Time for Mom

It used to be that I would get up in the morning at that last possible moment to allow me to get out the door on time. Once I had my son, my perspective on this changed. Suddenly, it became important to get up in plenty of time in the morning. I even flipped my morning routine. I had always been one to go from bed to the shower, get dressed and ready, head downstairs for breakfast and sort of work my way towards the door. After my son was born, I started coming downstairs and getting breakfast and packing my lunch and such, before heading to the shower. This was a necessity so that I could have some me time and let him sleep as late as possible.

As my routine changed, I came to really enjoy the morning hours. I am up almost 3 hours before I walk out the door for work. I am able to get a lot done during this time. The first couple of hours are quiet, as everyone is still sleeping. So, it really is my time to do what I want, without interruptions.

I come downstairs, do laundry, empty the dishwasher that I generally run overnight, wash pots and pans from last night's dinner, do my exercises, pack lunches, eat breakfast, and spend some time online. Then, I head upstairs to get my shower and get dressed. About this time, the kids wake up and they start to get ready for their day.

This really works for me. After a busy day, I just don't have the energy or the desire to do many of these activities. In the early evening, I want to spend as much time as possible with the kids before they go to bed. Once they are in bed, I just want to unwind and head to bed. So, it is nice to be able to accomplish so much in the morning. Plus, exercising in the morning leaves me energized and ready to start the day.

To read more tips and tricks, check out Works for Me Wednesday over at We Are THAT Family.