Glow & Grow

Daily writing prompt

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

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Mornings set the foundation for the rest of the day, and for a busy mom balancing career and family, that first hour is golden. It’s not about having a rigid, hour-long self-care routine (because, let’s be honest, toddlers don’t wait for meditation to end), but rather about creating small, intentional habits that bring clarity, energy, and balance.

1. Waking Up Before the Chaos

I try to wake up at least 30 minutes before my little one. This gives me some uninterrupted time to breathe, set intentions, and mentally prepare for the day. Some mornings, this looks like sipping tea in silence; other mornings, it’s a quick stretch before diving into emails. The key? Having a moment that’s mine.

2. A Mindful Start (Without My Phone)

Resisting the urge to scroll through messages first thing is a game-changer. Instead of diving into the world of notifications, I start with something grounding—deep breaths, a gratitude check-in, or journaling one sentence about what I want for the day.

3. Movement & Hydration

Whether it’s a quick yoga flow, a walk, or just stretching while making coffee, moving my body first thing wakes me up and clears my mind. And water—before caffeine! A simple glass of lemon water makes a surprising difference in how I feel.

4. Getting My Little One Ready with Presence

Once my child wakes up, the focus shifts. I try to make mornings feel calm, not rushed—singing a song while getting dressed, sitting together for breakfast, or just soaking in the cuddles before the workday begins. It’s not always perfect, but I remind myself that presence matters more than perfection.

5. Setting Daily Intentions

Before diving into work, I check my planner and prioritize my top three tasks for the day—both for work and personal life. If nothing else gets done, I know these three things will move me forward.

How Do You Start Your Day?

Morning rituals don’t have to be long or complicated. They just need to serve you. Whether it’s a two-minute stretch, a quiet coffee moment, or a quick journal entry, what matters is intentionality.

What does the first hour of your day look like? Share your morning rituals in the comments! And if you’re looking for more balance in your daily routine, subscribe for weekly insights on personal growth, motherhood, and work-life harmony. 💛