Mariam Musah 
What if your morning routine was actually setting you up for stress, not success? For working moms, the morning rush can be a recipe for disaster.
But amidst the chaos, two popular solutions have emerged: wake-up wellness habits and morning routines. But are they interchangeable, or is one truly better suited for the demands of working motherhood? Let’s explore…
What Are Wake-Up Wellness Habits?
They are small, intentional actions you can do to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. These habits are designed to help you feel more balanced and energized without adding a lot of pressure.
The beauty of wake-up wellness habits is their flexibility; they can be tailored to fit any lifestyle, including the hectic life of a working mom.
Examples of wake-up wellness habits include:
- Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
- Doing a quick 5-minute stretch or yoga flow.
- Practising gratitude by listing three things you’re thankful for.
- Deep breathing exercises or a short meditation to centre yourself.
These habits are about doing small things that make you feel good. For working moms, wake-up wellness habits are lifesavers because they’re easy to squeeze into the little pockets of time.
What Is a Morning Routine?
A morning routine, on the other hand, is a structured set of activities designed to help you start the day on a productive note. It often includes tasks you do in the same order each morning, such as waking up at a specific time, getting your kids dressed and preparing breakfast.
Morning routines are great for ensuring you stay on schedule, especially when you’re managing both work and family responsibilities.
Examples of morning routines include:
Examples of morning routines include:
- Waking up at the same time every day.
- Preparing the kids’ lunches and getting them dressed.
- Organizing your workday by reviewing your calendar or to-do list.
- Prepping breakfast for the family while multitasking with other chores.
For many working moms, a morning routine is essential for keeping the day on track. It helps streamline all the tasks you need to get done before heading out the door.
The Difference: Flexibility vs. Structure
The main difference between wake-up wellness habits and morning routines is flexibility versus structure. Wellness habits are adaptable and can vary depending on your mood, energy level, or what your day looks like.
If you’re running late one morning, you might skip your wake-up wellness habit like meditation but still manage to hydrate or stretch for a minute.
Morning routines, however, are more rigid and repetitive. They’re designed to help you manage time efficiently, but they don’t leave much room for flexibility. If something unexpected happens your routine might get thrown off, leading to a stressful morning.
For working moms, finding a balance between the two can be key. A structured routine ensures you get everything done, while wellness habits provide the mental and emotional nourishment you need to handle the chaos of the day.
How to Balance Wellness Habits and Morning Routines
The key is to merge them in a way that works for you.
Here’s how:
- Incorporate wellness into your routine: While getting dressed, try a quick breathing exercise or listen to a calming podcast. When you’re prepping breakfast, practice gratitude by mentally listing a few things you’re thankful for.
- Focus on small, simple habits: Choose habits that take just a few minutes, like stretching or hydrating, so they don’t interrupt your routine.
- Be flexible: Some mornings will go smoothly, and others will be chaotic. That’s okay! Adjust your wellness habits and routine depending on the day.
If you miss a habit or routine step, give yourself grace and move on.
Which Approach Is Best for Working Moms?
Ultimately, the right approach depends on what you need. If you’re feeling burnt out or constantly stressed, incorporating more wellness habits can help you regain balance. If you struggle with time management, focusing on a solid morning routine may be the answer.
The best part? You don’t have to stick with just one. A mix of both wellness habits and routines can give you the structure and self-care needed to thrive as a working mom.
Conclusion
Both wake-up wellness habits and morning routines can transform your mornings as a working mom. Wellness habits offer flexibility and self-care, while routines provide structure and productivity. Finding the balance between the two is key to feeling more energized and in control at the start of your day.
Why not try adding a simple wellness habit to your morning routine and see how it impacts your day? You’ll be amazed at the difference a few mindful moments can make!
