Jun 34 min read

Somewhat "Stress-Free" Morning Routines for New Moms: A Realistic Guide to Self-Care

Are you a new mom looking for ways to make your mornings less stressful and more enjoyable? Juggling the demands of motherhood can be overwhelming, especially given the sleep adjustments that come with a little one who is still learning their way. Plus, let's be honest... babies don't sleep! Whoever in your mom group or circle or chat that is telling you theirs sleeps perfectly or whatever family member that is sharing how great their baby slept... they are lying. People often minimize how hard it can be to balance and while they may be well meaning, please know that you are not alone if you're still trying to find your new normal. In this post, we will explore some tips for creating a somewhat "stress-free" morning routine that focuses on self-care and well-being by just using the tools you can use.

Setting the Tone for Your Day

For many new mothers, and seasoned moms mornings can feel chaotic and rushed. However, establishing a routine that works for you can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. One key aspect of this is creating designated "me time" sometime in the morning wherever you can. This doesn't have to be a long time but it can be any few moments you have before your little one wakes up for the day or the rest of the family is up.

Start the Day Mindfully : Begin your day with a few moments of mindfulness or meditation to center yourself and set yourself up for the day ahead. Start small with 2-5 minutes of just quite time alone. Go to a separate room, your closet, the living room, the kitchen, any area that you can feel safe enough to just breathe and thank yourself for all the work you're doing and remind yourself that you deserve rest even though it may be few and far between.
Nourish Your Body : Enjoy a nutritious breakfast that fuels your body and mind. Consider preparing meals or snacks the night before to save time in the morning. If you are able you can also try a food prep service or ask a partner or support person for help with this. If this is really feeling impossible start with things that are premade and just get enough for one week. Ideas: nuts, health bars, a bowl of berries, a quick almond butter and toast or avocado toast. Pick your favorite and make it easy and accessible.
Incorporate Movement : Whether it's a quick 10 minute free dance, a slow or brisk walk, or some stretching exercises, moving your body can help boost your energy levels and mood. I definitely did some dancing on my Wii and found random dance workouts on YouTube in my early parenting days.
Connect with Your Baby : Spend quality time bonding with your little one in the morning. Skin-to-skin contact or gentle interactions can strengthen your connection and promote emotional well-being for the both of you. It is so easy to feel touched out when with your baby most of the day, but even sweet gazes can help you reconnect and promote regulation for both of you.
Practice Inentional Self-Care : Allocate time for self-care activities that bring you joy. This could include reading a book, listening to affirmations, journaling, taking a slow and mindful shower, or listening to calming music. Our Mommy Wellness Boxes are a great suggestion to get you started.

Personal Insights: Stress-Free Morning Routines

As a new mom, I remember having a hard time pushing out guilt and prioritizing myself. Over time I have found that incorporating self-care practices into my morning routine has made a significant difference in how I approach each day. Prioritizing self-care and mindfulness have helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood even as my children have gotten older and moved on to toddlerhood and elementary school.

Key Takeaways

By implementing a routine that focuses on you, it will allow you to better care for those loved ones around you. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it's essential for your overall mental health. Not only can you not pour from an empty cup, but your cup already has holes in it from all the various things you are responsible for everyday; you must consistently fill it so that you don't run empty.

Looking for ways to enhance your maternal health and well-being? Explore our Maternal Health Services such as Individual Therapy, Lactation Counseling, and Support Groups and don't forget about our all-natural plant-based Motherhood Self-Care items to accompany you on the special journey of motherhood.