5 Tips to Get Back Into the Mom Routine
ROUTINE IS EVERYTHING FOR ME
...especially as a busy mom! Being able to go on auto-pilot saves not only time, but my sanity. During the summer, life gets crazy and any type of routine goes out the window, but fall is now upon us. The kids are back at school, which means it is the perfect time to reset and get back on track. Getting back to a routine takes a bit of an adjustment period (especially if you are new to having a little one at school like me — game changer!) So, I like to take my time and ease into it. Now that we have been “back to school” for two weeks, it is time for me to really ramp things up. I am sharing my 5 top tips that help me get back into a routine.
1. use your evenings wisely
I know how tempting it is to pour a glass of wine and curl up in bed the minute the kids are down (believe me, I know!) Instead, I take 30-45 minutes to tidy up, lay out everyone’s clothes for the next morning, lay out everyone’s coats, bags and shoes and make sure that I have my things by the door. Vitamins are set out on the counter ready for the morning, I try to prepare anything I can so I don’t have to do it the next morning. Then, the trick is: GO TO BED EARLY. This one gets tough, but it really is so important to get a full nights sleep. For us, that means we get into bed pretty early and, if we are watching a show together, we limit it one episode no matter what. Then, it’s lights out!
2. WAKE UP BEFORE THE KIDS
Again, I know how tired we all are and every minute of sleep is needed, but I notice a significant difference in our morning and my entire day when I wake up before the kids vs. waking up to the little one screaming at the top of her lungs “MAMA”. Take a little time to relax, plan your day, enjoy a cup of coffee, sometimes I work in a little yoga or exercise before the littles wake up. It really does make for a better, more prepared day.
3. write it down
If you know me, then you know how much I love having a physical agenda book and on top of that, I make lists on top of lists. At the start of the week, I make a new list of things to do that week with the most important things at the top of the list and that is what I will spend my time on first thing in the mornings. We have also started doing a little calendar for our oldest. We just downloaded a printable calendar online and added clip art photos to represent school days, dance class, music class or any other activities she has scheduled for the week. It works great and Liv loves it!
4. MEAL PLAN
Again this is time saving, but also sanity saving. Every Sunday we decide on the menu for the week and put together the grocery list. We put in the grocery order using Uber Eats and if time permits (and if I have the energy) I will prep all the food on Sunday as well. I make sure to get everything washed and chopped and in the fridge to make cooking throughout the week as easy as possible. It’s also great if the kids want a snack, they can grab a bowl and grab some cut up fruit or veggies!
5. take me time
Schedule your day with you in mind. Life gets busy, I get it! I have taken a good year off of working out because, who has the time? Well it is time that I make time. So, when scheduling my day I leave at least 30 minutes to myself to get moving. The weather is perfect right now, so even if you are way too busy, take one of your calls while out on a walk. The movement and the fresh air will do wonders for your energy and help to get you through the rest of the day.
These are five ways I’ve been getting myself and our family back into a routine, especially before hockey season starts up again! In the comments below, let me know how you keep your family in a routine or maybe another tip we can try to work into our routine! I’m sure like me, any other moms would love some help!
Much Love,
