We all know how busy mornings can get once you become a mum. From trying to exercise, respond to emails and even attempting to get children (who are often averse to clothing) out the door. It can all feel like quite the challenge...
So how do working mothers do it? We sat down with a few to find out how they make it work.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Unfortunately, I check my phone! This is something I am trying to stop doing. Emails, Instagram, the news and any text messages.
Do you have a morning routine?
Firstly, I get my children ready for school – breakfast, lunches, uniforms. I have this process down to a fine art! As I run every morning after they are dropped off, I have a three minute get ready process. Running gear on, rinse my face with water, spray La Mer ‘Mist’ for an instant refresh as it awakens my skin. I also rub raw Shea butter on my arms and legs from The Body Shop. This makes my skin smooth and extremely hydrated. I also use this on my lips. Hair back in a pony and I’m out the door! I was recently in Ghana in West Africa with The Body Shop where there is a longstanding Community Trade agreement with the Tungteiya Women’s Shea Butter Association. I spent a lot of time with the local women and witnessed first-hand how Shea has helped these women find their independence and has also helped 11 surrounding villages – seeing this has put a lot of things into perspective for me. Mainly around what beauty really is and how you don’t need to overdo the process for life. Shea Butter was the main ‘beauty’ product these women used, it was all they needed. I learnt that my process to get ready in the morning needed to be simplified and that wearing no makeup most of the time is ok. Having natural beauty that comes from within you is more important to me than spending hours applying creams and makeup to feel better.
What do you have for breakfast?
I hate to admit this as my mum gets really upset with me! I can’t eat before I run, so I have a coffee (Genovese coffee is my favourite as their pods are safe for the environment) and a glass of Vital Greens which is a nutrient super food I drink.
What do your kids have for breakfast?
They have eggs. I have two boys and they need protein. They also have vitamins – a multivitamin and omega 3.
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your morning?
I cannot leave the house if it’s a mess. Beds must be made, kitchen clean, towels hung out to dry… and coffee.
Are there any things you do the night before (or before they wake up) to make your morning's easier with kids?
I ensure my children sleep. It makes everything much calmer if my boys have rested.
Do you exercise? Meditate?
I changed my entire exercise routine about 12 months ago. No more gyms, or trainers. I now just run. Every day. It means I can fit it into my schedule rather than relying on someone else. I can run when I am overseas, morning or night. It has not only changed my body (I am leaner and more sculptured than ever before) but it’s wonderful for clearing my mind. I use it as ‘me time’. I listen to music and it really takes away stress, erratic thoughts and allows me to breathe.
What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
Well, as mentioned below, ideally meditation, but good intentions can go awry. In that case, it’s straight for the shower.
Do you have a morning routine?
Generally speaking, yes! With two boys my mornings are like a fire drill between school lunches and getting out the door on time. Having said that I make sure I always cleanse all over with our Goji Cleansing Oil followed with a mix of Activator 7 Oil and Synergie Super Serum C. I wash my hair once a week with our Nourishing Hair Wash & Ultra+. I rarely wear makeup but if I do it’s RMS Un-Coverup and I tend to end up applying my mascara in the car.
What do you have for breakfast?
Usually a green smoothie and roast tomatoes on toast, or maybe poached eggs. This morning I made an omelette with kale from my garden, red onions, cherry toms and parmesan! I’ve tried to do intermittent fasting (not eat till 11am) but I just can’t, I feel terrible.
What do your kids have for breakfast?
It’s always a cooked breakfast in our house… having said that, they do love goats cheese and tomatoes on toast.
Do you exercise? Meditate?
I’m trying to get back into a regular practice but I’m not very consistent with it at the moment. The intention is there. I’m trying to meditate 3-4 mornings a week.
Are there any things you do the night before (or before they wake up) to make your morning's easier with kids?
Yes, if I’m organised, I’ll make half their lunches and always make sure the kitchen is super tidy as it is so much better walking into a clean kitchen.
