Both my girls were up much earlier than planned, which required me to change my perspective and choose thankfulness instead.
Before 6 AM, I knew that this morning would not be a productive one in checking items off my to-do list. It would instead include cuddle time with the girls and be productive in a different, yet rich meaningful way.
I was able to steal away a few quick minutes. With only a few minutes, I had to choose carefully how to spend it. What did I choose?
Coffee and a quick devotion. I figured that both would help to power me through the day. The coffee will give me the caffeine needed. (Bulletproof Coffee gives you added benefits! Read the Science Behind a Good Night’s Sleep from Bulletproof.) Spending a few minutes in God’s Word can help me to start the day off with more perspective and patience.
Whether you have a strict morning routine or a flexible non-routine, include a few minutes of an incentive to help you get up and start your day. My mainstay is coffee. If time allows, I may add a quick cup of hot lemon water before I have my coffee. Regardless of anything else going on in the morning, I try to steal away at least a few minutes quietly sipping my coffee.
Find your morning treat or reward:
- Coffee – try Bulletproof Coffee.
- Tea
- Hot lemon water
- A special breakfast
- Walk around the block
- Devotion and prayer – Suggested resources: Daily Walk with God: Meditations for Every Day, The One Year At His Feet Devotional, Write the Word journals
- Brief yoga session or morning stretch
- 5 minute cardio session – I created a Burpee Challenge for myself and spent mornings doing burpees. It’s a great energy boost to start your day!
- Journaling
- Quiet conversation with your spouse
- 5 minutes on your front porch – fresh air!
- 30 seconds on your front porch if you live in the mid-west. It is December…
What refreshes you? What can be done in 5 minutes? Find out and give yourself the gift of a few minutes starting your day off right! If your morning has been derailed and not one item is checked off your to-do, move on. But do try and give yourself a few minutes.
This post is from day 5 of my journey to make the most of my mornings by creating an early morning wake-up habit. Read all about it here: How to Enjoy an Early, Joyful, and Productive Morning.
If you really want to learn more about and improve your sleep…
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Jenny says
It is hard on those mornings when I have been “interrupted.” But it gives me a chance to immediately thank God for the sweet little “interruption: and include them in some of my morning.
admin says
Yes! When we desperately want that quiet time, it helps when we change our perspective to thankfulness. Once they are grown up, we will long for the days that they interrupted our morning ;)
Karen Brown says
I love routine. I’m drawn to it. And I’m learning to hold on to it loosely. What refreshes me is inviting stillness in- even when I can’t go to it- God’s stillness and peace can reach me wherever I am. Loved you words!
admin says
Thanks! The morning is the perfect time to spend in God’s Word.
Cesiah Cedillo says
Many days I feel the same way… definitely coffee and talking to God are big ones for me to keep up with my family.
admin says
Coffee & God’s Word…the perfect start!
Winter says
I just blogged about my interrupted routine…I love to have my coffee/prayer/journaling time! I have to say I think your just a little bit crazy that burpees made your morning possibilities lol!! Visiting from Grace&Truth
admin says
Ha! Just a few burpees. ;)
Thanks for sharing your morning routine.
Abi at Joy In My Kitchen says
When I can make it work, a walk outside in the fresh air is how I like to start a morning. When that doesn’t happen, I’ll take chai tea. God’s plan for my day is not always my plan – it’s important to remember that He knows about the “interruptions.”
admin says
A walk outside in the morning sounds lovely! I enjoy a morning run some days, but that takes more than 5 minutes. :)
RME says
Thanks for this gentle reminder to rethink things when your day is interrupted. This happens to me all the time. It can be hard to refocus & just go with the flow.
admin says
Yes, it’s not always easy to be flexible in the mornings. I’m learning that I need to be!
Sarah says
I absolutely love this. I have not been starting my mornings off right, so hopefully implementing something like this might help.
admin says
I hope it works for you!
Rebekah harris says
So many mornings I’ve gotten up early to have my quiet time only to be interrupted by the pitter patter of little feet. I have learned to welcome these little interruptions and just snuggle them and include them as I read and pray. They are learning far more by watching me than by me saying anything.
I look forward to working out early a few times a week and coming back and making a big breakfast. I also look forward to my time in the word as I savor my coffee before I start school with the kids.
Linking up with you on mom2mom:)
admin says
Yes, they learn so much from watching you!
Tina Olsen says
Love your morning incentives- especially the burpees! Good for you! And coffee. Always coffee.
admin says
Oh yes…always coffee. ;)
Karen Del Tatto says
This is the second blog post I have read this week sharing tips from this book! You shared additional insights gleaned than the other blog post giving me more encouragement to use my mornings for God’s Glory. I’ve always said I wished I was a coffee or tea drinker as it seems so relaxing. lol I liked the other suggestions you shared that I would find just as relaxing. :-)
The morning truly does set the tone for our day. God certainly intended it at that way. Those that seek Him early find Him.
Thanks for sharing!
admin says
I have to say I’m a little sorry that you don’t like coffee or tea! I love a warm beverage in the morning. :)
Yes, trying to seek Him early. Thanks for stopping by.
Rebecca says
My morning routine is coffee too and my husband share a devotional and talk about the needs of the day. On days when we are more rushed I sure miss this routine. Visiting from A Wise Woman.
admin says
That sounds like a wonderful morning routine, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing.
E says
Wonderful topic. Mornings are so important. I’m definitely working on easing more into mine, taking time for myself (& Jesus) & beginning the day with a spirit of ease and gratitude. The attitude I begin with definitely carries over into the rest of the day.
Terri Presser says
Thanks for sharing this great post at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Betsy @ BPhotoArt.com says
Great ideas. Sometimes it is really important to carve out a small chunk of time… saves sanity for sure. And getting your day off to the right start is so important!
Thanks for sharing at #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup …I’ve pinned your post!
admin says
Yes, it makes a difference how you spend the first moments of your day! Thanks for pinning. :)