(Spoiler alert: Yes, it is!)
Did you ever wish you had more time, energy and enthusiasm in the mornings? Have you tried (in vain) to not become a screaming harridan every morning as you struggle to wrangle the kids out the door? Ever wished mornings could be a bit happier and calmer?
I know it probably seems impossible to get your kids to play along in the mornings, but let’s stop and take a lesson from the inimitable Mary Poppins:
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job’s a game!” Mary Poppins
Who knew that Mary Poppins was so wise?! (At this point, part of me is wishing I’d realised this stuff when my kids were little – ah well, I’ll just have to play this game with my gorgeous grandson instead!)
I’ve created a special cheat sheet that includes this and two further tips for improving your morning and making the most of your precious time. You can download your copy here. But for now, read on to find out how you can apply Mary Poppins’ wisdom in practice.
Creating My Feel Good Routine
Before we get to that though, let me tell you about my daily Feel Good Routine. Part of what I do every single day is to put on my happy playlist and sing and dance around the house as I get ready in the morning. (you can read my post about this, which includes my happy playlist here: Sunshine on a Rainy Day)
I learned to do this as I was recovering from depression a few years ago and I realised how much better I felt after a good old sing. I also noticed that if I missed a few days, I would start to feel a little less good. Pretty soon I learned to keep singing as part of my morning routine and now I start every day with a spring in my step! (nearly every day – I am human!)
Imagine how different your house would be if you had your own happy playlist that the whole family had contributed to. What would it be like if you were all singing and dancing along to it as you got ready in the mornings. OK I know it might not go down that well with the teens and pre-teens (Oh my god mum, you’re so embarrassing!) but everyone who wants to can join in.
More Fun And Games
Making a game out of getting ready could also include having a wipeable checklist for each child, so they can tick off each task as they complete it e.g. get dressed, brush teeth, make bed etc. Let your imagination run free – make a list of everything that needs to happen each morning for each child, then turn them into games.
Fun For You Too
Don’t forget to include yourself in the fun and games – you’ll feel great after a good sing along and it’s actually really good for your health. But don’t take my word for it – read this from the Heart Research UK website:
Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years and he says the health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological.
“Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.”
See, as a bonus you’ll have done some cardio too and without even stepping foot in the gym!
And then there’s this from The Telegraph:
“Singing delivers a host of physical and emotional benefits, including increased aerobic exercise, improved breathing, posture, mindset, confidence and self-esteem,” says Jeremy Hywel Williams, who leads the Llanelli Choral Society in Wales. “While singing alone is good, singing with others can be even better.” See the full article here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/10168914/All-together-now-singing-is-good-for-your-body-and-soul.html )
Feel More Confident
Imagine if you (and your kids) could feel more confident, with increased self-esteem and better posture, just from singing. Well, you can! By the way, I highly recommend joining a choir too. I’m a member of Cheltenham’s Rock Choir – we sing pop and rock songs right up to current hits. You can find your nearest Rock Choir here: http://www.rockchoir.com/
More Valuable Tips
So that’s just one of my valuable tips on making your morning less stressful and more fun. You can get this and two more fab tips on my one page, easy to digest cheat sheet.
And finally, I’ll let the wonderful Mary Poppins have the last word:
“And ev’ry task you undertake
Becomes a piece of cake
A lark! A spree! It’s very clear to see”
With huge gratitude
