You may have read the title to this post and thought, “What?! Abby, why are you posting about productivity and your morning routine in November?! Aren’t we supposed to be talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas and holiday stuff galore?!”
It’s true. That’s typically what we’re focused on this time of year. But along with all of that “holiday stuff” tends to come busy-ness and chaos and a serious lack of productivity. (Or maybe I’m the only one that gets that way? ?)
So I thought– mostly as a much needed reminder to myself– that I would do a series of posts that help to solidify those systems that have proven to boost my productivity and make my days run more smoothly. My hope is that by keeping up with these all important routines during one of the busiest time of year, we can head in to the new year with the energy we need to accomplish our goals rather than feeling like we are worn out and need to recover from the holidays.
My Morning Routine
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
The first thing I wanted to tackle, then, was something that I’ve been struggling with a lot lately: my morning routine. In my head, I know that my morning routine sets the tone for the rest of my day, but when my alarm goes off in the morning, I haven’t been feeling motivated to get up and go.
My lack of morning motivation surprised me somewhat because I used to be a morning person. In college, even if I didn’t have class until later in the day, I would be outside the doors of the gym waiting for it to open at 5:45 am. Even after Connor was born, I would wake up early to work out and get some things done before he got out of bed.
But something about that second little baby changed everything. At first, I was tired from all of the night feedings, so I would sleep in as long as the Cs would let me. Then they started waking up at 5:30 or 5:45 each day, so I would get up with them, flip on the TV, and half sleep/ half monitor their whereabouts for an hour or so.
Now that they’re older (and still wake up super early!), they keep themselves occupied for a little while in the morning as I either sleeep or half-awake, check my email/social media on my phone. (Did I just admit to that?! Eeek!) When I finally do get up, I feel groggy, cranky, and definitely not well rested. I also have to rush around to get us all ready and out the door on time, which makes our mornings more stressful! After a few months of this, I knew something had to change.
So I made a new plan. The first thing I did was get my phone away from the side of my bed. Having it there was too big of a temptation. I would stay up too late looking at unimportant things and wake up the next morning and immediately waste more time looking at unimportant things. That was certainly not the best start or end to my day, so I moved the phone across the room while I slept.
Not only did this keep me from mindlessly perusing the internet while I should have been either sleeping or getting started with my day, but it also forced me to stand up and walk across the room to turn my alarm off.
Life. Changing.
Seriously, that one little thing changed everything. My alarm goes off, and since I have to physically get up to deal with it, I just continue on to my office to get started with my day rather than wasting the first part of my morning.
So what is waiting for me in my office?
That would be my Bible and journal. Now this is the way to start my day. I cannot describe how much better I feel when I start the day by opening up the Word and getting in the right frame of mind. Does it mean that every day is perfect? Certainly not, but even when my day isn’t going the way I had planned, having started it with time with the Lord seems to help tremendously. By the time I’m finished with my quiet time, the Cs have usually woken up and made their way downstairs, and I grab the other item that I have waiting for me in my office:
My running shoes! Ever since we moved into our new house, I have been majorly slacking when it comes to exercise. Things got busy and I didn’t work it into my routine, so it just didn’t happen. Now I head downstairs, smooch those two little Cs, and get a little workout in before I get ready for the rest of the day. The Cs like to join in the fun too, meaning they like to pull out every piece of exercise equipment we own and spread it out around the room, but hey, they’re occupied, I’m exercising, and it’s a win for everyone! And then…
We head into the kitchen to have breakfast together at the island. Taking the time to be together, talk about what’s coming up, and really just enjoy each other’s company helps everyone start off the day on the right foot. The Cs aren’t going to be little forever, so I need to cherish every second of this time!
After breakfast we all get ready, I put Con on the bus, drop Caleb off at preschool, and then I take a few minutes to check email and social media. And guess what? I haven’t missed a thing and the world does not end because I didn’t get on my phone or computer first thing in the morning. Amazing how that works!
Changing my morning routine gives me more energy throughout the day, I have less anxiety about getting things done, and I’m all around a happier person because I’m starting my day off right instead of laying around until the last second and then rushing to try to get everyone out the door. It works, people!
Now your routine doesn’t have to look exactly like mine, but my challenge to you is to pick a few things that you think would help your day start off right, set your alarm (on the other side of the room 😉 ), get up and get moving! You can do it!
