Ways to make morning runs less stressful as a working mum

Mornings as a working-class mum can feel like an Olympic event. Between trying to get the kids dressed, juggling breakfast, and managing the to-do list, it’s no wonder you feel like a superhero by 9 AM! But, hey, it doesn’t have to be a daily stress-fest. With a few clever tweaks, you can turn your morning routine into something smoother and a whole lot more manageable. Ready? Yes! See how to go about it seamlessly:

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1. The night before is your secret weapon

It’s not magic, it’s just planning! Spend 10 minutes each evening getting a head start on the next morning. Lay out the kids’ outfits, pack their school bags, and prep lunch boxes. Don’t forget to check your own outfit too—nothing throws off a morning like hunting for that “perfect” shirt. Prepping the night before removes the morning chaos and gives you peace of mind. Plus, you’ll have more time to either meditate or do something else instead of rushing through the wardrobe maze.

2. Set the alarm (and actually get up)

We know, the snooze button is tempting. But hitting it too many times? That’s a trap! Set your alarm 20-30 minutes earlier than usual. Use that extra time to get yourself together—whether it’s a quiet moment to meditate, or just not be asked for 100 things by your little ones. The best part? You’ll start the day ahead of the game, and that confidence boost is priceless.

3. Make breakfast a one-pot wonder

Mornings should not require a degree in multitasking. Keep breakfast simple and quick, with meals that don’t require you to be a short-order cook. Smoothies, overnight oats, or one-pan scrambled eggs with veggies are easy to whip up and won’t leave you drowning in dishes. Trust me, your mornings will be a whole lot lighter if you can skip the five different breakfasts for five different tastes!

4. Get the kids involved

Turn morning chaos into a family affair! If your kids are old enough, get them to help with small tasks. They can fold their own clothes, pour their cereal, or even set the table for breakfast. Give them a “morning checklist” to check off on their own and watch them feel like little superheroes in the process. Kids thrive on independence—and it’ll give you a chance to focus on getting yourself together.

5. Create a morning playlist that powers you up

Music has a magical way of making everything better, especially when you need an energy boost. Curate a playlist that gets you in the zone—whether it’s Afrobeat jams, soothing tunes, or a mix of both. A catchy, high-energy playlist will help you stay upbeat, even when the clock is ticking. Plus, a good tune or two will make your little ones groove into their clothes with more enthusiasm!

6. Don’t try to achieve perfection

Here’s a little secret: Perfection doesn’t exist, and that’s okay! Give yourself permission to not have everything perfect in the mornings. The laundry can wait, the dishes will still be there when you get home, and yes, you might forget to brush your hair (we’ve all been there). As long as everyone is safe, fed, and ready, that’s a win in our book. Keep your goals realistic, and you’ll feel a lot less pressure to do it all.

7. Stick to a routine – kids love it

Kids thrive on routine. They may grumble about getting up early, but trust us, they’ll learn to anticipate their daily rhythm. Create a simple, repeatable morning routine, and your kids will quickly catch on. For example, “Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab backpacks.” Having a predictable flow helps everyone stay on track and reduces morning stress.

8. Don’t be afraid to outsource

We all need a helping hand sometimes. Whether it’s hiring someone to help with chores once a week or delegating tasks to your partner (yes, it counts), don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t need to do everything yourself. Your time and mental energy are valuable! Trust me, asking for help can make a huge difference in how calm your mornings feel.

9. Make a ‘mom only’ ritual

Every morning, carve out 5 minutes just for yourself—whether it’s to meditate, scroll through Instagram, or just sit with your coffee in silence. This “me-time” ritual sets the tone for a less hectic day. If your kids are old enough, let them know that these 5 minutes are sacred mommy time.

10. Keep a smile – even when it feels like chaos

Lastly, remember: You’re doing amazingly well! When the toddler spills juice, the baby won’t stop crying, and the dog eats your lunch (true story!), take a deep breath and keep a smile on your face. Laughter is contagious, and when you stay calm, your little ones will follow your lead. Plus, nothing beats a good laugh when the morning is hectic.

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Ways to make morning runs less stressful as a working mum