Are you a busy mom like me, juggling multiple tasks every morning? With two energetic boys and a penchant for homemade delights, my mornings are a symphony of organization and productivity. I’m about to show you how I fit yogurt making into my productive morning routine (without the wheels falling off!). Here’s how I conquer the chaos and get it all done before lunchtime.
7 Tips for Maximizing Morning Productivity
Mornings are my prime time for productivity. I kickstart my day with vigor, tackling chores head-on, so that I can savor the calm afternoons. Here’s 7 tips for maximizing morning productivity:
- Get an Early Start: Rise and shine early to make the most of your productive hours. Starting your day with energy sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
- Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for the morning and focus on completing them first. Whether it’s household chores, work assignments, or personal projects, prioritize what needs to be done.
- Set Goals: Set clear and achievable goals for the morning. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them more approachable and easier to tackle.
- Multitask Wisely: Look for opportunities to multitask without compromising quality. For example, while waiting for the kettle to boil, you can tidy up the kitchen or prepare breakfast ingredients.
- Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together to maximize efficiency. For instance, if you’re cooking breakfast, consider meal prepping for the day or completing other kitchen chores simultaneously.
- Stay Flexible: Be adaptable and willing to adjust your plans as needed. Unexpected disruptions may arise, but maintaining a flexible mindset allows you to navigate challenges without derailing your entire morning.
- Make it a Routine: Establishing a consistent morning routine helps streamline your activities and reduces decision-making fatigue. Incorporate activities that energize and prepare you for the day ahead.
A Peek into My Productive Morning Routine
Every week, I make a huge batch of yogurt, which becomes the cornerstone of that daily morning routine. Homemade yogurt is a task that demands precision and patience, but it can fit seamlessly into my schedule when I go about it the right way (I’m about to show you how I do that). Fitting yogurt making into my one of my morning routines allows me to make 3 liters of the stuff every week.
To integrate yogurt making into a bustling morning, you just need to plan ahead and have your wits about you. While the milk heats and cools, I multitask, savoring moments with my family and indulging in a comforting cup of coffee. There’s actually very little hands-on work with yogurt making, allowing me freedom for other activities while the yogurt ferments.
- 6:30 am – Rise and Shine: While initially a struggle, once I’m up, I’m awake and ready to hit the ground running.
- 7:00 am – Breakfast & Heat Milk: I get the boys started on breakfast while I set up the yogurt. I take the whey out of the fridge to come to room temperature (this is for the yoghurt starter). I pour the milk into a pot, and place onto the stove to heat while we are eating breakfast.
- 7:30 am – Cool Milk and Quiet Time: The milk should have reached 100 degrees Celsius by now, so I take the pot off the heat and turn the stove off. I keep the thermometer in to monitor the temperature. It needs to cool to 50 degrees Celsius, which takes about an hour or so. While the milk cools and before my hubby leaves for work, we enjoy bible time together on the couch.
- 8:00 am – Hubby to Work & Chore Time: Hubby departs for work and milk is still not at temp, so I use this time to straighten the house, put washing on, open the curtains and windows.
- 8:30 am – The Yogurt Goes to Bed: It has been about an hour since I took the heated milk off the heat. It should have cooled to about 50 degrees Celsius by this time. If it has not, I usually hover in the kitchen until it has. Then I prepare the yogurt for bed (you can read more about how I do that in my Homemade Yogurt recipe), and set the timer for 8 hours. Then I forget about it! That’s actually the yoghurt portion of the day, done.
- 9:00 am – Nap Time: It’s time to tuck in my little one for his morning nap. After a quick feed, I gently lay him down to rest. These morning naps are usually his longest, giving me a precious window to tackle my work out.
- 9:30 am – Work Out: It’s time to break a sweat! Though it can sometimes feel like a mission, I dive into my work out knowing that it sets the tone for a productive day ahead. Pushing through any initial resistance pays off, leaving me feeling energized and ready to take on the day.
- 10:30 am – Ablutions Time: After a refreshing workout, I shower and get dressed for the day. With a burst of post-workout energy, I fold yesterday’s laundry and hanging out a fresh load.
- 11:00 am – Lunch Time for My Toddler: As my 2 year old enjoys his mid-morning meal, we bond over kids’ songs and chatter. While he is eating, I seize the opportunity to tidy up the kitchen and check off tasks from my to-do list, keeping busy and productive.
- 11:45 am – Prep for Nap: It’s time to prepare my toddler for his midday nap. He will usually sleep for a couple of hours, giving me a bit of breathing room to write and rest.
- 12:00 pm – Lunch Time: On the days when my husband heads off to work, I indulge in a leisurely lunch and escape into the pages of a good book. It’s a well-deserved break after a busy morning, allowing me to recharge for the rest of the day. However, the best days are when he is home and we get to sit together and chat.
My mornings are a whirlwind of activity, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love how they fly by, brimming with productivity and purpose. By accomplishing everything on my list before lunchtime, I set the stage for a peaceful and restful afternoon. After lunch I am free from the shackles or mundane chores, and can use my time to rest, write and play. That’s a wonderful feeling!
The 10 Best Things to Include in a Productive Morning Routine
A productive morning routine sets the tone for the entire day! Here are the best things you can include in your productive morning routine to ensure your physical and mental health and well being:
- Early Wake-Up: Rise and shine with the sun to maximize your morning hours. Waking up early gives you extra time to tackle tasks and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism. Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast to provide energy for the morning ahead.
- Exercise or Movement: Incorporate physical activity into your morning routine to boost your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, or a quick workout, moving your body helps you feel more alert and focused.
- Mindfulness or Meditation: Take a few moments for mindfulness or meditation to center yourself and set a positive intention for the day. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and increase your overall sense of well-being.
- Goal Setting: Take time to review your goals for the day and set your priorities. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the morning.
- Personal Growth: Dedicate time for personal development activities such as reading, journaling, or learning something new. Investing in yourself early in the day sets a positive tone for personal growth and learning.
- Productivity Planning: Review your schedule and to-do list for the day, and plan out your tasks and priorities. Setting a clear plan of action helps you stay organized and focused on what needs to be accomplished.
- Mindful Technology Use: Limit distractions from technology by setting boundaries around email and social media usage. Designate specific times for checking emails and scrolling through social media to prevent overwhelm and maintain focus.
- Self-Care Rituals: Incorporate self-care practices into your morning routine to nurture your body and mind. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, skincare routine, or practicing gratitude, taking care of yourself sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Positive Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations or mantras to boost your confidence and mindset. Repeat affirmations that resonate with you to cultivate a positive outlook and mindset for the day.
By incorporating these elements into your morning routine, you’ll set yourself up for a productive, positive, and fulfilling day ahead!
Let’s Chat!
Let’s chat about productive morning routines! Are you an early riser who thrives on the energy of the sunrise, or do you prefer to ease into the day at a more leisurely pace? Share your favorite morning rituals and routines that help you kickstart a productive day! Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise, squeezing in a workout before dawn, or indulging in a few moments of quiet reflection, I’d love to hear how you set the tone for a successful day ahead.
