Sunday, March 10, 2013 is Daylight Saving Time; time to set your clock one hour ahead! Instead of hitting the Snooze button on your alarm clock, try these seven ideas to take full advantage of the mornings and jump-start your day—one for each day of the week.
1. FIX A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
A healthy breakfast, instead of a sugary snack on the go, is a smart way for you and your family to start the day. Instead of handing out cereal bars and downing a cup of coffee, fix up some oatmeal and fruit, or make your own (healthy) muffins. You and your family will have more energy to conquer the day, and it’s always good to model healthy eating habits for your kids.
2. FIT IN SOME FITNESS
Spring is in the air, the sun is up—what better time for you to sneak in some exercise? Maybe it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a trip to the gym. If you’re having trouble motivating, ring up a buddy to join you—or ask your spouse. It’ll be hard not to feel good about embarking on the rest of your day when you started it on such a high note.
3. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
You’re a busy mom, and you have a lot on your Things to Do list. But did you remember to put “Me Time” on your list? Probably not. Trying putting aside some time in the morning to curl up with a bestselling book, a mug of cocoa, or an episode of Downton Abbey. You’ll feel better about giving yourself to your family, friends, and work if you make sure to indulge yourself, too.
Read Related: Daylight Saving Time Could Kill You: How to Prevent It!
4. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR KIDS
When was the last time you sat quietly with your kids, working on a Lego skyscraper or creating a crayon masterpiece? What with school, homework, and after-school activities, not to mention your own packed schedule, it can be hard to put aside time for some peaceful playtime. Fix yourself a cup of coffee, throw some pillows on the floor, and invite your child to put together a sticker book or read a story.
5. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR MATE
So maybe your sex life hasn’t been the greatest since you had kids. But it’s a new day, the sun is streaming through the windows, and you and your partner are both in bed. Why not initiate a steamy start to the day? Your spouse will be delighted and surprised, and you’ll be happy to reacquaint yourself with your sexy side, too.
6. CATCH UP WITH A FRIEND
We can’t say it enough: you’re a busy mom. Chances are, your bestie is too. And friendship has a way of slipping through the cracks when things get hectic. So give a friend—or two—a call and make a breakfast date. After a little catching up over coffee, you’ll all be glad you made time to nurture your friendship.
7. IMPRESS YOUR BOSS
Unless you’re one of those Type-A personalities who inspires envy everywhere, you probably haven’t made it into work early in quite some time. Now’s the time to arrive at the office before everyone else, get your desk in order, and catch up on the tasks that have been clogging up your In box for way too long. You’ll get some of those nagging projects done and make a great impression on your colleagues, too.
