“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not.” – Octavia Butler

That quote is only one of the many such words of wisdom that remind us that habits are the foundation to success. A daily routine will reduce the clutter in your mind so you can be more creative in your work. Yet still, that’s easier said than done.

I don’t know about you, but habits have been a constant struggle in my life. I read the Power of Habit and Atomic Habits and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I implemented their methods but nothing seemed to stick. None of them aligned well with how my brain actually works. 

Then one day I heard about the Clean With Me podcast. I thought it was great. It took the decision-making out of a not-so-desirable necessity. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by what to clean or where to clean, I just hit play and she guides me through the process.

Then I thought–what if this was more expansive? What if I just had to hit play in the morning and the rest of my day was decided for me? 

This thought led me to devise The Playlist Method.

How The Playlist Method Works To Guide A Productive Week

It’s a simple concept. 

Create a playlist that’s filled with music you absolutely adore. Then intersperse blocks of  “good habit” activities you want to add to your day. 

Some examples:

• Daily affirmations
• Meditation
• Exercise
• Stretching
• Deep Work
• Cues to take a break

Once you put in that initial work, all you have to do is hit play and let the playlist guide you through your day. This eliminates the guesswork, the paralyzing effects of indecisiveness, and reduces decision fatigue.

The easiest way to understand how it works is to look at an example.

My Monday Playlist

Let me walk you through my Monday playlist. 

I use Spotify but don’t let the platform you use limit the possibilities of this method. Get creative with how you use songs and sounds to cue different activities.

Morning Routine 

I have headphones set right next to my phone so as soon as I turn off my alarm, I put them on and start my Monday Playlist. 

Right from the start, I’m greeted with one of my favorite songs (“Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO). It’s so happy and upbeat that it alone works wonders to encourage a positive mood to start the day.

I use this first song to use the bathroom and brush my teeth and give my dogs a chance to wake up. As the playlist continues, I put on my shoes and leash my dogs and head out the door for our morning walk.

This walk takes about 25 minutes, so I include enough songs to cover its entire length plus buffer time.

At the end, I have a cue song (“Friday Morning” by Khruangbin). I use this in the same spot every day to let myself know that the next set of activities is coming.

This song leads me into my morning affirmation. I use a bonus episode of the podcast Better With Paul where the host says an affirmation for positive thinking.

This flows into 10 minutes of morning meditation. I found an artist called Sound Dreamer who has a wide selection of sounds at set lengths of time. You could use these for any number of activities.

Now that I’m relaxed and clear-headed, it’s time for some energy. I use a podcast called Tiny Workouts where the host guides you through short, simple workouts. Monday is arms and shoulders for me.

After this, I have another block of my favorite music during which I shower and dress, feed my dogs and myself, and then walk to the local cafe. 

Total time: 1 hr 40 m 03 s. The playlist also functions to keep me on time in the morning.

The Work Day

I use 4 x 90 minute blocks of Brown Noise as working sessions for a total of 6 dedicated hours of focused work. 

Between each block I have 3 – 5 songs that cue me to take a break. During this time, I will get up, stretch, walk around, grab a coffee refill, or eat a snack. I don’t eat again until after work so snack breaks are essential.

After Work

After the last 90-minute session, there’s an extended block of music which guides me home and into whatever my plans are for the latter part of the day.

At this point, I often stop the playlist while I socialize with friends and family, watch TV/movies, read, run, walk and listen to an audiobook, etc.

Bedtime Routine

The crucial second decision of the day is jumping back into the playlist to set my bedtime. 

When I’ve concluded my evening plans, I check the time to see how long I have until I need to start my bedtime routine.  I divide this by 4, which creates an approximate number of songs I’ll need to cover the time. For example:

60 minutes / 4 = 15 songs

4 minutes per song is the closest approximation where the math is still easy.

I count back that many songs from the end of the playlist and hit play.

I use another Khruangbin song (“White Gloves”) to cue the start of my bedtime routine, which includes skin care and teeth care and other prep.

