I first started writing down my morning routine to share more than 3 years ago — and I’m so grateful I did. It’s been sweet to look back and see how things shifted from the start of 2020 to the quarantine days with one kiddo to last summer, adjusting to being a mama of two. I like to think of it like a vault– that hopefully they are helpful to see just one tiny example and slice of life, dependent on that current season.
Because it’s always in flow over here, ya know? But one thing is for sure: the things that help ground and energize me, and that help set me up for the day ahead as a mom, entrepreneur, founder and woman on a mission to live a healthy life that feels free and alive in all the ways— well, those key things stay the same. Even as the timing might shift. Or they get a little shorter. Or longer in some seasons.
The important stuff? It’s always there for me. My non-negotiables, I call them.
And a reminder:
If my routines can give you some inspiration, I’m honored. But I’m not sharing because I think you should copy me. A morning routine means beginning the day by focusing on what’s important to you in this season. YOU, not me or anyone else. These first hours should be full of life-giving, nourishing, soul-filling activities. Your day doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
You can get up early or rise late. You can do a quick 1 minute skincare routine or spend some serious time in self-care. You can cook an elaborate morning meal or grab something nutritious on the go. You can exercise or read. There are truly no bad options, as long as you’re taking care of yourself and welcoming each day the best way you can.
I’m a big believer in daily rhythms vs. strict rituals. I want to make choices that flow with me in every stage of life and change of season. We have to be flexible. But we DO need some kind of structure in our lives to help guide the way. At least I know *I* do. When I feel my best, it’s because I’ve set up a pathway for myself to follow, even if it looks slightly different each day.
So here’s what’s working for me currently. I hope it gives you some ideas to try in your own life too. Right now at the time of this post, for context, I have a 4-year-old and a baby who’s a year and a half.
It’s wild looking back at some of my older posts. Lots of things in my routine truly do stay the same for me: newborn or not, kids or not, etc. I know myself, so I know what works for me and keeps me nourished and feeling great. I know my non-negotiables.
Do you?
Think about them this week. What things get your body primed and ready for the day, your head and thoughts flowing the right way, and your perspective and mindset right for what’s ahead? Feel free to borrow anything you like from my routine, but remember: the real win is creating one that works for you.
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My Current Morning Routine
6:15am: My alarm goes off. I get up, change into my workout clothes, tongue scrape, brush my hair and my teeth, and apply my hair oil. Does it always feel cozier and more comfortable staying in bed (especially in the dark of winter?!). YES! OMG, yes it does. But I am committed to giving myself time to fill myself up for the day, before I pour out for everyone and everything else. Early mornings give me that time right now, so I cherish the alarm (or at least the gift it gives me).
6:30am: I fill up a mason jar with water & add chlorophyll drops & minerals. See my full video on this here if you missed it earlier this week, and why I do it.
6:30-7:15am: I get started on my daily PT exercises for my core & back (10 mins), then squeeze in a 20 minute workout if I have time that day (peloton ride, pilates with Melissa Wood Health, or strength circuit workout). Sometimes it’s just the PT & foam rolling, but I always get those in no matter what (even if I’m doing them under the dining table while the kids eat, lol). Random tip: Kyle and I have started alternating days where we get to be the one fully ON for a workout, while the other parent is “on call” if the kids need anything before 7/7:15am. I have T, Th & S mornings to workout and he takes M, W & F. It’s been great for our family so far!
7:15am: I hop in a warm shower, followed by a quick cold shower for as long as I can handle it (2 minutes max). Noah (age 4) gets up around 7:00am, so some mornings I grab him some blueberries & a scoop of PB while he listens to an audio story, while I shower.
7:30am: Time for a quick get-ready routine: non-toxic and non-scary deodorant on (this tea tree deodorant or the charcoal one are my go-to these days), plumping serum or face oil, like these ones. (Psst – use code simplyrealhealth for a discount on both!) I also do gua sha for 1-2 minutes if I have time.
7:30-8:30am: I make breakfast with the kids. Typically, we throw together some fruit (usually blueberries), a nut butter and a Sarah baked-good, or superfood oatmeal, or scrambled eggs or an omelette or avo toast. I try to rotate around based on what we have so they don’t get stuck in one option.
8:15am: One of my favorite steps: making my matcha (I keep it simple with my favorite matcha powder , coconut water & almond or my homemade cashew milk). I pour half into my YETI mug to keep it hot for the next hour. See the full post here on best store-bought almond milk & milk options.
8:30am: Do affirmations with Noah. This is our “I’m brave, I’m strong, I’m kind, I can do anything I set my mind to. And I’m gonna have a great day!” time that you might remember from my viral post.
8:45am: We head to school drop off (half the days).
9:00am: Our wonderful nanny arrives, and I fit in one last cuddle, say goodbye to the kids, fill up my water & head to my office for the morning.
9:15-9:30am: Before I jump into work, I want to get my mind right, filling it with my dreams, visions and all that I’m calling in. To do this, I either try a 10 minute meditation (with my red light on), spend 10 minutes journaling, or take 10 minutes to just get organized and ready for the day.
9:30am: To start the workday, I always write my top 3 tasks of the day. Then I check in with my team and start working. I always do the most brain powered important task first! All other items wait until those first 3 are complete. In my list, I also include what I need for that day to take care of myself: a walk, a podcast, time to make a quick lunch, etc.
10:30-11:00am: Chow down on a breakfast bowl. I’m learning to listen to and follow my hunger these days, and this is when I first get hungry in the mornings. Even though I’m not nursing much anymore, I’m still hungry at this time now (it used to be 12:00-1:00pm for me). Most days, I go for almond butter & banana. Or when I have a few more minutes, I mix bananas, blueberries or blackberries (for fiber & antioxidants), bee pollen (code simplyrealhealth gets you 20% off!), sea salt and chlorella tablets (if I have them). See the full video post I did on this here.
11:30am-12:00pm: This time is a loose estimate, but whenever I get the first 2 of my big 3 tasks done, I reward myself with a break to get ready for the day. This means doing my hair & my 5 min makeup routine! I also get dressed, depending on the day. I like using my precious morning time to think and create, then use this midday time as a transition to lighter things (like posting on IG or answering emails).
That’s it, friends – my current morning routine! If you have a routine that’s tooootally working for you right now, drop it in the comments. We’d love to hear about it!
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Photo by Talitha Bullock