5 parenting hacks to instantly elevate your daily routine.

Thanks to our brand partner, Banana Boat

New year, new me? After becoming a first-time mum last year, I feel like I am still very much in my "figuring it out" era. The new territory of motherhood has also come with a significant amount of admin that I was not expecting.

Not only do I have to get myself sorted and accounted for each day, my eight-month-old is also literally relying on me to keep him fed, dry, entertained and alive — no pressure.

My daily routine has taken a bit of a backseat recently with a bit of busy parenting overwhelm… but not this year. These are my five hacks that have helped me (and soon, you) elevate my daily routine.

Hack 1: Stay hydrated.

We all know that hydrating is key, but think about this for me… when was the last time you had a sip of water? Gone are the days when I get to the evening as parched as if I had just trekked through the Sahara.

My morning long black is now paired with a chaser of icy cold H2O. Making sure I start the day with at least one glass of water always sets me on the right track for the rest of the day. And let's be honest, that's one less glass of water I need to remember to drink for the rest of the day.

Feeling liberated and caffeinated, I fill up my gigantic, huge, mum-sized water bottle and that bad boy comes with me everywhere.

Do I finish it every day? No. Do I give it a red-hot go… of course, and the days that I do finish it, I feel great and also a bit smug tbh — health girlies have nothing on me and my hydration game (some days).

Image: Supplied.

Hack 2: Sun protection.

Sunscreen — it's a non-negotiable step in any solid daily routine.

Banana Boat's Moisturising Lotion SPF50+ range is super convenient, offering very high protection from the sun while keeping skin moisturised.

For anyone who loves to get moving outdoors (whether it's a stroll around the block or a walk with the dog), Banana Boat's Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+, with aloe and glycerin, is a great option for slathering on before heading out, providing sun protection and 12-hour moisture. Bonus: it's non-greasy and water-resistant for up to four hours.

For the face, their Moisturising Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ is a handy little product that's easy to carry and apply on the go. It also has a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula (won't clog pores), making it great for applying under makeup.

Adding a hat has become a habit for me to mask the effects of hot yoga on the days I don't manage to wash my hair before starting the day. And let's be honest, sunnies are also a MUST, not only to protect my eyes but also to hide the bags under my eyes after a rough night of constant wake-ups.

Hack 3: Get your steps in.

Look, this isn't new news but I swear by it! Getting your steps in daily is something that has seriously elevated my routine.

Being on mat leave, there is nothing more liberating than having a small goal each day to work towards. My eight-month-old loves the change of scenery and watching the world go by from his pram and the dog gets a much-needed workout too.

Smashing it out in the morning also allows me to take the afternoon at a more relaxed pace if I need it.

Hack 4: Ordering online.

Okay, so ordering and home delivery of groceries… why didn't anyone tell me how much admin this removes from my load?! I mean, I have been told… but why didn't I listen earlier?

This has been a TOTAL game changer for me. Since starting to order groceries online, I can cater to the entire family's needs from the comfort of my couch and have them delivered.

No more schlepping to the store and strutting the aisles, forgetting one item and schlepping back.

On top of that, I have found the most amazing local farmer who home delivers locally grown produce; it's always fresh and in season. Especially with my little one starting solids, this has been the best way for me to introduce new foods and textures to him every fortnight.

Image: Supplied.

Hack 5: Write it down.

I don't know about you, but if it's not in my diary, it doesn't exist.

I find this to be the simplest but most effective way of streamlining and elevating my social diary management. It relieves me from the stress of feeling like I have to remember everything (because I don't and can't).

Personally, I refer to my calendar on my phone for everything, but perhaps it's a family calendar on the fridge, in the notes app or a scrap of paper that you carry in your bra — whatever works, you do you.

It's simple: everything goes in the diary. Not just for me, but for my partner too — the same rule applies.

Family coming over? Kids' playdate? Birthday? Evening work meeting? If it's in there, I'll be ready for it. If not, fend for yourself.

Find Banana Boat's Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ and Moisturising Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ from your local supermarket and pharmacy.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every two hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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