Create More Space in Your Mornings

My dream is to be able to say: “I have just the right amount of time each day to do the things that matter to me.” Doesn’t that sound wonderful? It’s common to feel rushed, as if you cannot accomplish the things you endeavor to each day. In the past, I implemented strict timelines and to-do lists, but these never worked. I lived in a perpetual state of being “behind.” The key for me has been to shorten the to-do list and spend more time on fewer things that matter more — effectively, slowing down and being more present. Sounds intuitive (even if downright impossible) right? Allow me to explain, by talking you through my mornings:

Here are my “old” morning to-dos:

1. Meditate.
2. Cook lunch for myself.
3. Cook lunch for my kids.
4. Cook breakfast for my kids.
5. Cook breakfast for myself.
6. Sit down and enjoy breakfast with my kids.
7. Shower and dry my hair.

With this old list, I would combine items 2–6 into a simultaneous cook-and-eat-while-standing experience. Ultimately I would only get to shower 50% of the time, and I was almost always late for the bus to bring my son to school. It was unpleasant. I always felt behind. Here’s how I simplified:

Step 1: I eliminated items 1 (meditate) and 2 (cook lunch for myself) from the routine. I did this by sticking to a pre-made Splendid Spoon meal every day and meditating once I got to work.

Step 2: I admitted to myself that my expectations were too high. Realistically, I could not shower and dry my hair every morning (40 minutes start to finish) if I also wanted to sit down and eat with my kids. I prioritized time with kids over shiny hair, and shortened step 6. It turns out “dirty” hair is better for scalp health, so I consider this a win-win! Yay!

Step 3: I (again) admitted my expectations were too high. As a food fanatic, and someone who loves cooking, it can be hard for me to accept that I won’t cook every meal from scratch. Seriously, I feel this way even though I own a food business! I do cook for my kids, but I now enjoy my own Splendid Spoon bowl or smoothie for breakfast. Sometimes the kids will dip into these pre-made meals of mine as well.

I present my new morning routine:

1. Cook lunch for my kids.
2. Cook breakfast for my kids.
3. Sit down and enjoy breakfast with my kids.
4. Shower (and honestly, sometimes I skip this one!).

The biggest challenge? Resisting the urge to add three more to-do’s to my routine. Anytime I get that urge, I have to remind myself how nice it is to slow down and be present to the fewer things that really matter to me. I’ve found that the real key to creating space in your morning routine is preserving it!

Creating more space means a more peaceful morning where I can say: “Yes, this is just the right amount of time.” I’m late less, and instead of starting the day feeling like I’m already at a deficit, I feel fresh when I get to my desk.