Morning Routine for Homemakers: Making Your Day Purposeful and Productive

Explore practical ways to get your day started on the right track for a productive and successful day at home. Boost your motivation as you care for your home and serve your family with intention.

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We all know what it’s like to roll out of bed and drag on throughout the day, getting little done because we started the day in a bathrobe at 9 am and couldn’t catch up on chores. It’s not a good feeling. The productive day we hoped for has slipped through our fingers, leaving us with the weight of unfinished tasks hanging over us. Once the momentum is lost, we’re left with an icky feeling and low motivation. Sound familiar?

It’s a tough cycle to break, especially if it continues day after day. Fortunately, with a few adjustments, we can turn our routine around to set the stage for a successful day.

Even if you don’t work outside the home, it’s important to be ready to manage your home and tend to your family each day. It’s a big responsibility, and your role is crucial.

Listen to this: “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels… She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31 perfectly describes a wife, dressed and ready for the day, working hard for the gain of her family. How fulfilling it is to bring joy to your family by tending well to your household and loved ones!

Now, that description might sound overwhelming after reading it. You might feel pressure from the high standards set by this Proverbs 31 woman. I know I do. The best part is that there’s grace for when we fall short (and guess what- that will happen every day!) But for now, what are some practical ways to get ready and set the stage for a productive day at home?

1. Wake up earlier.

If you’re a night owl like me, this one is hard! I like staying up late and sleeping in the next morning, but I get the most done on the days I wake up early. Starting the day earlier means you’ll have a head start on chores, and getting yourself moving will improve your overall health too. Did you know that our bodies are not just meant to get 7+ hours of sleep, but 7+ hours during the hours of 10pm-6am? We’re meant to rest as it gets dark and wake up as it starts to get light. Understanding this helps explain why waking up earlier gives us more energy.

(Note: If you do struggle with hitting the snooze button over and over again, my favorite trick is to put the alarm clock across the room, forcing me to get up in order to turn it off.)

2. Put the phone down.

Being intentional about setting screens aside can improve productivity as well as your mood throughout the day. It’s so easy to get glued to our screens and lose track of time. Putting phones and screens away will help limit distractions as you focus on responsibilities.

3. Read your Bible or have a quiet time.

Taking time to read your Bible, pray, journal, and reset is important too. Starting your day with a quiet moment will help you begin your duties with a positive attitude and calm spirit for any challenges you may encounter.

4. Eat a good breakfast and drink water.

As much as you may love sugary cereal or toast smothered in jelly, your body won’t be able to get as much energy from those unhealthy carbs and sugar. Instead, have some eggs, meat, or yogurt for protein, fruit or veggies, and whole grains. If you are bothered by cooking in the morning, that doesn’t mean you have to settle with corn flakes. There are tons of prep-ahead breakfast foods that you can make and freeze or have portioned out in the fridge, ready to reheat. You could make egg muffins, yogurt cups with fruit and nuts, baked oatmeal, breakfast burritos, fruit smoothies, whole-grain muffins, and so much more!

In order to boost your energy, your body needs good fuel. It’s also important to stay hydrated, so be sure to have some water in the morning too.

5. Make the bed.

It’s amazing how much making the bed can impact your day. For instance, even if I complete my entire to-do list and accomplish a lot during my day, if I walk into our bedroom in the evening and see the bed unmade, I feel as if it was an unproductive day. Pretty funny, huh? That’s why I aim to make the bed first thing.

6. Prepare the night before.

You know exactly what things get in the way of your ability to be productive. For me, it’s the dishes. If I get up, planning to accomplish 20 different things but then see a sink full of dirty dishes, I can’t concentrate. That’s why I started being more diligent about doing the dishes at night. As soon as I started doing that, my mornings became easier, and I could focus better on the tasks at hand. How could you prepare the night before for a successful tomorrow? Maybe it’s the dishes, or maybe it’s clearing clutter on the kitchen table. Whatever it is, pinpoint your roadblocks and tackle them beforehand.

7. Exercise.

Exercise is important for health, and getting your body moving and warmed up in the morning can make a huge difference on your day. It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. It could be something as simple as taking a brisk 20-minute walk, stretching, or a couple body weight exercises. Remember, something is better than nothing, even if it’s small.

8. Get dressed for success.

How you dress can also have a big impact on your day. Remember that scenario I mentioned earlier? You’re still in your bathrobe at 9:00, your hair is messy, and you haven’t even brushed your teeth yet. Are you more likely to have a full and successful day in that attire, or nicely dressed in suitable but attractive clothes with hair done and teeth brushed? Usually, being dressed for the day boosts confidence and gives a feeling of readiness to work and tend to duties.

As you get dressed for the day, think about what tasks you need to do and who will be seeing you. There’s nothing wrong with dressing up a bit for your job as a homemaker, as long as it’s still functional. Looking and feeling nice for a job will bring joy as you serve your family and care for your home.

9. Put some music on.

Do you enjoy listening to music while you work? Before you get working, put some upbeat music on to set the tone. I find that music helps me focus and keeps me moving as I go about my duties.

If you have kids, morning routines are your friend. Don’t forget to involve your kids in your routine and teach them how to manage their tasks while being consistent.

A word on rest: Some days will be lazy days, or rest days, and that’s ok. We’re meant to rest, but our world has built itself on a crazy schedule that forces us to go-go-go, and we feel guilty if we aren’t constantly busy. So, amidst your routines, allow yourself the time to rest and recoup, and resist the urge to always be productive.

No matter what your morning routine is, remember, it’s not about being perfect. Some days will be lazy days or rest days, and that’s alright. If you struggle with motivation, remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Take joy in daily life while choosing to serve your family every chance you get.

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