Have a wonderful week, friends!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
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My morning routine is pretty crazy as well. I first wake up anytime between 2 and 3AM because my puppy has to go to the bathroom. After he’s done going, we head back to bed. He won’t fall back to sleep in his crate, so he sleeps with me until my alarm goes off at 5:45. The rest of the morning is spent feeding the pup, scheduling posts for the day on social media, getting dressed, doing hair/makeup and running out the door to work.
Trying to figure out how to fit in a workout these days as well.
Mornings are the only time I have “me” time. I am loving following this series you are doing!
Thank you so much, Lindsay! Yay for “me” time!
~Abby =)
Wow! This is just what I needed! With 3 kids I’m finding a morning routine is so important and I will start mine tomorrow! I’m so not a morning person but I need to be for my kids! Thanks for the post Abby!
Kids make it sooooo hard to be a morning person, right?! Especially bc I’m sure your baby isn’t letting you sleep through the night quite yet. (If she is, bless her!) Hope all of you guys are doing well!!
~Abby =)
making the most of my mornings makes a huge difference to me as well! I find that getting my quiet time in really shapes the rest of my day.
I’ve seen this new IKEA campaign on a couple of other blogs too, and I’m loving seeing what people are doing!
Sounds like an awesome morning routine! You could never go wrong with starting the day with God, that’s for sure!
I’m such a morning person, but unfortunately, my kids have to be at school at 7 AM and we have a 20 minute drive to get them there, so we get up way too early as it is. The biggest thing that helped me not feel completely wigged out on weekday mornings is putting my kids (10 and 13) in charge of making their lunches. Everything is easily accessible to them, so they can choose what they want and throw their lunch own together quickly (no complaints or uneaten lunches), and it gives them some responsibility. I felt bad at first, but really it’s worked out really well!
I love that idea! And wow, that is early to be at school! Good for them for making their own lunches and taking responsibility! Have a great day, Natasha!
~Abby =)
Starting out productive makes a huge difference for me too! When I wasn’t working this summer it was so easy to just sleep until the kids woke up but then I started getting up when my husband woke up so we could work out together and just that helped me to get my day started and helped me feel so much more productive! (mostly because I could get a shower in before nap time in the afternoon! 🙂 )
I hear ya! Something about getting moving in the morning just makes the rest of the day so much better! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Heidi!
~Abby =)
I hate waking up early, but I love taking my time in the morning to get things done, and feeling productive before my day really “starts”! That’s a conundrum I struggle with each day haha!
Oh I hear ya! The struggle is real! 😀
~Abby =)
I love & needed this Abby! I was on an awesome no phone/email/computer until after my daily reading routine, but somehow feel off the wagon. My days have not as smooth, and I need to get back to what was working! Can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
My day starts at 5:30 a.m., when I take Elliot and put him in bed with Kayla (my granddaughter/her son). Then I check the passage for the day, throw in a load of laundry (it has to be in the dryer before I leave), shower, dress, pick-up (usually the living room where Elliot’s toys are currently housed) and leave to catch the 7:00 a.m. bus to town. Sometimes I feel like I’ve put in a whole day before I’ve even got to the office. On a side note, Abby, I’m enjoying reading your blog and will be following along on the 31 days of intentional living. Thanks for the guidance and inspiration!
Wow! You really do get a lot done before 7! Good for you! I’m sure Kayla and Elliot appreciate you! Have a wonderful day, Trish!
~Abby =)
Oh my goodness…..you’re my “morning doppelgänger”!! Everything with my morning routine stayed the same when we had our first child, but when our daughter came along sleep became my primary focus. And that was also about the time, I got my first iPhone so wasting time in the mornings became the “norm”. I’ve spent the last month attempting to be intentional about getting up {I put my phone out in the living room at night}, steering clear of email, blog reading, and social media until all the important stuff is done. I’m back into my morning “quiet-time” with God which is so important for me as a mom and a wife. I’ve noticed that when my mornings are intentional, the rest of my day just seems a whole lot better!!
All this to say….THANK YOU FOR SHARING…..it’s always nice to know that I’m not alone in this area.
Lol! I never knew it was possible to have a morning routine, twin! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful day, Amber!
~Abby =)
Oh Abby, you just described me & my mornings to a T!! I, too, wait until the last minute to get up and then it’s rush, rush, rush! A horrible, horrible way to start the day! I look at my phone way too much as well. Last night for the first time in a long time, I didn’t look at it while laying in bed. It was actually pretty nice!
