1. If you’re a goal-driven parent: create a to-do list
You’re tenacious and used to getting stuff done. So why do some mornings feel like you’re just spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere?
There’s nothing like the good old pen and paper to help you get all your ducks in a row in the morning. Write down everything you need to do: grab a coffee, take the keys, and don’t forget the toddler in the cot. You can even start with ‘wake up’ and tick it off straight away - that’s you already accomplishing goals and you’re not even out of bed yet. What a great feeling in the morning!
Make sure you’re not forgetting anything important in the morning chaos by putting your action list together the night before. Avoiding all the drama an early school morning has to offer! Less chance that Junior’s bee project gets left behind on the kitchen table instead of ending up in his backpack.
2. If you’re a working-from-home parent: morning workout
The secret to rising and shining is to get moving. Squeezing in a workout seems difficult when you’ve got to spend your time between Zoom calls and your kid’s maths homework. But exercise is such a good way to start your day! Just don’t forget to enjoy your pre-workout breakfast.
If a workout is too time-consuming for your busy schedule, do a few stretches as you get the kids dressed. Throw in a set of jumping jacks while preparing the breakfast cereals. And go for a quick walk around the neighbourhood to kick-start the day. If you’re envisioning the Rocky training montage already, that’s perfect! You need the stamina to help you go toe to toe with the hectic morning rush. Plus, kids can join in on your exercise routine too.
3. If you’re an always-busy parent: take power naps
Parenting is not the easiest gig in the world when you’ve got a couple of little ones bouncing around the house keeping you busy from the moment they wake up till long after they go to sleep. By the time you pick up all the loose Legos and save their favourite toy from behind the couch, you’re exhausted and ready to call it a day. To help fuel your day, try increasing your energy with strategic power naps, even if you only have 20 minutes to catch some zzz’s. Your body will feel re-energised and ready to take on whatever comes next, from cranky toddlers or tight work deadlines.
4. If you’re an outgoing parent: create a pump-up morning playlist
Put on the tunes and you won’t hear the phrase ‘5 more minutes please’ ever again. Choose upbeat songs that pack enough punch to make everyone feel uncrushable as they get out the door.
Music is a great way to feel energised especially if you’re going for those happy beats that instantly transport you to summertime even when it’s still far, far away. We’re talking about those songs that make you want to pack your bags and head for a sunny island straight away.
Or why not get the family together and create a morning playlist? Kids can add their favourite tunes too. So, what if you end up singing Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ all the way to work?
Whatever strategy works best to get things done in the morning and everyone out the door, there’s one last tip for a delicious start to the day: why not have a bowl of SHREDDIES® for breakfast and seize your day?
