Struggling to feel excited for the day? Try this…

As early years educators, we pour so much of ourselves into our work. Some days feel full of energy and inspiration; others feel heavy or simply exhausting. Here’s a gentle truth: when we feel excited for the day—even about one small thing—that energy flows to the children. Our mood is contagious.

I love dropping my little wildling at nursery and hearing, “We’re going blackberry picking today!” or “Come and see what I’ve brought to learn more about aquariums!” That kind of attitude oozes excitement and tells a child their day will be full of wonder.

🌞 Start with you

Before you step into the classroom, take a moment for yourself.

• Enjoy a warm drink in peace, by a window or outdoors.

• Write one intention for the day: “I’m going to notice children’s joy in play,” or “I’m taking my maths session outside today.”

• Put on a favourite playlist or take a mindful walk.

When you start nourished, you arrive with presence.

🌿 In the classroom

Choose one element of the environment or rhythm you genuinely look forward to.

• Refresh the seasonal nature table with autumn leaves, conkers, or acorns.

• Introduce a new favourite book to your story corner (we’re loving Everybody’s Welcome at the moment) and savour reading it aloud.

• Add a sensory invitation that makes you smile—cinnamon playdough, pinecones, or a basket of natural treasures.

When you feel inspired by what you’ve set up, children are naturally drawn to it.

✨ With the children

Think connection before content.

• Create a welcoming ritual: light a candle, invite children with a Himalayan singing bowl, sing a soft song, or offer a greeting basket of small treasures.

• Build anticipation for one shared experience—an outdoor walk, a circle game, or baking together.

• Give yourself permission to follow the children’s curiosity rather than rush through a plan.

Small, intentional choices bring meaning into the everyday.

💛 The Hygge approach

Teaching doesn’t need to feel like a performance. Excitement often comes from slowing down, being present, and noticing joy in simple moments:

• Pausing under the oak tree to watch light through the leaves.

• Sitting beside a child at the block area, joining their story.

• Smiling at the sparks of wonder children bring into the day.

Excitement isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing enough.

Final thought

The best way to feel excited for the day is to choose one thing—one ritual, one invitation, one connection—you truly look forward to. When you feel that spark, the children feel it too. That’s the magic of the early years. 🌿

Want to go deeper? Inside Hygge in the Early Years, I guide you step-by-step to create a calm, joyful practice—balancing your wellbeing and children’s deep learning.