I am going to use your printables and make my mornings, days, weeks, months intentional!!
Thank you for sharing the wealth!!
Michelle
This is a great idea. I too have changed up my routine, I get up before the kids. Get myself dressed and ready for the day. Then I make the breakfast. Not pancakes or anything crazy. But oatmeal with fruit, or toast and eggs. I found I was just giving them the sugary sweet cereal because they ate it quickly. Now that they actually eat a good breakfast (and we all sit down and eat it together) my mornings feel less rushed. And I send my kids off to school with love, hugs, and full bellies instead of rushing and tears.
That’s awesome, Emily! Sounds like a great morning to me!
~Abby =)
Love this so much, Abby!! Thanks for the gentle reminders and for your honesty! Your boys are adorable (and you look amazing!)!
Happy Wednesday!
Aw, thank you, friend! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Oh man, this is speaking to me! I’ve been trying to make a morning routine part of my life but it’s been a rough start. I think I managed one day this week. I’ve realized excessive is a lost cause in the mornings (my kids are one and packing them up for a run is not going to happen. I’m planning to get a gym pass in the new year where they have onsite daycare.
BUT those dishes are my faves. I use them for every table setting I ever do 🙂
Yes, it’s hard when they’re that little! I am just now getting to the point where they are independent enough that I can exercise while they’re awake and my youngest is 3. The gym thing sounds lovely! Hope you’re having a great day, Colleen!
~Abby =)
Such a great post! I’m loving this series! I’m also in the middle of changing my bedtime routine. I make sure that an hour and a half before bedtime I finish up everything I need to do on the internet or any electronic device (Candy Crush is my weakness!) Then I read a little before bed.
Ooh love that! It definitely helps to unplug before bed! Hope you’re having a great week, Jessica!
~Abby =)
This was just the little boost I needed to hear to help get my mornings rolling! I have been wanting to get up and read by Bible… Thank you!
Abby, thanks for this!
I love getting things done in the mornings, but the mornings can also be a black hole. I can do my most productive work in the morning, but since starting blogging I’ve found it harder. When I get up now I tend to try to check into new link parties, but the I get sucked in to all of that and end up wasting time.
When I was in college I used to get up immediately when my alarm went off, throw on exercise clothes, jog a mile, shower, eat a healthy breakfast, and then leave to class. I do need to get back into a routine that makes sure I get all the things done again.
Also, I wanted to invite you to the Retro Re-Pin Party (link below) that began last night and ends tomorrow, Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Yes! It is so easy to get sucked in to the internet in the morning– I totally understand! We can resist! Lol. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
My morning routine is terrrrrible. I am not a morning person at ALL so it’s so hard for me to be anything other than a zombie before 9am 🙂
I know what you mean though, on those rare days where I get going and start my day right, the rest of my day is way better and more productive! Thanks for the reminder!
Oh lordy I do the same thing with the phone! Actually most recently I started somehow miraculously waking myself up at midnight because that’s when jane.com’s deals online refresh haha. And I am NOT a shopper, I swear I’m not! It just got to be a habit to look and see what was there, and before you know it I’m on Instagram and Facbook and all the other stuff. My phone went across the room this week, and I didn’t really care after a moment of separation anxiety ;0) Phew there’s my confession for the day ;0)
Bwahahaha. That is hilarious about jane.com. Must. See. Deals. 😀 I’m glad I’m not the only one that struggles with the phone thing! Thanks for the confession! 🙂
~Abby =)
I’m not sure if I should feel bad about laying in bed reading this at 6:30am but I also don’t have kids to get ready and have NEVER been a morning person. Not even as a little kid. I’m always jealous of (and slightly annoyed by) people who can pop right out of bed and be cheerfully ready to start their day with no caffeinated aids. Weirdos. I’m glad you found a routine that works for you and reduces morning stress!
~Meaghan
This is so inspiring to me. I’m really trying to be more intentional with my time during the day, and you are so right that the morning really sets the tone for everything.
I think I’m going to try setting my phone across the room. I’ve also toyed with the idea of getting up when Ryan leaves for work (around 4:45 a.m.), which is insanely early for me. But I know i could get so much more done by getting in the habit of being up before Henry is.
If you manage 4:45, you are my hero! Right now my alarm is set for 5:55 and it feels sooooo early, lol! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, friend!