Then I have another Tiny Workout–this one for stretching–another Better With Paul affirmation–this one for self-love–and a final 10 minute block of soothing sounds for evening meditation.

At this point the playlist concludes, which is a cue to put my phone away for the day. I set it and my headphones to charge and spend the rest of the night reading until it’s time to go to sleep.

Other Days Of The Week

I went further and created a different playlist for each day of the week. You can see each of them here:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Each playlist has a different feel to reflect how I think that day feels. It’s fun to get cutsie with selections like “Stuck in the Middle with You” on Wednesday or “Friday I’m in Love” on Friday.

Even though creating all these playlists is more work upfront, it has a few advantages:

• New music each day so it doesn’t get stale
• Variable workouts to hit each part of the body
• Different routine structures depending on the goal of the day

Customize It For Yourself

Obviously, each of these is custom-tailored for my day and my goals. The key to the success of this method is putting in the initial work to make the playlist work for you.

• Choose music that you absolutely adore so you’ll be excited to hit play.
• Base the length of each block around your schedule.
• Include the activities that you want to do based on your goals.
• Pick podcast episodes with hosts who you enjoy listening to. 

The reason I chose Better With Paul and Tiny Workouts is because I love the hosts. The sound of their voices, the background music, and their encouraging nature. They feel like good friends and make me excited to incorporate those activities into my life.

Set it up so that you want to use the method, rather than feeling like you have to follow it. This mental distinction is essential for the method to work.

How To Simplify The Playlist Method

This whole full-day thing may feel a bit overwhelming. You don’t need to plan out your entire day to make use of this method. 

Instead, you can just make a morning routine playlist that guides you from bed to the office. Or just an evening playlist that ensures you get to bed on time.

The concept is flexible. Fit it to your needs and your goals.

Looking To The Future

It’s important to make adjustments regularly. 

• Change the songs to keep it fresh. 
• Change what activities you do as your goals change. 
• Change the order based on what’s working or not working.

Anytime you start to feel the monotony of the routine, switch it up instead of abandoning it altogether.

This method has been transformative for me. I’m feeling mentally and physically healthier, and I’m getting more done than I ever have before. I hope that you can find similar benefits from this method.

I started the first arm of the KC Brand in 2020 after quitting my 5th-Grade teaching job with just a broken keyboard and no Plan B. The business grew quickly to 6-figures in just 14 months thanks in a large part to using Day Rates to reduce my client workload. 

In 2021, I retired my partner from his job, moved us to Mauritius, our dream island in the tropics, and expanded our offerings to include mentorship opportunities for other copywriters and online service providers ready to scale, too.

I believe in building companies that are not only highly profitable – but fun, fulfilling, and freedom-filled! So every week you can catch a new episode of the Freedom Found Podcast for your latest copywriting, business, and mindset insights to help you create a life you can’t wait to wake up to. (Oh and I’ve been told my emails are bingeworthy, too.)

So, what’s it like being an island-living CEO? Let’s get into it!

What time do you wake up in the morning and how do you wake up?

Most days I let the sun stream in through the window and – wait, that doesn’t sound right… The sun comes up as early as 5:15 am here in Mauritius in the summer and I need a little more shuteye than that. I keep my blackout curtains drawn until I wake up to the sound of birds in nature from my alarm around 6:30. 

What’s on your bedside table?

Lavender hand cream from L’Occitane, my favorite. My wave sound machine, if ever the cats are too noisy to sleep. My phone charger, a glass of water, and current read – which right now, is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

I’ve learned that the best way for me to have a great day is to have a great night’s sleep. For me, that looks like no phone time after 8:00 pm, in bed by 9:45 pm, and setting my alarm after my wonderful partner takes a quick glance at my morning calendar and lets me know what time my first scheduled meeting is. 

This way I don’t open my calendar and start to think about everything happening the next day. We started this a few months ago and I love it! I don’t ask what the meeting is for or who it’s with to keep my brain disengaged from work and just make sure that I know when my first in-real-time obligation is.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I don’t do much in terms of skincare except apply sunscreen before my mornings outside and moisturizer on occasion.

