The 5 AM Club: is It the secret to success for busy mums? Here’s what we think

Let’s be honest - school runs, work commitments, housework, and managing family life leaves us all feeling like we’re constantly on the go. So with the 5 AM Club trend making the rounds, it seems like a perfect way to get ahead of the chaos, right? The promise: waking up early, having a few quiet hours to yourself, and getting a head start on the day before the family demands your attention.

Pros of joining the 5 AM Club

1. Some quiet time for yourself

As any mum can attest, there’s little to no “me-time” once the kids are awake. The idea of 5 AM might sound insane to some, but the quiet of those early hours can be a gift. Whether it’s a peaceful cup of coffee, a bit of time for journaling, or a quick workout before the rest of the house wakes up, those extra hours could be exactly what you need to recharge. No interruptions, no little voices asking for snacks - just you, and the morning.

2. Get ahead of the chaos

When your to-do list is never-ending and there’s always something that needs attention, the idea of having a head start is appealing. For busy mums, waking up at 5 AM might mean having those extra hours to plan, organise, or even squeeze in some productive tasks without anyone needing you. Getting that feeling of accomplishment before breakfast could change the tone for the rest of the day.

3. Time to work on personal goals

If you're trying to carve out time for personal growth - whether that’s working on a side project, exercising, or just catching up on a book - 5 AM could be your golden window. We all know how hard it is to make time for ourselves, especially with kids in tow. Waking up early might give you the chance to work on something that's just for you, without feeling like you're stealing time away from family responsibilities.

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The cons

1. Lack of sleep

The biggest issue? Obviously, sleep. If you're not naturally an early riser, waking up at 5 AM can quickly lead to exhaustion. Many mums are already getting up in the middle of the night for kids, and trying to make up for lost sleep during the day isn't always possible. If you’re not careful, the 5 AM Club can turn into a cycle of sleep deprivation that leaves you feeling irritable, less patient, and more drained.

2. Disrupting family routines

Getting up early means going to bed earlier - but let’s face it, if you have kids, getting them to bed early is often easier said than done. Family time is important, and sometimes evenings are when you get to relax and connect with your partner, unwind from the day, or catch up on housework. Waking up at 5 AM could mean missing out on those moments, leaving you feeling even more disconnected or isolated from your family.

3. More pressure to ‘do it all’

There’s a pressure that comes with the 5 AM Club. It feels like you’re supposed to be productive, checking things off the list before the kids even wake up. For busy mums, this can add to the already heavy load of trying to be everything to everyone. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you're not up at the crack of dawn, you're somehow not doing enough or you're falling behind.
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Our verdict: Is the 5 AM Club worth it for busy mums?

The 5 AM Club isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for mums who are already balancing a thousand things at once. For some, the early mornings offer a peaceful escape from the chaos, a chance to focus on themselves or get ahead of the day. For others, it’s just another way to feel exhausted.

If you're a naturally early riser or can make it work with your schedule, waking up at 5 AM might be a great way to grab a little bit of time back for yourself. But if you’re already running on empty, forcing yourself out of bed early could just lead to burnout.

The key takeaway? Don’t feel pressured to join the 5 AM Club just because it works for someone else. Find a routine that supports your well-being and fits into your family life. It’s all about balance - whether that means waking up at 5 AM or sneaking in some much-needed me-time during nap time.