~Abby =)
Great post, love your honesty. Mornings are hard and crazy busy with little ones. I totally agree…starting the AM off right sets the tone for the entire day.
I love every bit of your routine. Oftentimes I justify not having a routine on “I’m just too busy.” Working full time out of the home, same with my husband, trying to do this blogging thing, being a mom, cleaning the house (because that’s seriously been getting neglected). I’ve heard such great things about the impact starting the day with a bible in hand can have. This is the push I think I needed. I admire your success, and I take your advice to heart!
Oh girl you are so right. It is such a balancing act! We can do it!
~Abby =)
I am loving the sound of your morning routine. I have never been a morning person and with my youngest not liking to sleep at night it makes my morning relationship even tougher. I really like your idea of putting running shoes on soon after you wake up. I need to do something to energize me in the mornings so I can get my energy level up. Your boys are so cute and I love that you spend mornings together and actually really talk. Keep up the great work mama!
It is TOUGH when they are little! My boys are sleeping through the night most nights now, so it has gotten a little easier, but if they were still waking up I don’t know if I could do it! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Sydney!
~Abby =)
Thank you so much for your encouragement! After reading your post, I started reading my Bible every morning using a “read through the Bible in a year” plan. I’ve been doing it now for 12 days. I feel so good having a plan and starting out my day with purpose. I read the OT passages in the morning and the NT passages in the evening. It is a struggle with working full time and keeping up a household, but worth it to have my quiet time with God. I love your blog. Thanks for the inspiration!
Girl! That is so awesome! I love the idea of reading one passage in the morning and one in the evening to start and end your day with God. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Another great post. Might I suggest dailyaudiobible.com? It changed my life.! When I became home bound due to illness, and unable to read at times, I found this site to be so comforting. There’s also a .99 cent app.. It’s awesome; you can go through the Bible in a year. I’m on my 6th., Brian, the reader is has such a soothing voice, insights at the end, and you can also connect with a group of people praying for one another…you can leave your request at the end of the podcast. (You can also just read through the Psalms, Proverbs, there’s kids reading to kids…endless opportunities to get in the Word!)
Blessings!
Tammy
Abby, I’ve been struggling for years to get into a good morning routine. I am great at making plans- making myself a pretty schedule on my computer, planning out every hour… But I’m terrible at sticking to it. It’s 11 PM and I’m reading this on my phone, in bed, and I’m going to get up RIGHT NOW and move my phone to the other side of the room. Awesome post. Thank you!
just found your blog. Love it! Good for you for putting this all together. It’s so incredibly inspiring! 🙂 ,<3
Hi Abby,
What is the Bible in the picture? I’d like to purchase that specific one.
Thank you so much!
Cxandra
Hi, Cxandra! It’s The Reformation Study Bible : https://reformationstudybible.com/ . I hope this helps! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Yes, it does! Thank you so much! I’m using the Hebrew Greek Key Word Study Bible now and love it. Looking forward to getting the Reformation Study Bible!
Thank you again,
Cxandra
I am so glad to hear of your Bible reading. You just gave me a reason to stick with you!!!! I am glad it is no longer a secret. I have saved this to my Blogger Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/thelostapron/bloggers/
Aw, thank you so much, Ana! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Oh, my sweet Abby! I needed to be reminded of how a good morning routine sets up a beautiful day! I have been out of commission since September due to a fall causing a subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). Brain injuries take for-EVAH to heal and cause the yuckiest symptoms like exhaustion, lack of focus, etc. So, when I read your post, I actually got excited for at least 10 minutes and, let me tell you, that is a long time for me right now!! I am going to take baby steps toward creating a morning routine, putting God first. I will set up visual reminders of “what’s next” so that after the alarm goes off – the one across the room 😉 – I’ll remember what comes next….cause I can’t remember things….ug. Thanks for a great post – I’ve missed being able to read your blog for the last few months! Love you!
Oh, Meg! I am so sorry to hear about your injury! I love your idea of visual reminders and taking baby steps. Hugs to you!!
~Abby =)
Like you, my quiet time comes first each day. It seems to anchor me before I even leave the harbor.
I love your blog!
Love that, Lynne! Thank you so much for your sweet words! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I enjoyed reading this, Abby.