What does your morning routine flow look like?

I think this is the part in our relationship where I should tell you something about me – I’m a snoozer. Yep. 

I tend to hit the snooze button 1-2 times in the morning and enjoy an extra cuddle with my man before I hop outta bed, pull back the curtains, and grab my bikini or yoga pants.

Most mornings I either grab my paddle board or put on my Nikes, head across the street to the beach, and take a 5k walk or paddle along the shore. I like to get my heart rate up but in all honesty, I stop a lot. Sometimes I sit and think about new, exciting ideas or directions for the brand, or something big-picture for life. But most often I just try to appreciate everything. 

It’s truly beautiful here: Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, beautiful homes, palm trees. I try to be present – something that can be challenging with busy lives and businesses – and just enjoy the fact that I don’t have to head into my old teaching job and am right where I wanted to be just a few years ago. (Again, something that deserves reminding when you’re usually looking forward.)

I’m a huge audio-book lover so while I’m walking I usually listen to my latest non-fiction book or favorite podcast.

On the mornings I don’t head to the beach, I go to my favorite Vinyasa yoga class where my teacher can be counted on to challenge me to do something new and different than I have before. I always leave feeling clear-headed and ready for the day.

I then head home, make a smoothie and oatmeal, and eat breakfast with my partner in the sunroom. I either read my current novel or journal on what I’m grateful for, what I’m excited to help clients with, and what I’m working toward that day.

Then as I finish breakfast I’ll hop on Voxer and check-in with my coaching clients. We usually chat back and forth for a little while and then I head to my office to get started for the day (perhaps with a cheeky 20-minute stop at the piano on the way there). 

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

Part of living on an island far from North America where most of our KC Brand Clients are based means my schedule is varied throughout the week based on meetings scheduled.

(In case you didn’t know, Mauritius is a small island nation nestled near Madagascar and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. That means we have pristine beaches, perfect year-round weather, and gorgeous marine life, while we compromise on being a little further away from home and 9-5 compatible timezones.)

I usually start my workday between 7-9:30 depending on the day and my call schedule. Days that I have later meetings that start around 5:00 pm because of timezones are days where I’ll take a slow and relaxed morning and maybe even jump in around 11:00 am so I don’t end up over-working. 

When I first sit down at my desk I check in with my team via Slack to answer questions and get them anything they need to fulfill their day’s responsibilities. Then I prioritize my to-do list. I find that I have the most energy in the morning and evenings so I’ll use this time to focus on whatever big project we’re working on, a new idea, or reviewing copy for our KC Copy Studio clients so my most creative energy is used wisely.

I’ll save my inbox, and other click-tasks for later in the day.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

I’m usually up bright and early on a Saturday morning to go hiking, snorkeling, or otherwise exploring this beautiful country! My partner and I are pretty obsessed with climbing to the top of all the gorgeous volcanic mountains here and like to get up and going before the day gets ahead of us.

Sundays are usually slow and relaxed days where we head to our favorite beach with friends, tie our paddle boards to a perfectly-placed buoy, and talk, and laugh, and float until we’re tired of the sun. 

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

Up until the time I sit down at my desk, I don’t check my phone.

I firmly believe that if you can control your mornings, you can control your day, and if you can control your day, you can control your weeks, your months, and your life. 

When I used to check my notifications in the morning, I’d usually feel stressed about something I needed to do or obligated to respond to messages before I’d spent time filling up my own cup first. Switching things up and creating a boundary for my own personal brain space every morning has been imperative to cultivating productive and positive days!

I also keep all notifications except from friends and family off during the day. So I manually have to go into apps to check on things (think: Instagram, Slack, Voxer, etc). This both helps with productivity so you don’t get unnecessarily pulled out of a certain task and into another and also in reducing the mental drain that can come when so many things are happening at once.

It might seem difficult at first, but I found that with just a couple of weeks of practice it became a new routine that’s now a must-do. 

