Top tips for… saving your sanity until lunchtime

Being a parent is a wonderful and rewarding experience. In fact, it's the best, don't you think? But, we reckon you'll also agree it can be stressful and downright exhausting at times. Yes, for little people, children have some fairly big demands, and as much as we love them more than we thought humanly possible, we wouldn't be human if we didn't feel a little frazzled at times. It's important (and necessary) to look after yourself as well as the children. But because we know this is easier said than done, here are seven simple things you can do in the morning to help keep that sanity intact and get you through until lunchtime. 1. Eat breakfast It's easy to forget about your own breakfast when you have other hungry mouths to feed in the morning, but fuelling your day with food will give you energy and brain power, which will help set you up for the wonderful chaos ahead. 2. Keep hydrated All parents need good hydration to get through their day. Start with coffee, then sustain with plenty of water. Or, try drinking warm water with fresh lemon first thing to help kick start the digestion process for the day. 3. Get ready Getting ready in the morning isn't as easy once you have children, but finding time for a quick shower (and finding a clean outfit) will make you feel more human, especially on the days when you look anything but (we've all been there). 4. Make a plan Everything seems to take so much longer to do in the morning. Putting a plan in place and getting organised the night before can save valuable time the following day, which will help get things off to a smoother start and keep the stress levels down. 5. Have help If your partner can't lend a hand in the morning, ask a family member or close friend to pop over and help out. Even just one morning a week to do the school run; make sandwiches; watch the baby while you have a shower or catnap, will do your sanity the world of good. 6. Go outside If it's cold outside, pull on the layers and escape the four walls - you and the children. If you have the school run to do and you live close enough, ditch the car and get walking. The fresh air will clear your tired mind, while tiring out your little ones. 7. Embrace the madness