Time Management (Part 2) - Owning Your Mornings for a Happier, More Confident You

Episode 27: Time Management (Part 2) - Owning Your Mornings for a Happier, More Confident You

Summary

In this episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, co-hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah dive into the power of owning your mornings (or evenings!) to reduce stress, increase confidence, and create a happier household. Kellie shares her personal morning routine, emphasizing small, consistent changes, and offers practical advice for busy moms, including habit stacking and prioritizing self-care. The discussion highlights how intentional time for oneself can significantly improve overall well-being and relationships.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - 3:00: Introduction to the podcast and hosts, Kellie and Leah.
• 3:00 - 8:00: Discussing the importance of self-care and how starting the day intentionally impacts overall effectiveness. 
• 8:00 - 15:00: Kellie shares her current morning routine, including waking up before her family.
• 15:00 - 23:00: Addressing challenges for moms with young children or demanding schedules, emphasizing evening preparation and "habit stacking" to integrate self-care into daily activities like showering or commuting.
• 23:00 - 26:00: The importance of sleep and naps as self-care, and the impact of being well-rested on mood and effectiveness.
• 26:00 - 30:00: Incorporating children into self-care activities like family yoga or dance parties to model healthy habits.
• 30:00 - 34:00: The positive impact of "owning your mornings".
• 34:00 - 39:00: Three small, impactful changes to implement immediately. Plus, a tip about coffee consumption.
• 39:00 - End: Call to action for listeners to share their experiences and connect with the podcast.

Final Takeaways

• Small Changes, Big Impact: You don't need to overhaul your entire life at once. Start with small, consistent changes to your morning routine, like five or ten minutes, and gradually build from there.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Intentional time for yourself, whether in the morning or evening, is crucial for improving mood, increasing effectiveness, and enabling you to show up better for others.
• Avoid the Phone First Thing: Resist the urge to check your phone, emails, or news immediately upon waking. This helps set a more positive and less reactive tone for the day.
• Hydrate and Brain Dump: Two simple yet powerful habits are drinking water (preferably with electrolytes) first thing in the morning and getting all your to-dos out of your head by brain dumping.
• The Ripple Effect of Mom's Mood: When a mother is happy and well-cared for, it creates a more positive and smoother-running household. Conversely, stress and depletion can lead to snapping and a less happy environment.
• Habit Stacking for Busy Schedules: If traditional morning routines aren't feasible, integrate self-care into existing activities (e.g., listening to a podcast while showering or driving) or utilize evening hours for preparation and personal time.
• Sleep is Self-Care: Don't underestimate the power of sleep and even naps. Rest is essential for mental clarity, patience, and overall well-being, leading to greater effectiveness.
• Involve Your Children: When appropriate, include children in self-care activities like family yoga or dance parties. This not only benefits you but also teaches them valuable life skills and promotes connection.