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We have all seen those posts on setting a morning routine for success. You know the ones that say, How to be like (Insert celebrity name) by starting this morning routine. Or, The most successful CEO’s do this in the morning! You get the point. They all seem so out of touch for the average person. Yet, I too have fallen victim to these.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe having a morning routine is important. When I do, I find my day is more productive. But, I am a mom to 3 young boys and am often up during the night! The morning routines I’ve read about celebrities and highly successful executives just aren’t feasible for my lifestyle.

I may not be doing a morning routine the celebrities or Fortune 500 executives do but I have found a morning routine checklist that works for me. It’s not a glamorous routine, it’s even a little messy at times. But, it’s mine and it works for this stage of my life.

Why Should You Have A Morning Routine Checklist…For Adults

So, you see the value in a morning routine but you haven’t nailed one down yet. Maybe it seems overwhelming or just unrealistic for you. All the ideas (well, most of them!) you read sound wonderful but when mornings are one of the most chaotic times for you, it seems impossible.

I promise, a simple morning routine is possible. It may look different than the ones you have read about but it will be yours. Mornings are a time to start fresh! Just the thought of a new day, a cup of fresh brewed coffee and taking on the challenges of the day excites me. I know, it sounds a little much but it is my favorite time of day. At least, until the night, when the boys are asleep and I have my favorite beverage in my hand. Haha!!

It’s relevant to note studies have shown people are more productive in the morning. Who doesn’t want to be more productive? Have you ever said you wish you had more time in the day?! Well, set a routine! You gain time when you have a set routine. You don’t have to wake up super early, either. By creating a morning checklist you take out the guesswork of your morning. That by itself will save you time.

Therefore, healthy morning habits get you ready for what is to come throughout the day. You are more equipped to deal with the pressures that arise later (if you are a parent that might be your little ones waking up in an hour and running around like a tornado just came through the house! haha!).

It’s also important to take care of yourself, focus on you. Create this morning routine to carve out a little you time in the morning. That by itself can go a long way. Do it in the morning rather than waiting until the evening. You are more likely to make it happen.

Create A Realistic Morning Routine Checklist That Works For You

I have reviewed and tried countless morning routines! The bottom line, do what works for you. It is all relative and your routine will adjust as your life changes. For example, if you are single, no kids and can sleep until 8am every morning your routine will look different than a mom who needs to get her kids off to school and to work by 9am. There is no judgement. Just do what works for you!

Most of all, try to incorporate the following things into your morning routine checklist. Also, include these three areas- Mind, Body and Spirit/Soul. There is not doubt it will make a difference. You will have a clear mind, feel revived and be ready to take on the day.

Wake up before anyone else. Especially parents, it’s too difficult to do a routine when you have kids demanding your attention. Remember, this time is for you. Decide what the best time is for you and your situation. Be consistent. Even on weekends. Although, I understand if you want to (and able to) sleep in a little on the weekends! I’m not judging anyone here!

First thing first, hydrate. It’s always best to start your day with a glass of water. I prefer mine to be room temperature. I actually bring a glass to bed with me the night before. That way I have it right when I wake up.

Stretch, exercise or do yoga (or do all 3) – Do some form of physical movement. If that means only stretching, do it! Take a walk around the neighborhood, go on the treadmill, do a few yoga poses, whatever you have time for. It doesn’t have to be for a long time. Even if it’s for 5 minutes. It’s about waking up your body. Physical exercise has been proven to help reduce stress, depression and anxiety, even at short intervals.

Meditate– Almost every routine I have reviewed or tried has some sort of morning meditation routine. I will be the first to admit I need work in this area. However, I see the value in meditating. Even my son’s 2nd grade teacher introduced meditation in the classroom this year. He is enjoying it as well. Take this time to completely clear your mind and focus on your breathing. Again, you can meditate for 10 minutes and see the benefits. If you aren’t familiar with meditating there are several apps you can try. Calm and Headspace are free. Check out this article on Best Meditation Apps of 2018, from www.healthline.com

Focus on the day– I love this one! I actually start this the night before by creating a list of things I need to do. I actually have a pad of paper at my night stand. I’m old school and like to write things out. I LOVE Lists! It helps get my thoughts in order. Take a few minutes during your morning routine to plan out your day. If you aren’t a list person than visualize the structure of your day.

Then, prioritize what needs to get done. Here’s an important tip – complete your number one priority task first! You are more likely to get it done in the morning. I mentioned I LOVE lists, right? I also LOVE checking things off my list. It is always satisfying to see all those check marks. Anybody else feel this way?!? Unfortunately, I kept pushing off my bigger tasks and doing my smaller or easier tasks because I wanted to see more checkmarks. Let me just say, that is not the best plan. As much as I loved seeing all those check marks I found I am more productive when I can check off my top priorities first. Trust me, prioritize and do those tasks first.

Do something you like– Finally, find a few minutes to do something you enjoy. This is what I call feeding the soul! Listen or dance to music. I like to have a few go to playlists or pandora stations for my different moods. Maybe you like to journal, great! Start a bullet journal or do a page or two of your grateful journal. Listen to a motivating podcast, read something that makes you motivated or just plain happy. Again, this doesn’t have to take long. Start a list (there is that word again!) on Monday of things you are grateful for. Add to that list throughout the week.

Do Something That Brings You Joy

Overall, choose what you want your morning routine to look like and how much time you have for each step. Pick something that will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Try to end your morning routine with 1 thing that brings you joy.

All in all, it doesn’t have to take you long to do a morning routine. Mine doesn’t last more than 20-30 minutes. I hope this helps you create a morning routine that works for you!