No ice baths. No lemon water at 4am. Just small rituals that feel good.

Let me start by saying I’m not the mum who wakes up at 5am to journal in silence, complete a full workout, and blend a green smoothie before the rest of the house stirs.

I’m a mum. I’m human. I’ve got two kids who despite their age, still wake up in rotations through the night, and I still crave mornings that feel like mine. What I’ve found over time is that it’s not about doing it all. It's about doing what matters just enough to start the day feeling grounded, clear, and calm (well… calm ish).

Here’s my real, no pressure morning rhythm. The one that fills my cup just enough before the chaos begins, and hopefully can help provide some ideas for you to use in your nourishing windows.

It starts the night before

This was a game changer for me. If I feel like I’m crashing at 7:30pm while putting the kids to bed, I let myself crash. Gone are the days I force myself to stay awake until 9 just for me time. That precious 30 minutes to myself before the house wakes is worth so much more because it changes the trajectory of the whole day.

Tea, not lemon water, and a quiet sunrise - sometimes feeding the soul needs to come before a Trendy Health Hack.

I start my day with herbal tea, usually something fruity and grounding like berry or hibiscus. It’s nothing trendy, just something warm that makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself. I drink it while watching the sunrise from the back step or kitchen window. It’s simple. It’s beautiful. And it’s often the only silent moment of the day.

Journaling (and sometimes... scrolling)

I bring out my journal and if I’m honest I don’t always use it straight away. Sometimes I check my phone first (dopamine addiction is real). But I always try to come back to one intentional thought: my why.

Why I work hard. Why I care to show up. Why I make the cake with the kids after school even when I’m exhausted. Why I make time for movement even when its the last thing i feel like.

Then I ask: What can I do to make today a little more magical?

Sometimes it’s as simple as playing soft ethereal music when I wake the kids. Sometimes it’s having a little treat ready for afternoon tea. These little moments, planned with love, are what anchor me, and make it all worth it.

A peaceful breakfast (aka the real luxury)

Next up, breakfast. I eat it in peace. Alone. No little hands stealing bites or asking questions. And this feels like the ultimate luxury. And its not because I have special kids that sleep in, its because I make time to do all of this before they wake at 6am. Starting the day nourished and unrushed honestly sets me up to be more present, more productive, and a little more joyful when the noise begins.

A quick walk and a little escape

I’m not a morning workout kind of person but I do love jumping on my walking pad. It’s low effort, feel good movement that helps me mentally reset. It gives me the energy and emotional release I need whether I get in a workout or not that evening. And to be completely honest, I use this time to listen to audiobooks, usually fantasy. Because who doesn’t want a bit of magic in the morning?

The takeaway? Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for presence.

Some days it all goes out the window. The kids wake early, someone’s sick, I hit snooze. But when I do get this time, it changes everything. Not because it’s productive. But because it’s mine.

You don’t need more time. You just need a few minutes that feel like you again.