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Exercise is a requirement for me. When I get up and move my body right away, I step into my day on a clear and fresh note – the days I don’t start with yoga or a walk always feel like something’s missing so I stick to this pretty tightly.

And on many-a-luxurious occasion you can find me snorkeling down the beach with our neighborhood sea turtles or at the piano playing songs with my partner for an extra 30 or 45 minutes before we start work. Our top favs include anything from Disney, A Star is Born, and Damien Rice.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

I’ve been slowly working toward waking up earlier. 6:00 am or earlier wake-up times are in my near future which means sunrise walks or extra time for snorkeling and paddle boarding shenanigans.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Let me just say, I don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to master a morning routine or wake up at 5:00 am to be successful. I just think you need to create time and space to fill up your own cup. Whether that means you wake up before the rest of the house to hit the gym at 5:00 am (something one of my clients does every day before she sends her kids to school) or you get up at 9:00 am and kickstart the day with a journal session and your favorite pump-up playlist – YOU DO YOU.

Just don’t not prioritize filling up your own cup. Taking care of yourself first is the one thing you can do to set yourself up for helping others in a way that won’t drain your energy. And when your cup is full you can bring more support, positivity, and care into other people’s lives throughout your day.

Read through more CEO morning routines!

This year, I set an intention that I wanted to see major breakthroughs in my life. Now, for some entrepreneurs that might mean hustling, taking massive action and making big moves. But for me, I knew that this had to be something different. 

After all, I’ve tried all that before and the typical leadership tricks just weren’t cutting it. While I saw some results with that strategy, I also saw a lot of sacrifice and exhaustion and no freedom in my business. 

For me, this year was all about letting go in order to break free. So, I set the commitment of fasting from one thing every single month that I was holding on to more tightly than I wanted to. 

To be clear, this was never about depriving myself, my body or my life of things that enriched or nourished it. This was not a punishment but rather, an experiment to see what would happen when I released my grip and turned my eyes to what was coming ahead of me rather than forcing what I thought should happen.

The Coffee Fast 

Coffee lovers, you’ll get me when I say that I was nervous about letting go of my first cup of coffee every single morning. But in the name of breakthrough, I knew what was once a morning ritual had now become a crutch and I needed a break. 

I have tried a complete sacrifice of coffee in the past where I didn’t drink it at all for a few days in a row and if you’ve tried that before you know it can be difficult. I saw some side effects in the form of headaches that come with the release as caffeine leaves your body. Been there, done that and never going back! 

This month’s fast was an intentional shift of my morning routine. Here’s what happened. 

It didn’t have to be all or nothing. 

Often when I approached resetting habits, I resisted because it felt like the only way to see a change was to eradicate the habit forever.

It is important to be gentle with yourself and I realized that first cup of coffee that I longed for, could wait. I could recommit my morning routine to something that really made a significant impact on my mental health and still have that yummy cup that filled me up. 

I took back my morning. 

I knew that while coffee in the morning was not something unique to me, nor something I had to go without entirely, I wanted to recommit the beginning moments of my day to something that would lift me up and set my day with more intention.

I have a practice of journaling that I know is the best way for me to start my day. It helps me get out of myself and allows me to have the perspective I need to tackle the day from a place of gratitude. It is also the space where I can record celebrations and get rid of any doubt, fear or lies rolling around in my mind so they don’t frame my day. 

I realized that by focusing on journaling and praying and going through my morning routine, I was able to set intentions for my day. Rather than my day just coming at me I was able to get on top of things. I was in a position to really enjoy and see the fruits that were coming throughout the day.

I felt more awake throughout the day. 

By not having my coffee the second I woke up, my body was able to wake up on its own.

Unbeknownst to me, I had been pushing down my body’s natural response to waking up in the morning and all the while I had been trying to speed it up. I found I was more present with my kids and clients and, as time went on, I found myself skipping coffee altogether. 

I felt less anxious. 

