as planned.

Start Your Day with Purpose and Peace, Instead of Chaos.

The more I simplified my home and life, the better the days and weeks have gone. By being intentional with my morning routine, I’m able to set not only myself but my family up for a successful day. We’re actually doing a lot less than we used to, but we’re much more intentional with our time. I’m telling you, it will make a huge impact on your day in a positive way.

Remember, you don’t have to overhaul your entire routine all at once—trust me, I know that’s hard. Start small with a couple of simple changes and over time, you’ll notice a difference. With a little prep, a consistent wake-up time and some calm time for yourself, you can create mornings that help you feel more organized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

What’s one small change you can make to your morning routine this week?

Share it with me in the comments or reach out on Instagram—I’d love to hear how you simplify your mornings!

Love and Support,

Billie-Jo

The Simplified Mom