My 6AM Morning Routine (That Actually Works Before the School Run)

Because who has time for a 90-minute yoga flow when you’ve got cereal to pour and shoes to find?

Let’s Be Honest About Mornings, Shall We?

If you'd told me a year ago I’d be willingly setting my alarm for 6AM, I would’ve laughed, rolled over, and buried my head deeper under the duvet. I mean—why wake up early if you don’t have to? Especially when your kid sleeps in till 7:30 and your first work meeting isn’t until 9.

But here’s the thing: I was tired. Not just the physical kind, but the foggy, frazzled, always-behind, where-did-the-morning-go kind of tired. The kind that makes you run on caffeine and crumbs and forget if you’ve brushed your teeth.

So I decided to experiment with a realistic morning routine—one that could fit into a busy mum’s life without requiring a personal chef, a nanny, or a Pinterest board.

And honestly? It changed everything.

6:00 AM – Alarm. No Snoozing. No Scrolling.

Yes, the alarm is brutal at first. But after a week or so, your body adjusts. I promise.

What has made a massive difference? Not looking at my phone. That means no emails, no social media, no news scrolls that make your stomach drop before sunrise. I leave it on “Do Not Disturb” and pretend it doesn’t exist until I’ve taken care of me first.

This tiny act of rebellion against the tech world? It feels so good.

6:05 AM – Shower & Skincare First (Always)

Before anything else, I head straight to the shower. Even if it’s just a quick rinse, it’s like pressing reset. The warm water wakes me up, clears my head, and gives me five sacred, uninterrupted minutes. Sometimes I even manage a hair mask if I’m feeling wild.

Then comes my favourite part: my non-toxic morning skincare routine.

Here’s what I use:

Daily Dose Argan Oil – just a few drops while my skin is still damp. It's gentle, hydrating, and completely free from nasties. No weird perfumes or hidden chemicals - just pure, skin-loving goodness. My skin soaks it up like a dream.

Glow Mist Facial Spray – this is the cherry on top. It’s refreshing, smells like a spa (without being overpowering), and gives my face a dewy glow that makes me look far more awake than I feel.

This whole routine takes maybe three minutes - but it makes me feel like I’ve done something kind for myself before the day even begins. Organic skincare isn’t just about looking good - it’s about knowing what you’re not putting on your skin, too.

6:15 AM – 3 to 5 Minutes of Self Massage (Yes, Really)

Don’t skip this. I used to think “self massage” sounded a bit… extravagant. But I promise, it’s not. It’s five minutes. It’s free. And it does wonders for your body and your mood.

Most mornings, I just take a tiny bit more argan oil, warm it between my hands, and gently massage my face and neck and work all the way down to my feet. Sometimes I do a quick gua sha sweep (if I haven’t lost it in the drawer of doom), but fingers work just as well.

It boosts circulation, gets the energy moving around the body, drains puffiness, and genuinely feels like I’m giving my face a little pep talk: you’ve got this, girl. Try it for 10 days and you will not believe the difference it makes.

6:20 AM – A Big Glass of Water With Lemon

Nothing fancy - just a tall glass of cold water with a wedge of lemon squeezed in. It’s hydrating, it wakes up the digestive system, and it’s oddly satisfying.

If I’m really on the ball, I’ll slice up a few lemons on Sunday and keep them in a container in the fridge so it’s grab-and-go all week. One less decision in the morning = bliss.

6:25 AM – 10 to 20 Minutes of Movement

Look, I’m not doing a full gym session here. I’m talking:

A few yoga stretches on the bedroom floor

10 minutes of a YouTube pilates video

A power walk around the block if the weather’s nice

Or - let’s be real - just a good full-body stretch and a dance around the kitchen.

I used to think “working out” had to mean sweat, pain, or an app yelling at you. But honestly, just moving in any way that feels good gets the blood flowing, clears the brain fog, and puts you in a better headspace to face the chaos of the morning rush.

And the bonus? The kids often wander in and join me. It’s chaotic and lovely and usually ends in giggles.

6:45 AM – Protein-Rich, Mum-Friendly Breakfast

The key here is protein + ease. I need something that fuels me but doesn’t require six pans or a food processor.

Here are a few go-tos:

Scrambled eggs on rye toast with spinach and a sprinkle of feta
Greek yoghurt with chia seeds, almonds, and berries (sometimes prepped the night before)
Avocado on sourdough with a drizzle of olive oil and a poached egg (when I’m really feeling myself)
Protein smoothie – banana, nut butter, oats, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder (made while the kids argue about cereal)

Pro tip: boil a few eggs ahead of time on Sunday night. They’re lifesavers midweek when everyone’s running late.

7:00 AM – Mum Mode Activated

By now, I’ve had time to wake up, move, nourish, hydrate, and care for myself. And I haven’t even opened Instagram yet.

So when my daughter walks into the kitchen bleary-eyed, asking if she can wear sparkly socks to school again, I feel present. I’m not running on empty. I’ve already filled my own cup.

Does every morning go perfectly? Absolutely not. Some days the alarm gets snoozed, the lemon water gets skipped, and the massage turns into a rushed pat on the cheeks.

But most days? This routine helps me show up as the version of me I want to be - not just for my family, but for myself.

Why Organic Skincare Is Part of My Morning Ritual

I know some people think “organic skincare” is just a buzzword. But for me, it’s a mindset.

It means I’m choosing products that are non-toxic, kind to my skin, and don’t come with a 40-ingredient label that reads like a science experiment. It means I’m starting my day with intention, not irritation.

And let’s face it - argan oil has been used for centuries for a reason. It’s rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and natural antioxidants. My skin feels nourished, not smothered. Plus, it’s just one bottle. No 12-step routine required.

Final Thoughts: Your Routine, Your Way

This isn’t a prescription. It’s not a checklist to “get right.” It’s simply what’s working for me - a working mum juggling lunchboxes, deadlines, laundry, and everything in between.

But if you’re feeling stretched thin, foggy-brained, or just a bit blah in the mornings, give this routine a try. Or even just parts of it. Start with the shower and no phone. Add the lemon water next week. Build it gradually.

Because you deserve a few minutes of peace, presence, and pleasure before the whirlwind begins.

Have you got a non-toxic product you swear by for mornings? Or a breakfast hack that saves your sanity? Share it in the comments—I’d love to swap ideas with fellow mums in the morning hustle.