My morning routine includes some quiet time with God, and coffee. 😉 I have created my own little meditation space in our bedroom with my grandpa’s lazy boy recliner that wouldn’t fit into our living room. It was meant to be! We have an AMAZINGLY giant bedroom, so I took advantage. It’s my own little ‘war room’ only it’s a War Corner… 😉 hehe…
I use the First 5 app for bible studies and you can set your alarm through the app – literally the first 5 mins of the day is spent with our Lord. It’s very cool.
The thing I also need to work on is exercise. I’m hoping the new year will bring some new habits. I hate waiting to get started on a new routine, but with 3 businesses I am swamped right now with Holiday events & such in addition to everyday life. Starting a new routine right now would be INSANE. :-p But exercising in the morning is SOO refreshing.
I downloaded this ebook – I look to Michael Hyatt for lots of things so I’m sure this book of his will be awesome, too. Thanks for sharing, chica!
God bless <3
Ooh I LOVE the First 5 app! Such a great way to start the day! And I love that you created a cozy corner in your room– such a great idea! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Heather!
~Abby =)
I am not naturally a morning person but since having 3 kids I’ve discovered I absolutely LOVE rising early. My kids usually are up around 6:30. The mornings when I wake around 5:00 are, by far, the best (did I really just say that?!) I love spending time blogging and enjoying my morning tea before my kids are up. It sets a wonderful tone for the day. Creating a morning routine has, by far, been the best thing to help boost productivity and help me not feel like I’m just spinning my wheels. Great post!
Love that, Aimee! You are so right! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I’m pretty good at sticking to my morning routine, but I struggle with going to bed on time. This makes it hard to get up early in the morning and causes me to be way too tired. Because I homeschool my kids, evenings are the time that I do some of my blogging work. I usually work for about an hour and then I generally get sucked into reading blogs, watching youTube videos, and wasting time on social media. I really need to work on this.
Girl, you and me both! It is so easy to get sucked into that kind of stuff! Some days, I stay disciplined and can avoid it, but other days I’m a lost cause. It’s a work in progress! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Thanks for these thoughts, Abby! I really love reading your blog. Just this week, I implemented the no-phone rule early in the morning and it seems like I’ve accomplished a lot than before. It’s really a game-changer! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 🙂
Yay! That is awesome, Annabella! Thank you so much for your sweet words!
~Abby =)
Since I work full-time outside the home and part-time from home on my blog, my morning has to start at 5 a.m. and I reserve that hour for writing. Sometimes it’s the most peaceful and productive part of my day. I love everything you have weaved into your morning routine and I agree that it totally makes a difference in setting up the day for success. It’s a way to seek some balance in the midst of busy!
Love your motivation to get up at 5 and get going with your day, Misty! You inspire me! Keep up the great work!
~Abby =)
I can’t even imagine how I would get thru life without my morning routine. I’ve never been able to fit exercise in the morning. I do get plenty throughout the day. But I do make my ‘to-‘do’ list including 3-5 important things I want to get done today and what’s for dinner.
Love that, Carole! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi! Long time listener, first time caller ?. Been following you for a while, and just the other day I finally purchased “building a framework” for myself!!! Anyway, I love this post! Great ideas that are practical and simple to put into place. I think I might try to say the rosary in the a.m., it’s so calming and I like that I can use the rosary beads my grandmother gave me. I just have to figure out how to sneak out; our youngest wakes up and isn’t good at occupying himself like our older two were. Thanks for all the inspiring posts!
So glad it was helpful for you, Maggie!
~Abby =)
It’s awesome that you journal in the morning. I love seeing what bloggers are doing in the morning to set themselves up for success.
Thank you for your wonderful blog; it is very helpful! I love the free organizational printables.
BTW, the pictures in your blog are simple yet beautifully presented; very professional. This is the one thing that attracted me to your website.
Best of blessings to you!
-Dana-
Aw, you’re too sweet! Thanks, Dana! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Abby, I can totally, totally relate to this. How we start our day certainly affects how productive we are throughout. Well written.
I actually wrote a short similar piece based on a recent experience. You can have a read if you wish:
http://www.pocketfulofsmiles.com/how-our-morning-routine-affects-our-entire-day/
Have a fun productive day 🙂
Candace
Thanks for sharing, Candace! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
I recently read “The Morning Miracle” by Hal Erod. It elaborates on this concept and how changing his morning routine changed his life. A good read.
It really does make such a huge impact! Thanks for sharing, Ireis!
~Abby =)