Diary of a Working Mum

Waking up each morning with energy and purpose often feels like a challenge, especially when life gets too heavy for me and my daily routines feel mundane. But after years of struggling with fluctuating motivation and many dark days, I have found a few strategies that have helped me get my feed out of the warm covers.

You too can transform your mornings into a springboard for a productive, fulfilling day, even when everything seems dark and hopeless. Here’s some tricks that I use to spark motivation to get me out of bed every day.

1. Find Your “Why”

You may be thinking what the hell is she taking about. If we knew the why, we would not be in this position, right? The truth is, the why has always been there. It is just the daily responsabilities that overcasts our brain. Therefore, to find your why again, start by thinking of something that that excites you. It doesn’t have to be grand—it could be something as simple as enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, finishing a morning workout, or making progress on a personal goal. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I’m looking forward to today?” If nothing comes to mind, that’s fine. Just think about the very basics. You are breathing, and that is something to be grateful and happy about. Keep these thoughts in mind each night to set the tone for your morning.

Create a Morning Routine You Love

Let’s be honest, it can be difficult carving out a morning that we love. If you have children, most of our time is taken up by meeting their needs. However, no matter how busy we are, we must find a way to carve our some much needed me time. I do this by getting up very early each morning. I set my alarm for two hours before my daughter gets up. I shower, I take care of my personal care needs, get myself dressed and go out for a long morning walk. I then come home and get to work on building an online income. By the time my daughter gets up, I feel that I have met my own needs and I am in a better head space to meet my daughters needs.

Your ideal morning may include exercise, journalling, listening to music or meditating. Whatever makes you feel light, relaxed and joyful is what you should do.

Set Up for Success the Night Before

I have found preparation is key. Be sure to lay out your clothes that you will wear the next day, plan your breakfast, or note down your top priorities for the next day. Knowing you’ve already tackled some decisions reduces morning overwhelm and gives you a head start.

Use the Power of Small Wins

Another powerful motivator for getting out of bed in the morning is to commit yourself to one tiny action right after waking up. This can be somethig as simple as making your bed or drinking a glass of water. These small wins create momentum, signaling to your brain that you’re ready to take on the day.

Limit the Snooze Button Temptation

The snooze button was the worst ever invention. It serves no purpose, apart from procastination. Instead, you should try to place your alarm across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Once you’re on your feet, it’s easier to stay up. Try an alarm with a gentle, uplifting tone or a sunrise clock to mimic natural light, which can boost your mood. There is nothing more annoying than the standard alarm tones that are installed on mobile phones. They cause irritation before the day has even begun.

Reframe Your Mindset

Mindset is everything. Instead of dreading the morning, view it as a fresh start. Replace thoughts like “I have to get up” with “I have the opportunity to start a new day.” Gratitude for small things—like a warm shower or a chance to learn something new—can shift your perspective. On my darkest days, gratitude can completley shift my mindset.

Prioritize Rest

It is difficult to be motivated when you are tired. Motivation starts with energy. Aiming is the golden rule. It is tempting to use the late hours of the evening to doom scroll on social media, however sticking to a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing bedroom environment will all contribute to how you feel the next morning. A well-rested body and mind are more eager to face the day.

Final Thoughts

Getting out of bed with motivation is less about willpower and more about creating a system that pulls you forward. Experiment with these tips, find what resonates, and tweak your routine until mornings feel like an opportunity, not an obligation. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your mornings transform.

Cheerio

E x