Maybe you’re like me and have a very busy morning schedule. I have two daughters who wake up ON and we have much to do before school starts.

Then, there is a moment when everything kind of dies down after that first flurry in the morning. While I should be settling into work, I noticed my heart racing as if I had just ran a marathon.

I was nervous to let go of that brain fuel, but I realized my body needed a break. I’d been hustling hard and pushing it far beyond its normal pace.

By letting go of the morning coffee, my body was able to reset and I wasn’t running through my day feeling amped up or burned out. 

Years of brain fog lifted. 

Over time, I started to realize a fog had lifted and I was thinking clearer than I had in a long time.

For years, I’d struggled with brain fog (you know, that feeling where you’re a walking zombie and can’t always finish a thought) but was typically dismissed when I brought it up because I have two small children.

I knew I was way more tired than the average parent yet I didn’t know why. I would crash in bed as soon as I put my kids to sleep and wake up tired and running for the coffee pot and so the cycle continued. 

Until I skipped the coffee. 

By switching up my coffee routine, I realized I was able to really wake up in the morning and have a full conversation. I was able to have thoughts and get creative. I was able to stay up later. This newfound energy was noticeable and helped reveal some other health notes I needed to pay attention to – talk about a breakthrough! 

This cup that I thought was bringing me life and filling up my cup (pun intended) – but really it was weighing me down. Again, I am not a coffee hater. I am a coffee lover. I have since continued to drink coffee.

But by removing this layer, I was able to see something that was mismanaged in my life.

I was able to reshift and move it to a time where it really could be something that lifted me up rather than pulling me down and making me anxious, setting my day up in a way that wasn’t meaningful. 

Have you ever given up coffee for any length of time? If you’re nervous, let me encourage you that it’ll be ok!

Remember, it doesn’t have to be forever and you can always change your mind.

What is one area you’d also like to see breakthrough?

Read this next: Coffee Alternatives To Avoid An Afternoon Crash

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, diving into entrepreneurship in 2017, and building a brand with global impact, I know what it takes to build a business from the ground up. I love to infuse business strategy with intentional lifestyle so our clients can build a business that is sustainable, aligned, and impactful.

Through my simplistic approach to business, I empower women to own their power as CEO, deeply connect with their vision, & sustainably scale their business with the long-term trajectory in mind.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up? (To an alarm, music, the sun, etc.)

I am a morning person through and through, so I love waking up earlier rather than later. In this season, I enjoy rising between 6:30 and 7:00 AM to my alarm clock. This allows me to have plenty of time to prioritize my morning routine before heading into the office for the day!

How do you like your coffee (if you drink it)?

“IF” I drink it?! Everyone in our community knows that I’m a huge coffee lover – not only for the taste. I truly love the practice of making my morning coffee. I use our pour over and allow it to be a moment of presence, gratitude, and slow moving as I ease into the day.

Normally, I love a good black coffee if we’re making it here at home. Right now, it’s Spring here in Raleigh, NC so when we go out for breakfast, I love a good lavender latte as well. 

What’s on your bedside table?

A huge mason jar of water (hydration, yes please), an essential oil blend I’m loving at the moment (right now, it’s Orange + Lavender), and whatever book I’m currently reading – right now, it’s The Shadow and Bones Trilogy.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

Yes, but very minimally. I always like to take a look at my schedule for the following day so I have a nice refresher on what to expect and prioritize. 

If I have anything on my mind, I’ll do a quick brain dump in my Awakening Notebook to get all of my thoughts out of my head and on paper to reference the next day (in really busy and / or creative seasons, I’ll just keep my notebook at my bedside table so I can write in the middle of the night if a thought pops in my head). 

I also like to lay out my workout clothes and create my workout for the day (if it isn’t already pre-created), so the morning feels easy breezy.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I love to keep my morning skincare routine fairly simplistic and easy and leave more of the luxury steps for the evening!

