6 Ways every mom should start the day

You’re a busy Mom. You need your beauty sleep, so you hit snooze a few extra times before you jump out of bed to get ready for the day. Those few precious moments of sleep may seem like a luxury at first, but how do you really feel when you start your day that way? The extra time you spent in bed means less time to get yourself ready in the morning or less time to make breakfast and get the kids out the door on time. I bet you find yourself getting ready as quickly as possible, throwing on some outfit that works (don’t kid yourself) and grabbing something quick and easy to eat, if you eat anything at all. You’re frazzled and rushed.

I’m a business owner, so luckily I can set my own schedule, but that doesn’t mean my mornings are any less busy. Last year, I created a morning routine for myself. I now have more energy for everything I want to accomplish throughout the day including the people I want to help. I stick to the following six steps, so I can walk out the door feeling fabulous and focused.

1.   Center yourself.

Wake up a little early and take anywhere from five to twenty minutes when you first wake up to be still – even if it’s while you’re lying in bed. Meditate or pray by focusing on your breath or recite a mantra if you have trouble calming your mind. Just let yourself be.

This stillness will give you clarity throughout the day when you’re faced with problems that need quick solutions. It will help you stay calm while you’re stuck in traffic and give you energy to accomplish all of your goals for the day easily and effortlessly.

2.   Express gratitude.

Take another five minutes to express gratitude, whether verbally, mentally or written. (I stole this one from Oprah.) Focus on what you have while being grateful for all that you are about to receive.

3.   Fuel your body.

Don’t skip breakfast. Eat a balance of protein and carbs. Your brain and your body will thank you!

4.   Add color to your outfit.

As a stylist, I’m a stickler for adding color to an outfit – even if it’s just with nail polish! Color has meaning and the power to influence your mood as much as it influences how people perceive you. If you’re feeling especially blah (it happens at least once a month!), add color to your wardrobe. If you have a big meeting, add color to boost your confidence as well as to impart a specific message on your audience.

5.   Add structure to your outfit.

The number one mistake I see women make is wearing clothes that are too big when they think they are just covering their body. When you wear clothes that are too large, you actually make yourself look bigger than you are. Women of all sizes are guilty of this. If an outfit is too voluminous, add structure with a jacket, belt, or even a statement necklace.

6.   Add the cherry on top.

The point of these steps is to help you feel amazing every day so you can take on the world! Add a final touch of polish to your presentation. I’m not advocating for a full face of makeup, unless you love doing that every day, but a little eyeliner and mascara makes a world of difference. The eyes are the window to your soul, after all. In five minutes you can complete a bare-bones routine of powder, blush, under-eye concealer (a must for me, personally!), tight line eyeliner (the most natural looking), and some mascara.

Now that you’ve taken care of yourself first, you’re ready to take on the world!

Feels amazing, right? Go get ‘em, Sister.

Which steps in your routine helps you feel your best?

Catherine Cassidy

Catherine Cassidy founded U*styled to empower women to fully live a life in STYLE! She works with women transitioning and upleveling in their lives to define their Personal Style. The Power of Style newsletter is published once a week to share hints and tips, fashion trends and inspire women with the tools to live in Style. Sign up for your subscription today at www.ustyled.com.

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