I cared for my skin from the inside out with Aveeno® as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #Aveeno®

Busy moms. That’s kind of an oxymoron, right? What mom isn’t busy? As moms we are constantly putting everyone else before ourselves. It’s part of the definition of mom. Since becoming a mom of two, my day is even busier than before (bless you moms of 3+ kids! You’re my hero!).  Carving out time for myself has proven to be quite the challenge, at least with a newborn and a toddler. I’ve found myself searching for ways to make the most of my day, and being more intentional about every minute that passes me by. This also results in more me time (SO necessary as a mom) because I’m more focused on what I need to do to get through the day! One big area I focused on was my beauty routine. I really don’t have an hour to spend primping every morning anymore, so I’ve searched for ways to still feel like ME and get ready for the day but also not have it take a million years. So today I’m sharing some tips for busy moms to shorten their morning routine in hopes of helping you do the same.

Shower at night. I started doing this a LONG time ago, before I was even a mom, because I’m a nurse and didn’t want to get in bed with who knows what on me at the end of my work day. Showering at night has been such huge time saver in the morning! It’s also easier for me to actually find (and ENJOY) the time to shower if I’m doing it when my husband is home and can worry about the kids. I hop in the shower and enjoy my quiet time right after the kids get in bed. Bring a glass of wine in there with you and really relax!

Don’t wash your hair every day. I have a post coming up on how to get multiple days out of the same hairstyle because it’s proven to be a time saver for me. I use a little dry shampoo and can get up to 4 days without washing my hair. I rock my bed head waves or throw it in a pony tail on days I don’t feel like fixing it (most days!). This cuts down on SO much time for me!

Set out your clothes the night before. When I say clothes, I’m referring to a pair of Lululemon’s and an oversized top for me. I live in this daily but it’s easy, kid friendly, and comfortable! Whether you’re a working mom or stay at home mom, set out your clothes for the next day the night before and I guarantee you’ll cut your time down significantly. I always find that if I don’t prep in advance, I’m searching for a missing shirt or a pair of leggings for way longer than I need to be which is just wasting time I don’t have! So by doing this, I can guarantee your mornings will go much smoother.

Use combination products. If you are one of those people that HAS to shower in the morning, try switching up some products to cut down on your time. Maybe this means using a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner or using a moisturizing body wash like Aveeno®‘s Skin Relief Gentle Scents Body Wash.This body wash is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin, and is super moisturizing. I find I don’t need a lotion when I use it, which is one additional step I can eliminate from my routine!

Set your alarm. This sounds silly, but when I DON’T set my alarm, I’m more likely to sleep “in” (not really, as I’m still up very early) and lose time to get ready in the morning. I prefer to be up BEFORE my kids because I can get ready in peace and without a toddler hanging onto my leg. If I miss my alarm, my chances of that are slimmer than slim. Getting up before my kids has really helped me feel ready to tackle the day!

Hopefully you found these tips for shortening your morning routine helpful! What else would you include?