Me-Time in the Morning Makes the Day a Little Brighter

I’m so not a morning person, but I do love my mornings.

Go ahead and ask me why.

It's simple, really. My mornings are my time; my time before my hellions wake up and cause the usual chaos that only they can cause.

I love my children. I really do, but as a mom to a toddler and a newborn, my day is always b-u-s-y. Not busy like, “Oh-my-God I have to make sure I schedule my manicure and pedicure early in the morning so I have enough time to go shopping for something cute before my romantic dinner out!”

Nope, not like that at all.

It's actually more like, “Oh man, this kid gets every outfit dirty with poop within five minutes of putting it on and I have run out of sleepers and will have to resort to diapers only if I don’t get laundry done. Hopefully I have time to get a few loads in after cleaning the baby vomit off the new sofa. If I can find the damn sofa under the mess these kids make. Speaking of which, where are these kids? OMG, they’re in my bedroom! Noooooo….” Whimper.

That’s pretty much a breakdown of my day, every day. Which is exactly why I try to start off with a relaxing breakfast before my kids get up. I’d probably go crazy if I didn’t have my precious alone time in the mornings and by alone time, I mean quiet time. Some time for me in a day that’s otherwise all about my children. Bless their hearts.

So as you can see, my mornings are important to me and that’s why I was so excited when Dorset Cereals asked me to write about how everyone can brighten their mornings. Because breakfast really is one of the brightest parts of my day and I was already a big fan of their product.

In a predominantly gluten-free household, I’m very particular about the grain products I bring into my home. Dorset Cereals has been one of the few exceptions. They have pure ingredients which are packed with fruits, nuts, and seeds. I know I’m eating something that’s not only delicious but is also good for me.

I think it’s important to take some time to relax before the start of a busy day. In fact, it should be mandatory that before children get up and have you running around all day, you get some time to just do what you want to do. Some time to watch the early morning talk shows, do some online window shopping, sip at your tea. Whatever you please while you enjoy your breakfast.

And it’s really not hard.

Too rushed in the morning? Set out your bowl and your box of Dorset cereal the night before. Preset your coffee machine and have a sit-down breakfast without cooking one single thing. Or maybe set a pot of flowers on the kitchen table. Studies have shown that flowers or plants help brighten your mood—and momentarily distract you from the mess that’s called your living room. Listen to some upbeat music instead of the Wiggles for once. Better yet, enjoy your breakfast outside on your patio now that the weather is finally cooperating (thank you, Mother Nature).

My own morning routine is simple. It involves a crossword puzzle, lemon water, a cup of hot tea, and often some cereal. Just some peaceful time alone without anyone needing something from me. Food that I don’t have to share with anyone else and more importantly, isn’t picked off my children’s plates. And I mean real food. Not a sugary, processed substitute. I wouldn’t say no to any of the seven varieties of Dorset cereals but my absolute favourite is the Simply Delicious Muesli with its blend of raisins and sultanas, sunflower seeds, dates, Brazil nuts and roasted hazelnuts with multi-grain flakes. It has no added sugar and no added preservatives but still satisfies my shameless sweet tooth. So much more filling and healthier than a sugar laden muffin. A win-win in my books.

It’s hard work being a mommy. But, not everything has to be difficult and that’s why I make breakfast the easy part. Because at the end of the day, it's the simple pleasures that are the most rewarding.