One Simple Thing I’m Doing for Me

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I’ve already declared 2019 as the year of “joy”. Which means it’s a year of finding joy in little things, especially as a busy mom. I’m so many things to so many people and often feel pulled in so many directions. Don’t get me wrong…I love it. But if I can’t take care of myself, I can’t properly serve my friends and family like I know that I can. I often put everyone and everything in front of my own needs. Which I’m so sure many of you understand. The one simple thing I am committing to doing for myself this year is waking up before my kids. EVERY DAY. I know I’ve mentioned doing this before, but I never did it every day.  It was just impossible. With small children (who were often up in the night), waking up early was really hard. Almost un-doable. But now that my three kids sleep all night (most nights) it’s made it a million times easier for me to get enough rest, and therefore wake up early before everyone else. My house becomes a bit chaotic once everyone is up….between making coffee and smoothies, and packing up backpacks, and getting three little people dressed, and making lunches….it’s a mad house. So waking up one extra hour to have time for ME has been such a game changer. 

I have the big kid’s clock set to turn green (signaling them that it’s okay to get up) 7:05 a.m. during the week and 7:20 a.m. on the weekends. And yes, that took a while to figure out! So during the week I wake up at 6:00 a.m. Hudson used to wake up at 6:00 a.m., which meant I had to get up at 5:00. if I wanted to have time to myself. And that was HARD. So now that Hudson and Sadie use their okay to wake clock, it has made it so much easier for me! And Belle, the little angel baby that she is, typically sleeps until 7:00 too. (She’s my favorite. Just kidding.) So in my mind, 6:00 a.m. isn’t that bad, you know? It’s made getting up a little easier in my mind!

I spend that hour in the morning ALL ALONE. Which never happens during the day, ha! I typically start by making my favorite cup of tea and have some quiet time to read my devotional. Having this time alone has made my mornings run so much more smoothly!

Next I typically review our schedule and to-do list for the day. I check my email, do a little bit of blogging or social media work, and sometimes if it’s a day we have to be somewhere early, I’ll quickly do my hair and makeup. At 7:05 Hudson and Sadie come down the stairs and I make them a green smoothie, get Belle out of her crib, and set our their clothes for the day. Then I pack up Hudson’s lunch (and if I have time I do Jon’s lunch for him too), and get everything ready for school.

On mornings when I don’t get up before the kids, I feel too rushed and often get overwhelmed with ALL THE THINGS I have to do. So that one extra hour in the morning to myself has really made a HUGE difference in my mental state. I feel more organized, prepared, and ready to start the day.

Celestial Seasonings Teas have been such a bright spot in my morning routine. My favorite flavors are Peppermint, Country Peach Passion, and Honey Vanilla Chamomile. They are so flavorful and calming. I seriously can’t get enough! Each have 0 calories and are caffeine free, so I can enjoy them in the morning or in the evening.

My morning cup of tea helps warm me up physically and mentally! I feel so calm and prepared to start my day, meet my goal for the year, and be a better mom.

Did you know that Celestial Tea is dedicated sustainability? Their tea bags are stringless and everything comes packaged in recycled boxes. They are also less expensive than competitors, which is why I stocked up! You can find a variety of Celestial Seasonings Teas at  your local Walmart in store or online for grocery pick-up.

What are you doing to take care of yourself this year?