Suggestions of ways to PREPARE for the day ahead

[Gateau]

I have been reading some posts throughout MN abut mums getting up at the same time as their kids and the day kind of crowds in on them. This has happened to me quite a lot (I have one 14 month old DS) and I really want to find something 'for me' which means I get up earlier than my little boy, do the ' thing' and that hopefully prepares me for the day to come.
I have talked to some mums who get up early - before the rest of the household - and go for a run or a brisk walk. Then they come back and feel they can face whatever the world has to throw at them - within reason, of course!
Has anyone any suggestions at to what that 'me' thing could be? I love walking, so that could be it..

Walking it is then....to the nearest bakers....buy fresh bread, croissants and an eclaire for after lunch [bliss]

OR

Sign up for a 5k running race, such as Race for Life and use the time to train for that. Run a minute, walk a minute on the first day, then run 2, walk 2 on the next day etc - sets of 10.

I prepare for the day ahead by putting my 3 to bed as close to 7pm as possible and tidying up, packing bags for the next day, laying out clothes etc etc. So I have my "me time" in the evenings.

The thought of getting up before my kids fills me with horror!

mine is coffee and quiet! i get up about 45mins before dds and have cup of coffee or three and some quiet before dd1 gets up and rips through the house like a hurricane!!

agree with doodle you would be better walking! i just need to wake up properly to get on with my day okay and that means waking up slowly with caffine and quiet not with dd1s tambourine practise!! or dora!!!

I usually get up an hour and half b4 DCs - best time of my day - I have breakfast with DH, then an hour on my own to do PC jobs, organise the house, etc etc. But DCs have always been late to bed, late to rise

DS gets up at 5:30 so until I crack that little problem, I cannot imagine rising even earlier.

Agree about doing prep the night before though - when I find the energy, it does really help. Just making sure the basics are ready in the nappy bag, food is defrosted if necessary, etc etc.

Oh to be effortlessly organized!