Mondays in the summer are their own kind of chaos – especially with three kids under seven! The days are longer, the bedtimes are later, and the structure we usually count on during the school year feels like a distant memory. That’s why my early morning routine becomes even more important. If I want any time to myself, I have to claim those quiet moments before the house wakes up.

Let’s be honest – getting out of bed is the hardest part (okay, maybe the cold plunge still wins), but once the caffeine and endorphins kick in, I’m always so glad I did it.

When I became a working mom, I quickly realized I needed a routine to survive the unpredictability of days like these. I had to figure out how to fill my own cup before I poured into everyone else’s. For me, that looks like movement, faith, affirmations, and gratitude – these are the anchors of my mornings. But it wasn’t always like this.

If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you have to overhaul everything at once. Try waking up just 5 or 10 minutes earlier and build from there. Small, consistent steps really do add up.

Even in the summer, when the pace is a little slower and the schedules a little looser, having a solid morning routine helps me stay grounded. It gives me just enough structure to embrace the day with energy instead of overwhelm – especially on Mondays.

Here are a few tips that help me get up and start on the right foot!