Look. You don’t need a 5 AM cold plunge, a color-coded smoothie chart, or a 27-step skincare routine to be a functioning human—especially not when you’re a mom in full-blown survival mode. Let’s ditch the drama and build a morning that feels like a hug, not a hostage situation.
Because real talk? If your “perfect” morning makes you want to scream into a pillow, it’s not working. But we’re not here to shame you into becoming a Type A Pinterest mom. We’re here to help you start your day like the hot mess queen you are—with just enough structure to feel human again.
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Why Traditional Morning Routines Fail Moms in Survival Mode
You know those “how to have a perfect morning” blog posts that start with:
- Wake up at 4:30 AM
- Journal for 30 minutes in silence
- Meditate with your eyes closed but fully awake
- Read 10 pages of a self-development book
- Do a full HIIT workout
- Cook organic eggs with handpicked herbs from your backyard garden
…Yeah, no.
When you’re running on three hours of sleep and your toddler is already demanding Paw Patrol and goldfish crackers by 6:12 AM, this kind of plan will break you.
Traditional routines fail moms in survival mode because they expect you to be a robot, not a real person with small children, unpredictable mornings, and maybe a little PTSD from trying to “do it all.”
Enter: The “Vibe Check” Method
Here’s the deal: your morning should match your energy. You shouldn’t need to become a different person to function.
I call this the Vibe Check Method—you check your internal vibes before you try to do anything fancy.
Ask yourself:
- Did I sleep okay?
- Is the house already on fire?
- Am I PMSing? (Important.)
- Do I have 5 minutes or 25?
- Am I feeling ✨inspired✨ or just trying not to cry into my coffee?
Once you know your vibe, you can pick a routine that fits instead of forcing yourself to fit into someone else’s “ideal.”
3 Sample Morning Routines Based on Your Current Chaos Level
1. Chaos Mode (aka Survival Level: Maxed Out)
For when the baby was up all night, the toddler peed on the couch, and your brain is buffering.
- Chug water.
- Take 3 deep breaths (seriously—it helps).
- Microwave your coffee for the third time.
- Brain dump 3 things on your mind onto a sticky note.
- Play your “Don’t Lose It Today” playlist while getting dressed.
- Skip makeup. Toss on clean-ish clothes. You’re done.
✨ Gold star for getting out of bed, mama.
2. Semi-Functional (aka “I’m Tired but I Got This”)
You got a semi-decent amount of sleep and want to do something intentional.
- Light stretch while you scroll TikTok (no shame).
- Drink water before coffee (you’ll feel 5% more alive).
- 5-minute journal: write 1 thing you’re grateful for and 1 goal for the day.
- Skim your to-do list from the Mom Brain Productivity Planner.
- Do a 2-minute tidy in one room.
✨ You’re not thriving, but you’re out here showing up.
3. Glow-Up Energy (aka Main Character Mode Activated)
You woke up before your alarm, the kids are still asleep, and the universe is vibing with you.
- Quick workout or dance party to get the good vibes flowing.
- Do your full skincare routine like you're getting ready for a Vogue shoot.
- Review your goals in the Mom Brain Planner or Productive as a Mother app.
- Sip your coffee in silence (!!!) or journal about your big dreams.
- Make a smoothie, light a candle, and romanticize your life.
✨ Go off, queen. Today is yours.
Bonus Tip: Time Block Your Tracker
If you’re using a habit tracker (highly recommend btw), try dividing it into time blocks: Wake Up / Morning / Afternoon / Evening. That way, even if your day derails later, you can still feel that “I did something” energy. And if you need a cute one? Check the Mom Brain Productivity Planner (paper fam, rise up) or the Productive as a Mother app (for my digital babes).
If decision fatigue is your love language, I gotchu. I made a totally free guide called The Ultimate Copy & Paste Morning Routines. It’s got real-life examples, no fluff, and routines that actually work for moms with kids and chaos.
Girl, stop winging your mornings. Download your copy/paste morning guide and start your day with confidence—not caffeine and chaos.
Because mornings shouldn’t make you cry.
Tired of chaotic mornings that leave you feeling behind before you even start? Dive into the Wake Up and Slay Mini Course and discover how to transform your mornings into a powerhouse routine that sets you up for all-day success!
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