Fall is a season of changing weather, and it’s the perfect time to incorporate some new morning routine ideas into your day. In fact, when the kids go back to school, you’re going to be shaking up your morning routine anyway, so why not go all out and make some small changes that can make a big difference in how you feel – not just in the morning, but all day long?

Here are some simple morning routine ideas that busy mums can try, whether you’re a proud early riser or you’ll never understand how anyone can be a “morning person”.

1. Make your bed right away

As soon as you wake up, get out of bed and make it. Don’t fall into the huge time suck that is checking the news and social media on your phone before you’ve even set foot on the ground in the morning. Hop up, pull up the sheets and blankets, and put your throw pillows in place. Not only does this help you resist the temptation of getting back in bed (because who wants to make the bed twice?), but it also allows you to start off your day having done something productive, no matter how small – and this could well set the tone for the rest of the day.

2. Get some fresh air

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of fall air hitting your skin, even if the leaves never do not quite fall from the trees where you live. Wake up your mind and body for the day by letting some fresh morning air hit you, whether you go outside to let the dog out, sit on your patio for a few minutes, head out for a short walk, or just open a window to take in a few deep breaths and appreciate the sensation of fresh air.

3. Stretch your body

Not everyone is a morning workout person, and that’s okay. Most of us mums already have more than enough to do in the morning, so I’m not going to tell you that you should exercise in the morning. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a good stretch to get your blood flowing. You can look up full-body stretches online if you don’t have a good technique, but soon you’ll be able to do this on autopilot after you get out of bed. It just feels sooo good to stretch. 

4. Dance around the kitchen

You probably spend more time than you’d like to admit in the kitchen in the morning. Why not spend that time dancing? You might feel silly at first, but with the dark, short days of winter right around the corner, this is a great way to give yourself an energy boost. Whether you turn on some upbeat music or you’re singing it in your head, put some pep in your step as you move around from the counter to the fridge to the sink while you’re preparing breakfast, packing school lunches, and doing those endless tasks that keep you in the kitchen in the a.m. 

5. Eat a good breakfast

No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, eat a good breakfast – and make sure your kids do, too. Ideally, it’s not the best idea to pour sugar-laden cereal into a bowl first thing in the morning. It’s a time for real food with the nutrients and energy you need to get through the day, whether that’s overnight oats you threw together in 3 minutes the night before, avocado toast, eggs, peanut butter toast or a protein-packed smoothie. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but try to focus on whole foods and include some fruit.

6. Fill your cup

Yes, I know finding 10 minutes sounds like a real luxury most mums can’t afford in the mornings, but that’s exactly why you need to do it! This is one of my favourite morning routine ideas because it pays off so nicely. Devote ten minutes to “filling your cup” each morning, whether that means reading a book, a short guided meditation or yoga, or a simple workout. You’ll be surprised how far this takes you!

7. Take a moment to enjoy the silence

How often do you sit down and appreciate silence? Fall and warm beverages go hand in hand, so why not commit to sipping your tea or coffee in silence each morning and just enjoying the moment without any noise in your head? This nurturing ritual is a great way to “charge your batteries” for whatever the day ends up throwing at you.