Tips for Calmer School Mornings (+ coffee)

Brought to you by Nespresso and Nuffnang

I’ve previously written about making the most of my time at different times in my life, like when I had a little one at home, and the year we lived in New Zealand. Once again, our family life situation has changed and I’ve been working on optimising my time so I can invest in family life along with running my blog, exercising and studying. I like to do a lot of things so finding more efficient ways to achieve what I need to each day is important to me. It starts by taking some quiet time in the morning to prepare myself and I do this with a cup of coffee in hand.

Oh that first cup of coffee makes me happy! I get up early so I can savour it. I’ve had a Nespresso machine for over a year now, and the coffee is wonderful so I don’t spend as much on take away coffee anymore.

With all the changes I’ve had in situation and routine, a cup of coffee in the morning is a consistent ritual, so much so that on rare mornings I don’t get a cuppa moment, it tends to impact my day. I think it’s about taking that dedicated time in the morning before the rush of the day. It just helps get my head in the right space. I’ve never really been a morning person, but over the years, I’ve found the value of getting up at the same time every morning, and a cup of coffee is the incentive for me. Liz Graham sounds a bit like me in this clip she did with Nespresso about taking a moment in the morning to set yourself up for the day.

Mornings can be quite a rush at times, especially when trying to get everyone to school.

Along with taking a moment for myself in the mornings, here are tried and tested things I have established in our family that make our mornings smooth.

1. Wake up early enough 

As I mentioned, waking up early has been such an important thing for morning harmony. In fact, if I could give just one tip for a calmer morning, it would be to set the alarm earlier. It took me a while to get into this habit because I’m not a morning person, but it has made such a big difference.

2. Have a routine

A routine goes a long way for making mornings happier. I use these routine cards for my younger kids and they are great.

3. Use systems

I’ve developed different systems that help keep things organised for school. The systems aren’t perfect, but it helps to keep the house running. You can read more about my school systems here.

4. 10 Minute Call

Ten minutes before it’s time to leave, I do a call to let everyone know so they can get all those last-minute jobs done.

5. Have something (FOR YOU) to look forward to

I think this is important, and it’s certainly made a difference for me. I like to weave things I enjoy into my mornings. Coffee is the thing that helps me get out of bed in the morning. I learned the value of getting up early and making time for things that help my morning go smoothly too.

Mornings don’t always go to plan but they can certainly be made smoother. In the morning I intentionally do a little planning, facilitate the independence of my children and give myself something to look forward to. I said to my husband the other day that knowing I can get an amazing cup of coffee at home with my Nespresso machine motivates me in the morning. I wake up and immensely look forward to that first cup before I throw myself into the day. It’s my thing.

Nespresso has a range of 24 Grands Crus coffees so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to flavour. One of my current favourites is the new Envivo Lungo, which is perfect with milk. It’s strong and smooth; just the way I like it.

For coffee conquerors, below is the information about this new blend that will join the permanent range.

Envivo Lungo: Notes & aromatic profile

This dark roasted coffee is a blend of a distinctive Arabica from India with a Robusta from Mexico, with roasted notes and rich scents reminiscent of aromatic woods and gingerbread. The coffee becomes more indulgent with milk, while still remaining intense.

How do you prepare yourself for the day?