If you know me at all you know that I am not a morning person. I hate waking up in the morning no matter what the reason is. I have been like this for as long as I can remember, but since I have become a mom I have actually had a desire to wake up early! This has been a huge change for me, and a very beneficial one, as well. Lately I have had the desire to wake up even earlier so that I am awake before my son gets up for the day. That means that I would be waking up around 6 am everyday and for someone that’s never been a morning person, that’s really early! I have noticed some great benefits to not only waking up early, but to waking up before my son does, and I’m going to tell you about 5 of them so that it may inspire you to do the same. Here are some of the reasons why I love getting up before my child in the morning.
1. “Me” Time
If you’re a mom, you know how crucial “me” time is. It’s one of the most important things a woman can do for herself. When you’re constantly busy with children, a job, and a home, it can be extremely exhausting. Everyone needs a little rest and relaxation, even moms. So, by waking up before your kids you can enjoy a little “me” time. You can paint your nails, watch your favorite guilty pleasure TV show, work out, etc. It gives you time to focus on YOU so that when your kids wake up your mind and body can focus on them.
2. More Time To Get Things Done
Having time to actually get things done through out the day is few and far between. If you wake up before your kiddos it gives you a few extra minutes to fold the laundry, write those thank you cards you’ve been needing to write for a month, answer emails, or prepare for dinner later that night. Try to do the things that are hardest to accomplish when the kids are around so that the rest of your daily tasks will be easier to accomplish once the little monsters are awake.
3. Your Morning Will Be Less Rushed
By waking up before your kids you have more time to get yourself ready in the morning, make breakfast, make your morning cup of coffee, etc. That way, when your kids do actually wake up you won’t have to rush around doing those things while you’re trying to help them get dressed, brush their teeth, do their hair, and so on. You’ll be able to enjoy your mornings a little more, as well as the time you have with your children each morning.
4. You Can Plan Your Day
When you have a few quiet minutes to yourself in the morning it allows you to sit down and plan out your day. You can actually have the time and the peace to think through the errands and the tasks you need to accomplish and write them down. You’ll be less likely to forget something because you won’t have your kids bothering you. Also, if you have the time to plan your day, chances are you’ll actually get done what needs to get done and have a few extra minutes to spare so you can spend quality time with your kids.
5. You’ll Be More Productive
If you’re used to waking up when your kids wake up you know what a whirlwind of a morning it can be. For the first thirty minutes or so you’re probably extremely exhausted because they woke you up out of a deep sleep, which means you’ll probably sit (or lay) on the couch that whole time. Then, when it finally comes time to make breakfast chances are you’ll resort to something easy and unhealthy like a bowl of cereal because you don’t have the energy to make anything else. Notice a pattern here? However, when you wake up earlier than your kids and have time to wake up on your own time and doing your own thing, you’ll be able to tackle things more easily and with more energy.