At least once a month my newsfeed produces an article from Inc, Fast Company, Huffington Post, or some other “efficiency expert” about why I should wake up early and follow a few simple steps, like meditation, in order to achieve a more effective morning routine and successful life. People potential guru Robin Sharma’s next book is entitled “The 5AM Club”. While intended to help, such articles frustrate me because I find that the authors never acknowledge that many of us have tiny human beings to care for (I am dad to a two year old and two month old), which makes our mornings unpredictable and focuses our energy on others. Here is the morning efficiency routine for parents.
Acknowledge your awesomeness
Whether you’re thriving or surviving, parenting isn’t easy. It is one of the most complex endeavorsthat people can undertake. So, take some advice from Theresa and Biz from the Maximum Fun Network’s “One Bad Mother” and celebrate your achievements. You’re trying your best at something for which there is no playbook (even though there are, like, a million playbooks, but that doesn’t make things easier).
Plan ahead
When I asked some parents/Facebook for advice on this article, my friend Zoe said that her morning routine actually begins the night before because that’s when she gets as much stuff done as possible. Lunches, changes of clothes, things for daycare (or trips to the park), or tidying-up are all examples of work that can be done the night before in order to make the morning a little less busy. Do your future self a favour and set them up for success when the proverbial child’s poo hits the fan at 6 AM the next morning.
Sleep whenever possible
And sleep wherever possible! Last night I slept for five hours on the couch with my newborn because moving him would inspire the same kind of chaos that ensued when Indiana Jones tried to replace a golden idol with a bag of sand. Look, some kids – like mine – just aren’t good sleepers (to be fair to my youngest, he is 6 weeks old at the time of this post). I am usually up once or twice a night to cuddle my oldest son back to sleep, so when my alarm sounds at 6am I often think to myself, “I should go back to sleep because I deserve it and it’s the right thing to do for my health”. For parents of young kids, sleep is precious, so screw “The 5am Club” and relish any extra minutes you can grasp because they are few and far between.If you are blessed with being able to sleep in until 7am do it.
Engage creatively
Morning productivity articles always emphasize the importance of engaging the world on your terms through meditation, reading, journaling, or other creative and mindful endeavours. Every good parent chooses the undressing, potty-supporting, re-dressing, feeding, and engaging of tiny humans over important, yet self-serving, exercises like watching a TED Talk. Yes, you should absolutely not become absorbed in emails or social media, but you can also achieve creative genius by getting down on your hands and knees and playing with your child. Sir Ken Robinson argues that systems of education, employment and family “kill” children’s creativity because there is too much focus on what’s wrong, not what’s fun, what’s curious, or what’s possible. Deeply engaging with your child’s imagination will start your day off wonderfully.
Eat good food
Whether you prepare bits before or collaborate with your child to create a healthy and energizing breakfast, making time to eat good food at the table as a family is critical for all kinds of wellbeing. Check out these recipes and blog posts from Ellyn Satter that focus on food that is simple and healthy. Or read more about “Feeding your Career” in this blog post by Kurt.
Bench press your child
Just kidding. That would be ridiculous.
Align exercise with something
Moving your body in the morning – especially if you sit in a chair all day at work – is critical for starting your day the right way. Try to find ways to align exercise with other aspects of your morning routine, like your commute. I’m lucky to live in a city that makes biking to work easy and I work for an organization that makes getting clean and dry before starting my day even easier. So that’s how I ensure that my endorphins are swirling and my energy is bubbling by the time I lead my first meeting. Kurt has substituted his bus ride for a walk. It adds 30 minutes to his commute, but he’s already noticing the difference on his waistline and energy when he arrives. The extra (healthy) commuting time also allows for alone/thinking/me time – an important and often impossible luxury for new parents. If you commute by transit or car, but can’t hit the trail for a run or the gym for some kick-ass curls, something that you can try is to being active with your child. Dance parties, “horsey-rides” and chasing the garbage truck through the back alley (what I did today with my oldest son) are all examples of how I pump-up my heart rate every morning.
Procrastinate
In his newest book, Originals,Adam Grant makes a case for applying more procrastination in your life – I learned that Martin Luther King Jr. actually put off writing his famous “I have a dream” speech, which actually allowed him to harness the happenstance of events he experienced the night before he took the stage in a way that made his words legendary. Life is big and complex and it will always be there. As long as you focus on your goals and purpose for your career and personal development frequently and with intention great things are possible. Be kind to yourself and don’t stress out by putting things off some mornings, especially since doing so might reveal your genius at a later time!