A Simple Winter Morning Routine

You expect yourself to get back into a routine after the holiday season. But you also would love some time to recover from the busyness of the past couple of months.

Try starting small with this simple winter morning routine. It will give you a chance to catch your breath as you ease into a daily rhythm.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure and privacy policy here. 

A Simple Winter Morning Routine

I took a walking my dog one evening to realize what I truly need in the days following a hectic holiday season.

I’ve enjoyed the amber glow of the street lights before, but this time a gentle breeze blew over me as I took in that familiar glow. My soul instantly recognized the moment as an invitation to slow down with the season. I was powerless against its gentle allure.

“Alright, I surrender” I responded into the night.

That was the beginning of seeing what winter has to offer and learning how to adjust my routine accordingly.

Wake Up Gently

I’m letting myself wake up gently with the help of a light therapy lamp that sits on my nightstand. The light helps my body acclimate to the shorter days and longer nights. It also boosts my mood which can suffer with the damp weather and gray skies. And it helps maintain a natural circadian rhythm for a good night’s sleep. 

If you’re pressed for time in the morning, use the light therapy lamp in your bathroom while you’re getting dressed.

I haven’t tried them, but sunrise clocks are another way to wake up gently.

A Hot Breakfast

Our bodies tend to naturally crave warmer foods during the colder months.

So, instead of mindlessly making my way into the kitchen to eat the same breakfast I eat everyday: Coke and a yogurt bowl, I slow down to sip one of my favorite hot drinks and enjoy a warm egg scramble or bowl of oatmeal. 

By the way, I tend to eat my first meal in the early afternoon. The time doesn’t matter so much as just treating yourself to a warmer, heartier meal.

Movement As a Part of a Winter Morning Routine

Either before or after breakfast, I get out my yoga mat and choose a yoga routine to stretch muscles that are tight from being constantly curled up under blankets. 

You could even do a quick stretch routine in your bed before you get up.

I have an intolerance to cold so walking outside in the cold, humid air isn’t going to happen in the morning for me. But, going for a walk is another great way to get in some movement in the morning.

Get Dressed

Experts have noted there’s a direct correlation to what we’re wearing and how we feel. It’s worth the effort even when you’re staying in from the elements or working from home.

Getting dressed, even if I just change clothes and brush my teeth and hair has become such an important part of my daily routine. It actually sets the tone for my whole day and even has helped lift my mood and boost my confidence.

I highly recommend curating a capsule wardrobe to make getting dressed easy.

Morning Chore Routine

Since I tend to need more time for simple tasks during the winter, I give myself grace when it comes to daily chores. For this slower pace, I stick to making the bed and throwing a load of clothes in the washing machine. If there are dishes to unload, I’ll do that too.

If making the bed is all you do in the morning, you’ve already set a positive tone for your day.

This is my ideal morning routine. From the time you wake up to how long you give each part of your routine, to what you include in your winter routine, yours will likely look different. The key is tuning into what your mind, body and soul need and responding accordingly.

Winter Morning Routine Tips for the Busy Mom

If you have children, you may need to split your routine into more manageable time frames such as when you first wake up and after the kids are in school.

And I strongly suggest guarding your personal time in the morning. I was watching an interview where one mom said if her kids come to her when she’s still getting dressed, she tells them she’s not ready to help them yet and lets them know she will be ready once she’s dressed. (Unless there’s a true emergency.)

As an early childhood specialist, I assure you children thrive on structure, even when that structure means setting boundaries around your availability.

5 Benefits of a Winter Morning Routine

This new winter morning routine has opened my eyes to just how rich daily life can be when we slow down and savor it. It also gives me a greater appreciation for rest and how necessary it is to our well-being. Some other benefits of a winter morning routine are:

• sets the tone for your day – As I’ve mentioned, starting your day off intentionally boosts your mood and makes you feel more prepared for the day
• increased productivity – not necessarily getting more done, although that can happen, but better focus and quality of work whatever that work may be.
• improves mindfulness – self awareness as well as awareness of your surroundings and the people around you. Being tuned in opens our eyes to blessings and our hearts to gratitude.
• feeling confident – There’s just something empowering about knowing you’re putting your best self into the world and fully showing both for you and the people you love.
• less stress and anxiety – A morning routine allows you to cease striving and to be still and know. Stress and anxiety naturally lessen in that place of knowing.

Ultimately, a winter morning routine is an act of filling your cup.

Wishing you a cup that overflows,