Being a toddler mom can mean unpredictability throughout the day. Nine times out of ten, you are on their schedule, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It definitely keeps life interesting! However, as someone who needs some sort of structure in their life, I’ve found that by keeping a simple and consistent morning routine, I can conquer whatever my toddler has planned for us that day!

1) Get Up Before Everyone Else:

Growing up, my mom had this thing we called “Happy Mommy Coffee Time”. Essentially, we weren’t allowed to bug her until she had her coffee, and while I didn’t grasp the fullness of it then, I can certainly say I do now. There is such calmness and beauty in waking up before everyone else, enjoying the stillness of your home, and taking in all the blessings of your life. Now, realistically, my mornings are not always as quiet and still as they could be. I have a 125lbs shepherd that loves to follow me around the house like my shadow, and she is not graceful in the slightest.

2) ACV before Coffee:

The most recent addition to my routine has been incorporating a glass of Apple Cider Vinegar Water before my morning cup of coffee. ACV (with the Mother) has been known to have a variety of benefits. Now, do I think that it’s the cure all to my bedtime cravings or that it’s going to melt the fat away? No, absolutely not, but I have noticed a difference since starting it. One of the goals for my family this year was to work on our gut health, and according to the experts at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, ACV contains acetic acid and probiotics. The acetic acid helps kill the bad bacteria, and the probiotics help boost the healthy bacteria. For me, it seemed like a no-brainer!

3) Morning Rays:

Sunlight in general can be extremely beneficial, but there’s just something about those 1st morning rays that do the soul good. Usually by my second cup of coffee the sun is rising above the hilltop, and I am so ready to soak in the sun. My bedroom has a window with a front row seat to the best morning views in our valley.  Sunlight has been shown to regulate your circadian rhythm, improve seasonal depression, boost cognitive function, and reduce stress and anxiety. Who wouldn’t want that kind of serotonin boost first thing in the morning? Not to mention, sunlight is our body’s main source of Vitamin D, and if we have adequate Vitamin D levels, we’re looking at strong bones, a healthy immune system, improved muscle function, and improved heart health!

4) Quiet Time with Jesus:

Now, most mornings, my “quiet time with Jesus” isn’t so quiet. By the time I’m working on my second cup, odds are everyone is awake (or almost there), and we end up doing family worship together. However, on days where everyone needs a little extra rest, I can usually enjoy some devotional and prayer time by myself. Spending my mornings thanking God for all that He has blessed me with, changes my entire mood and perspective for the day. The world could be crumbling around me, and some days it is, but with Jesus, there is hope and joy that surpasses any feelings of anxiety, fear, or doubt that may try and creep their way in.

5) High Protein Breakfast:

Protein is such an underrated macronutrient in my opinion. Everyone is always so focused on their carbs, fats, and calories, that they neglect hitting their protein goals efficiently. Now while I wouldn’t say I’m a “Breakfast Girly” by any means, I do like a good scramble or yogurt bowl in the mornings. When I emphasize a high protein meal in the morning, I feel like I can conquer the world. I feel satiated, energized, and ready to go, and my toddler sees the difference. When I prioritize my protein after breaking my fast, my toddler gets the best version of her mom.