If your morning is anything like mine, you’ve got quite a bit going on.

I have always been wired for the mornings. Of course there are those days when I don’t get enough sleep (ahem, the past 2 years) or I just want to stay snuggled up in bed, but for the most part, I’m up and raring to go with a laundry list of things to do.

I’ve found that I’m most efficient on the days where I start with a workout and quiet times. We know as “Proverbs 31” women that rising early is a noble thing. We also know that while there’s nowhere in the Bible where it specifically says “Have your quiet times before 8am” we see Christ rising early to meet with His Father. (Mark 1:35).

There’s no doubt that spending time with Him early can make a huge difference in the day.

(Photo Credit)

I also find that getting my workout done in the morning sets the stage for the rest of my day. I make better choices with what I eat. I am ready to attack the day and I have much more energy. (until around 8pm haha!) Studies also show that those who workout early in the morning are more likely to be consistent than those who wait until later in the day.

So what does this mean for a busy (exhausted) mama? How early DO you have to get up to get all this done?

I’d like to propose something that works for me. I’m not saying this is for everyone and this will also be different in different stages of life, but this has been a great combination for me. It also depends on what type of exercise you are doing as you wouldn’t be able to do much of it during a kickboxing class! I don’t do this every day! Just a couple mornings a week.

Note: I drive about 5 minutes to my gym. Some of you have more time. Some of you exercise in your basement. Make the appropriate adjustments!

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♦ Feet Hit the Floor/Getting Ready

Praise and Thanks. I use this time, while I’m waking, to kind of give God thanks for waking me up. For another day of living and for the blessings He’s giving me. Yes–all this is done while I’m brushing teeth, dressing and tying up shoes.

♦ Cardio Machine

Depending on what I’m doing for that day, will depend on how the rest rolls. If it’s just a cardio (elliptical) day, then I bring my Bible and my ipod shuffle. I read my passage for the day (and usually a Psalm or Proverb) and think over it while I’m getting the heart rate going. I play one worship song that helps me ponder it a little bit. Once the song is over, I hit the meat of my workout/switch machines etc.

If it’s a weights day, then I move over there to do that. However, because working out is a time when I feel closest to God many times my mind is clear and I’m left to ponder some things which end up in me praying sentence prayers through bicep curls. 🙂

♦ Cool-Down

I spend about 5 minutes on the floor stretching. I use this time to put on another worship song and say anything else to God I need, knowing that as soon as my front door opens to my house, the day is going to fly by.

♦ Later in the Day

I usually have another 15 minute period in the day, when my daughter is napping and my son is watching tv etc where I can get online and email my Good Morning Girls. I can also journal or process anything else that I might need to.

♦ All Day Long

I try to keep in a constant state of prayer. Yes. I have about 10 minutes in the morning when I make sure I hit everything I want, but I’ve found that keeping on top of my requests as God brings them to me in the day is more effective than me sitting and waiting for the “revelation” for God to bring me something.

This may see really scarce and non effective to you, but it works well for me. We are all different and there is no right answer that goes across the board! It’s how I start my day off right–in 2 ways. I’m a better mom, wife and friend when I have the triple threat of exercise, quiet times and prayer!

How do your mornings work? Do you exercise and have quiet times in the morning?  I’d love to hear what you do!