My children are back at university and, dare I say it, life feels a little more back to normal!
I absolutely love having them home, but there’s no denying that life becomes much more chaotic. They’re cooking at all hours, having friends round constantly and, somehow, creating quite a lot of mess along the way.
So, them heading back to university also means I can get back to a smoother, healthier and more productive morning routine — and, honestly, it is very welcome indeed.
Let me take you through the little things I’ve reintroduced into my 5–9 (before my 9–5) and how these simple habits are making my mornings feel so much easier.
I Walk Myself Awake
I’ve always loved a little 10-minute walk around my neighbourhood in the morning. And when I say walk, I really don’t mean a power walk! I mean a gentle stroll, taking my time and having a little look around. I get my keys on the table and my joggers and trainers out the night before, so it’s simple to get dressed, grab my water bottle and go.
There’s something about getting outside first thing that I really like. The fresh air, the quiet, hearing the birds and just moving my body a little seem to give me a gentle nudge into the day.
I am lucky enough to live just 5 minutes stroll away from stunning Bridgford Park and I like to walk round it when it’s all quiet and there are just a few dog walkers out and about. Isn’t it gorgeous!
I used to try going straight to the gym in the mornings, but I generally failed miserably at that one! And on the mornings when I did make it, it often felt like far too much, far too soon.
A little stroll feels much more achievable for me. I can enjoy the fresh air, get a bit of daylight and sometimes even get caught in the rain — which is actually rather lovely when you’re not rushing anywhere.
It’s such a simple thing, but I find those 10 minutes really help me wake up, clear my head and feel ready to start the day.
I Make a Proper Coffee
I’m capitalising ‘Proper Coffee’ here because that’s what we called it in my house growing up. If you were having a really good coffee rather than a quick instant one, it was a Proper Coffee.
Oh, how I love a good Proper Coffee!
And now I’m not rushing around clearing up after my children in the morning, it feels like such a treat to actually have the time to make one and, more importantly, sit down and enjoy it.
This has become my little slice of heaven when I get back from my morning walk. I come through the door, make my Proper Coffee and take a few minutes to enjoy it before I get on with the rest of my day.
I use the Daewoo 20-Bar Digital Semi-Auto Coffee Maker and it is such a great machine. It makes café-quality barista style coffees, which I adore, and it’s so very easy to use.
The 1L milk tank and adjustable foam mean I can make everything from a creamy cappuccino to a silky latte, while the one-touch controls make it really simple. I like simple.
It also cleans itself, which is a huge bonus for me, and the heated top keeps my cups warm. Little touches like the removable drip tray and non-slip feet make it practical too — basically, it has everything you need for lovely coffee at home without making a fuss.
I think that’s what I’m enjoying most about getting back into a routine. I have more time for the things that make my mornings feel lovely, rather than just rushing from one job to the next.
And a ‘Proper Coffee,’ after a quiet morning stroll, is pretty hard to beat!
Sometimes I like a strong, black Americano but sometimes the day just calls for a Cappuccino!
I Light a Candle
While my coffee is being made, I light a candle and take a little pause. I love breathing in the scent, having a quiet moment and reminding myself of all the things I have to be grateful for.
Then I usually send my children a quick “good morning” text to tell them I love them. I know, it’s a little bit mushy, but I do miss them! And, if I’m lucky, perhaps my message will also get them out of bed and get their day started too!
I Breakfast Well
On busy mornings, I tend to grab a pastry and a take-out coffee from the café closest to my therapy clinic. It can feel like a treat at the time, but I pay for it later when the sugar rush subsides — and when I realise what I’ve spent too.
I like to take my time over a proper breakfast to nourish myself well for a busy day. I love a Greek yoghurt bowl — Greek yoghurt topped with berries, banana, nuts, seeds and a little drizzle of honey — or maybe avocado and eggs on wholegrain toast.
Simple, filling and a great way to get the day started.
I Practise Tai Chi
I’ve been practising Tai Chi since Covid and I absolutely love it. Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with breathing and mindfulness. There’s something about the rhythm of it that I find so calming.
I love the flow of the exercises, how gentle they are and how balancing they feel. After a light breakfast and my restorative coffee, stretching and moving my body this way feels so good.
I only do 10 minutes, but it’s 10 minutes my body truly thanks me for!
I Shower and Dress with Care
I take time to have a proper shower, make sure my skincare routine is done properly and pick out an outfit I love. Not just for special occasions, but every day.
Having the time to do this is something I’m really appreciating now my routine is back. I love putting a little effort into myself and I find I carry that feeling with me throughout the day.
It may sound a little superficial, but looking better really does make me feel better — and I think we’re all worth that little bit of effort, every day.
I Write My To-Do List
I am one busy lady! I have four blogs, a small psychotherapy practice and I also write books on wellbeing. My days are a juggle and very full of words, so this peaceful start to the morning really helps me.
Emptying my head of the myriad of things I have to do that day gives me a sense of clarity and order. It helps me focus on what’s ahead, makes me feel organised and ready to go, and somehow just eases me into the day.
I Reset My Home Before I Leave
I take five minutes to reset my kitchen before I leave for the day. I clear away my coffee-making things, wash my breakfast bowl and make sure everything looks just so, so that when I come back from my clinic there is nothing waiting for me to do.
My fabulous coffee machine actually cleans itself (you simply press the clean button!) which is one job less for me!
Resetting my kitchen might seem such a small thing, but I really notice the difference. Coming home to a tidy kitchen makes me feel calmer and means I can get on with my evening rather than immediately feeling like I have more jobs to do.
And if I have a few extra minutes, I might even make myself another ‘Proper Coffee’ to take with me! Because why not? I just pop it in my travel cup and whisk it away. My therapy clinic only has instant and it’s not the best. I’d much rather take one with me.
Final thoughts
My morning routine isn’t complicated and it’s certainly not perfect, but it nourishes me for the day ahead. It makes me feel like I’m taking good care of my body and mind and starting the day well.
I’d love to hear about your routine and the little habits that make your mornings easier?
You can find some more morning routine ideas to start your day well over at Very.