Kirsten Shanks, mum of one, naturopath, herbalist and founder of Orchard St
Go to www.orchardstreet.com.au
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Try to linger for a moment while that sweet dreamlike state lasts, before rolling over and cuddling my husband.
Do you have a morning routine?
I usually aim for at least an hour to myself before Sonny wakes. On rising, I head to the bathroom to splash my face with cold water, brush my teeth and scrape my tongue. I then open the fridge where I keep my face serum (Mukti) and jade roller. I gently apply then serum before rolling around my eyes. While in the fridge I take a probiotic, downing it with a large glass of water with a splash of apple cider vinegar and some trace minerals. I then spend a few minutes setting up the deck outside for my morning practice; tea, meditation and movement. Laying out the tea stage, popping the kettle on to boil, lighting a candle and incense and putting gentle music on. Once settled outside, I practise pranayama while waiting for the kettle to boil. Then I drink tea, at least three bowls, before meditating for around 20 minutes. If any thoughts have come up to process, I usually take a moment after this to journal. If time allows I then have my movement practise – my own fusion of yoga, qi gong and dance as my body calls for each day. Somedays (when Sonny still slumbers peacefully) this can go for at least 30-40 minutes. Once Sonny wakes we have cuddles and morning songs, then breakfast and on with the day.
What do you have for breakfast?
One of our smoothies! Usually a green one ~ the Lassi or Gaia. I do love my latest feminine creation though, a beautifully pink Yin smoothie. A hot elixir follows soon after drop off; usually, cacao or coffee based. I always add botanicals, one of our Elixir powders and often also extra medicinal mushrooms; the potential these herbs have to enhance body and mind for the day ahead is phenomenal. Second breakfast follows mid-morning; avocado with our macadamia turmeric butter on sprouted bread or seed crackers, piled high with sauerkraut. With a large Green Fields juice. It’s quite an extended breakfast…
What does your son have for breakfast?
Homemade Bircher muesli with goats or coconut yoghurt. A ‘green dinosaur’ smoothie – avocado, banana or pear, a few leaves, coconut water, yoghurt, bee pollen, chia seeds. Pancakes; mashed banana or pumpkin, an egg or two, and a little coconut flour.
Do you exercise? Meditate?
See morning routine. I also usually jump in the ocean and do a barre or yoga class later in the day.
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your morning?
Cuddles. Water. Pranayama. Tea. In that order.
Are there any things you do the night before (or before they wake up) to make your morning's easier?
When we plate up dinner, I also serve an extra one for Sonny’s main lunch, putting straight into his tiffin tin. Then mornings are just compiling a yummy assortment of snacks, which he enjoys helping with.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Usually, my two-year-old daughter Sybella wakes me up so the first thing I do is get her out of bed for a cuddle.
Do you have a morning routine?
I always get the girls’ dressed as soon as they wake because I find them less resistant to it when they’re sleepy! Then we go downstairs and I make them breakfast. I use the time when they’re eating to respond to emails and check my Instagram for enquiries and updates. I wish I woke up earlier than my children so I could shower first but I end up showering after breakfast then it’s lunchboxes and the school run. I always take a cup of green tea in a Keep Cup to sip on while I’m driving.
What do you have for breakfast?
I usually make myself a smoothie with Welleco protein powder or just hemp protein with banana, cacao and almond milk. I also will have some Welleco Superelixir greens powder as I find it helps wake me up for the day. And lots of green tea and water.
What do your kids have for breakfast?
They are creatures of habit (like their mother)! It’s poached eggs on spelt toast for Sybella, almond butter and honey on spelt toast for Lulu every day. If I have time, I make them both French toast for a treat.
Do you exercise? Meditate?
I would absolutely love to meditate and I think I would benefit from it however I just can’t work out when I would fit it into my day. Any meditating mothers please tell me how you do it! However, exercising is a non-negotiable for me. I will go directly after the school run, at the moment I am loving Pilates at KX and also spin classes at Shelter in Double Bay. After that, I feel like I’m ready to take on anything!