Waking up at 5am during fall might sound a bit daunting, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! As a busy stay-at-home mom, I’ve found that getting up before the rest of the household gives me that precious “me time” to set the tone for the day.
In this post, I’m sharing my personal 5am morning routine that has helped me stay organized, energized, and ready to tackle everything from meal prep to family chaos!
Why a Fall Morning Routine?
A fall morning routine can be a refreshing change, and fall is the perfect season to start one. As the weather cools down and the mornings get quieter, there’s something about autumn that makes it easier to hop out of bed early.
With the crisp air and cozy vibes, a fall routine can feel extra inviting, helping us moms ease into the day with a bit of calm and control.
Whether it’s spending a few quiet moments with a warm drink, planning out your priorities, or simply soaking in the silence, a fall morning routine can help you feel centered and energized.
As moms, we juggle so many roles, and having this small window of “me time” can make us feel more prepared, in control, and less overwhelmed when it’s time to jump into the busy day ahead.
My 5am Morning Routine: Set-by-Step
1. Wake Up Gently with a Fall-Inspired Alarm
I’ve found that the key to getting up at 5am is to avoid a harsh wake-up call. I set my alarm to something peaceful, like soft fall-inspired music or nature sounds (birds chirping, anyone?). The gentle sounds help me ease into morning, so I’m not startled out of bed.
2. Hydrate First Thing
Before I do anything else, I grab a glass of water. Staying hydrated is super important, and drinking water first thing helps wake up my body. Sometimes, I add a slice of lemon for a refreshing fall twist.
It’s a simple step, but it makes me feel energized from the get-go. If regular water is cold in the morning for you, I drink warm water, and it will keep my body warm and help my body and mind wake up.
3. Cozy Morning Stretch
I love doing a 5-minute stretch to get the blood flowing. With the fall chill in the air, I’ll often wrap myself in a cozy sweater or blanket and do a few gentle stretches.
Nothing too intense—just something to loosen up after a night’s sleep.
4. 5-10 Minutes of Mindfulness or Journaling
Fall morning are perfect for a little quiet reflection. I either meditate for 5-10 minutes or write in my journal. Journaling helps me clear my mind and set my intentions for the day.
Sometimes, I’ll write a short gratitude list or jot down thoughts about what I hope to accomplish. This little moment of peace is so important before the kids wake up!
5. Enjoy a Hot Fall Drink
This is my favorite part of the routine! After my mindfulness session, I’ll make myself a hot drink—usually a cup of herbal tea, but on those especially chilly mornings, I’ll treat myself to a pumpkin spice latte (with Almond milk).
Sipping something warm while it’s still quiet outside gives me a cozy start to the day.
6. Quick Planning Session
With my drink in hand, I spend a few minutes going over my to-do list for the day. I look at what needs to get done, like errands, kids’ activities, or house chores, and try to prioritize the most important tasks.
This little planning session helps me feel in control and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
7. Get Dressed & Ready for the Day
By this point, it’s about 6am, and I start getting ready for the day. I’ll pick out comfy yet stylish fall clothes (think leggings and warm cardigan) and do a quick skincare routine to feel refreshed.
On mornings where I have more time, I’ll even squeeze in a bit of makeup. But if not, a little lip balm and I’m good to go!
8. Prep Breakfast for the Kids
Finally, I start prepping breakfast. I love fall breakfasts like oatmeal with cinnamon and apple or pancakes with warm syrup.
Getting breakfast sorted early means that when the kids wake up, I’m not rushing around like a madwoman trying to feed them.
9. Morning Walk in Fall Air
After waking up, take a 10-15 minutes walk outside to breathe in the crisp fall air. The quiet morning and cool breeze can be incredibly refreshing, helping you start the day with a clear mind and a boost of energy.
10. Fall-Inspired Gratitude Practice
Spend a few minutes each morning listing three things you’re grateful for, inspired by the fall season.
This can include cozy moments, the colors of fall leaves, or special family traditions. It’s a simple way to embrace the season’s beauty and ground yourself.
11. Autumn Scented Candle or Essential Oils
Light a candle with a fall scent (like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or vanilla) or use essential oils in a diffuser to fill the room with cozy fall aromas. Enjoy the warmth and calm as you ease into your day.
12. Morning Goal Setting with a Fall Twist
Write down three mini-goals for the day, like completing a seasonal recipe, organizing a fall-themed family activity, or finishing a cozy corner at home. These small seasonal goals can make your day feel both productive and in tune with fall!
The Benefit of a Fall 5am Morning Routine
Waking up at 5am has been such a positive change for me. Here are a few reasons why I love it and why it works so well, especially in the fall:
- Quiet, Me-Time: It’s the only time of day I get to myself, and that peace makes a huge difference in my mood.
- More Productive Days: Having that extra hour or so to plan, reflect, and prep makes me feel ahead of the game.
- Better Mental Health: A calm start to the day helps me stay grounded, even when the rest of the day gets chaotic.
- Fall Mornings Feel Magical: There’s something about the crisp air and cozy fall vibes that makes early mornings feel extra special.
Tips for Sticking to a 5am Routine
- Start Gradually: If you’re not used to waking up early, ease into it by setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier each day.
- Prepare the Night Before: Lay out your clothes, get the coffee ready, and have your to-do list prepped so your morning run smoothly.
- Give yourself Grace: If you don’t wake up at 5am every day, that’s okay! Some days are harder than others, especially as a mom. Just try again the next day without guilt.
Final Thoughts
My fall 5am morning routine has been a lifesaver. It gives me the space to focus on myself before the day’s demands pile up. If you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, I encourage you to try waking up early this fall. Even just 30 minutes of “me time” can make a world of difference in how your day unfolds.
Do you have a morning routine that works for you? Share in the comments! I’d love to hear what other moms are doing to make their mornings more peaceful and productive.
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