1. Morning Coffee Time Outside with My Pups

One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a quiet moment outside, on my bedroom balcony, or sitting on one of the outdoor couches in our backyard, with coffee in hand and my pups by my side. There’s something about the fresh air, the stillness of the morning, and watching my dogs enjoy their time outside that helps me feel grounded before the tasks of the day begin.

This habit is more than just sipping coffee—it’s a time to breathe, reflect, and connect with God and his creation, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The peacefulness of the early morning, before the demands of homeschooling or household chores kick in, sets the tone for the rest of my day. It allows me to mentally prepare for what’s ahead and start with a sense of calm.

For me, this ritual isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Taking this time reminds me to slow down and be present, helping me approach the busy day with more patience and grace.

2. Personal Bible Reading Daily

Each day, I prioritize time in the Word. My personal Bible reading is the foundation of my morning, centering me spiritually and providing the strength I need to navigate the responsibilities of homeschooling, homemaking, and parenting. This habit isn’t just a part of my routine; it’s my lifeline, giving me the wisdom and encouragement to handle whatever comes my way.

Before I dive into teaching lessons or managing our home, I need that time of spiritual grounding. It helps me realign my heart with God’s truth and keeps my focus where it should be—on serving my family with love, patience, and grace. There are days when things don’t go as planned, but when I start the morning in the Word, I feel more prepared to handle the challenges with a peaceful, steady heart.

It’s more than a spiritual discipline; It’s the reset I need daily to ensure that I’m not running on my own strength but leaning on God’s strength to get through the day.

3. Getting to Bed Between 10:30-11:00 PM

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule has been a game-changer for me as both a mom and homeschool teacher. I make it a priority to get to bed between 10:30 and 11:00 PM every night, and the benefits have been remarkable. When I’m well-rested, I’m more patient, focused, and ready to tackle the demands of the day ahead.

Adequate sleep allows me to function at my best, both mentally and physically. Whether it's teaching lessons, managing household tasks, taking care of my body with exercise, or just having the energy to whip up a tasty meal, being rested makes a huge difference. I’ve noticed that when I push my bedtime later, I’m more easily overwhelmed and less effective at the things I need to do.

Sticking to a consistent sleep routine helps me recharge and start each day feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to give my best to my family. For any homeschooling mom, getting enough rest is a simple yet powerful habit that can make all the difference.

4. Daily Workouts

Committing to daily workouts is one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my mental and physical health. Staying active is not just about fitness goals; it’s about taking care of myself so I can take better care of my family. Whether it’s a quick strength training session in my garage, a HIIT workout at the gym, or a longer cardio workout on my Peleton or Hydrow rower, moving my body daily gives me the energy I need. Speaking of my rower, you can get a GREAT discount for the Hydrow rower and a FREE gift. Just use my code GRITWAVE for $275 off the Hydrow Wave or the code GRITPRO for $775 off the Hydrow Pro.

Working out clears my mind, reduces stress, and gives me a boost of endorphins, which helps me feel more positive and capable throughout the day. It’s my time to reset, and I’ve noticed that even a short workout can make a big difference in my mood and energy levels. Plus, it’s an example to my kids of how important it is to prioritize health and wellness. And they are catching on! My oldest daughter and son joined a CrossFit gym and have been loving the workouts.

Staying physically active ensures I’m not just pouring out but also taking the time to refill my own tank, which ultimately helps me be the best version of myself for my family. Check out these videos for some of my workout inspiration.

5. Aiming for 10K Steps Daily

Hitting 10,000 steps a day can be a challenge, especially when homeschooling requires a lot of sitting. But aiming for this goal keeps me mindful of staying active throughout the day, even when I’m not formally exercising. It’s not always easy, but I’ve found creative ways to make it work.

Being active in this way helps counterbalance the sedentary nature of teaching. It’s also a great way to refresh my mind during the day and re-center before diving back into lessons. This habit is a simple but effective way to keep my body moving and feeling good, even on the busiest homeschooling days.

6. Making My Bed

Making my bed each morning may seem like a small task, but its impact is powerful. It’s one of the first things I do, and that simple act gives me an immediate sense of accomplishment. Starting the day with something completed—no matter how small—sets a productive tone for everything else that follows.

It’s amazing how such a quick task can shift my mindset. When my bed is made, it feels like my space is in order, which helps me feel more organized and focused as I move through the day.

7. Meal Planning Thursdays

Every Thursday, I sit down to plan our meals for the upcoming week, and it’s become an essential part of simplifying my routine. Meal planning takes away the daily stress of deciding what’s for dinner and reduces decision fatigue, especially when I’m balancing homeschooling and managing the household. By dedicating one day a week to this task, I save time and mental energy throughout the rest of the week.

I plan meals that work with our homeschooling, work, and extracurricular schedule, making sure they’re easy to prepare on busier days and more flexible when we have more time. Knowing what we’re going to eat each day helps everything run smoother, from grocery shopping to meal prep, and allows me to focus more on our homeschooling without worrying about what’s happening in the kitchen. Meal planning has become one of my best time-saving strategies, giving me more mental space to handle the other tasks of the week.

Here are some of my favorite meal-planning resources.

8. Grocery Pick-Up Every Friday

Grocery pick-up on Fridays has been a game-changer for me. The convenience of ordering everything we need online and simply picking it up without navigating the store saves me so much time and energy. As a homeschooling mom, time is precious, and grocery pick-up frees up my schedule so I can focus more on teaching, managing the household, and spending time with my family.

To make sure we have everything we need for the week, I combine this routine with my Thursday meal planning. By the time Friday rolls around, I have a clear list and can avoid those last-minute grocery runs. This routine helps me stay organized and ensures that our pantry is stocked, meals are planned, and there’s one less thing to stress about. This simple habit has lightened my mental load and streamlined our weekly routine, giving me more time to focus on what truly matters.

9. Daily Load of Laundry

Doing a daily load of laundry might seem like a small habit, but it has completely transformed how I manage our household. Instead of letting the laundry pile up and feeling overwhelmed, I tackle it one load at a time, every single day. This consistent routine prevents laundry from turning into an all-day task, keeping our home running smoothly and helping me stay on top of things.

10. Getting Ready Daily

Even on days when I’m staying home or just wearing workout clothes, I still make it a point to get ready each morning. Whether it’s doing my hair, applying a quick 5-minute makeup routine, or just making sure I feel put together, this habit boosts my confidence and sets a productive tone for the day. It reminds me to care for myself and shows my kids the value of being intentional with our time, even in small ways. This habit makes a big difference in how I approach the day, allowing me to feel more focused, motivated, and ready to handle whatever’s ahead.

Check out these videos for my morning routine.

These habits may seem simple, but together they have a profound impact on how I navigate my days as a homeschooling mom. Each routine—whether it’s starting my day with quiet time outside, staying active, or sticking to my meal planning schedule—helps me feel more balanced, energized, and in control of the many responsibilities on my plate. They provide structure and give me the mental space to focus on what truly matters: teaching my kids, managing our home, and being present for my family.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just looking to add more order to your days, I encourage you to try implementing one or two of these habits into your own routine. You might be surprised at how much of a difference a small change can make in your homeschool rhythm. Sometimes, it’s the little things that help us feel more equipped to handle the big things.

Until next time!

10 Habits and Rhythms That Serve Me Well as a Homeschooling Mom