This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®  and The J.M. Smucker Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #DunkinDonutsPublix  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

How many times have you gone through the day without taking the time to actually get yourself physically ready for it? You skipped the shower, you threw your hair in a bun or ponytail without even brushing it, and when it comes to putting on makeup, that seems downright laughable. Who has time for that?! You also highly suspect that you hold the world record for most consecutive days using dry shampoo.

Sound familiar? I feel you, sister. Some days it feels like an accomplishment to have on a bra and clothes that aren’t stained. Anything else feels extravagant. This is part of what this season of life with young kids looks like, and it’s ok that it needs to be this way sometimes.

But it doesn’t have to be this way all the time. Over the years one trick I have learned is that giving yourself a solid 15 minutes in the morning can pay huge dividends throughout the rest of the day. Here are 3 things I do on the regular in the mornings that make me feel so good and that help me have more energy and confidence for the rest of the day’s battles as a busy mom.

1. Special Treats

I imagine that like me, you often find special treats for your kids at the grocery store (or perhaps you even make them yourself! Rock on, baking mama!). But I want to encourage you to keep an eye open for a little something just for you. It could be cupcakes like the ones I snagged at Publix last week, or perhaps some fresh flowers, or even a fun, exotic piece fruit. And maybe, just maybe, it might be one of those sequin pillows (don’t judge!). During your morning coffee break, enjoy eating or admiring this little treat that’s just for you. It will put a smile on your face, I promise!

2. Special Coffee

To go along with your special treat, I very highly recommend having a special coffee. You can find some incredible varieties of Dunkin’ Donuts® coffees at your nearest Publix. Select something indulgent (I went for Vanilla Cupcake!) and save it for this special morning time that is just for you. The flavor is rich and creamy and perfectly sweet, and just the act of brewing it will send a signal to your brain that it is time to focus on you for a few minutes. Light a candle and take a few deep breaths while it is brewing to help kick your body and mind into relaxation mode. Trust me, it really helps! On your next trip to Publix be sure to pick up one of the many great varieties of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and be sure to use this $1 off coupon (now through 5/6/17 at Publix, while supplies last). It’s good for the K-cups or for grounds, so get whatever works for you!

3. Special Attention

Now that you’ve gotten into the “chill” zone with your DD coffee, your candle and your little treat, it’s time to give yourself a few minutes of special attention. Some days this is going to mean that you get a shower (woo hoo!). Some days it is going to mean that you can style your hair. And some days it is going to mean that you get to put on some makeup. And occasionally, it might even mean that you get to put on a “put together” outfit. For me, choosing an outfit means lighting that candle needs to happen for sure. I keep thinking, “Serenity now!” while I search for something that isn’t faded, more than 3 years old, or actually designed to wear at the gym (anyone feel me on that one???). Maybe in a future post we need to talk about taking some me time to shop for new threads!

I completely understand that rarely, if ever, will you be able to have enough time for all 4 “special attention” steps when you are looking after little ones, but if you can manage 2 out of 4, you are pretty much winning at life. If you can only do 1, that’s ok, but please do at least 1. And this next part is important so read it twice: don’t do this for anyone else but yourself. This isn’t about adhering to what the magazines tell you looks good, this is strictly about doing what makes YOU feel great. And you know as well as I do that some days getting to use that fancy bar of soap (and a shot of caffeine!) is all you needed to feel like a million bucks, or at least to not feel like a deer in the headlights all day. 

I find that my morning “me time” break can really help set the tone for the rest of my day. If I skip over it due to a perceived lack of time, I tend to pay the price by feeling burned out earlier in the day. Taking time just for you gives you a good ROI (return on investment) far more often than not, so make time and space for it, fellow moms!

The post Morning Me Time: 3 Things I Set Aside for Myself That Make a Big Difference in My Day appeared first on Stuff Parents Need.