In the morning, I start by using my CocoKind Cleanser. This cleanser is so gentle and always leaves my skin feeling so soft! From there, I pat this Brightening Essence into my skin to lock in moisture and provide an extra glow. I complete the routine with this Brightening Lotion. I love it because it’s very soft and lightweight so it absorbs into the skin really well – which is nice if I’m going to wear makeup that day!

In the evening, I like to add some steps in:

1. CocoKind Cleanser (From the morning routine)
2. Brightening Essence (From the morning routine)
3. From there, I massage this Eye Cream in. We love anti-aging around here.
4. *This is my favorite step* I use this Brightening Lotion, and it’s my favorite I’ve ever used! It is thick, silky, and creamy which is exactly what I want for overnight.
5. Finally, I use this CBD Beauty Boost oil to lock everything in. This leaves my skin oily, dewy, and SUPER moisturized!

What does your morning routine flow look like?

6:30: I hear my alarm clock ringing and wake up. The first thing I do before I ever leave our bedroom is make up our bed. I put on my workout clothes that have already been laid out, brush my teeth, and pull my hair up.

6:45-7:30: After waking, the first thing I prioritize is movement. I’ve come to the realization that if this isn’t prioritized first thing, it won’t get done.

Moving my body is a huge priority for me – not only because it makes me feel better, but also because I’m sitting at my desk for most of the day.

Right now, I’m enjoying a mix of CrossFit workouts, punching with my husband, or a long walk. Having a variety of options allows me to honor how my body is feeling – either tapping into excess energy or moving easy on a recovery day if my body is super sore.

No matter what workout I’m doing, I like to be outside and in the sunshine – yes, even if it’s cold! This allows me to accomplish my first three goals of any day: 1) movement 2) fresh air and 3) Vitamin D.

7:30-8:00: From there, I head back inside to take a quick shower, do my skincare, curl my hair, and put some makeup and clothes on (if I’m taking meetings that day).

8:00-8:30: Then, we nourish the body. My husband and I alternate every other week on making breakfast, but no matter who is cooking we always like to have a substantial meal to start the day.

Lately, we’ve been having eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and half an avocado. When I made the shift from having a morning protein shake to a full breakfast, I noticed the biggest shift in energy and stamina throughout the day!

Finally, I move on to my second set of 3 in the morning: 1) My adrenal cocktail (this is a mix of orange juice, coconut water, collagen powder, and a sprinkle of salt) 2) Espresso (in my well-known espresso cup from Italy) 3) Wellness shot – depending on the season (this is a combination of ginger root, turmeric powder, honey, lemon juice, and water). 

8:30-9 or 9:30: Once we’ve wrapped up movement and nourishment, we move over to mindset and soul care. This tends to look different day-to-day depending on what I need. Some of the things I love doing during this time: 

• Praying and declaration
• Getting grounded through journaling what I’m grateful for
• Brain-dumping when I’m feeling chaotic in my mind
• Embodiment practices: envisioning my next level self, what she believes, thinks, does, says, has and integrating 1-3 of those things into my day. For example, if I know my 7-figure self has a spacious schedule, I may set aside an hour to go to the pool mid work-day.
• Reading my affirmations out loud. I create key affirmations each year that are aligned with my current season, beliefs, and what I’m working to create in my life and business – so, I reference these at this time!
• 5-minute breathing exercises to get grounded and present
• Visualization (similar to my embodiment practice but more so tapping into the visionary space and having FUN with it)
• Reading my Bible or current business book (I’m obsessed with anything leadership based)

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

I like to kick off my workday around 9 or 9:30 depending on 1) how long my morning routine was and 2) what my schedule looks like that day. My favorite way to start the day is:

1. With my espresso in hand (yes, I am known to be the slowest drinker of all time which means I still have my espresso in hand at this point)
2. Looking at our Awakening Wall (post-it-note style with all of our Awakening Students names on them) and speaking abundance, breakthrough, divine opportunity, clarity, and confidence over them.
3. Supporting our private clients on Voxer. I love to start each day by catching up on messages, strategizing and supporting clients, and checking in with those that have key projects in the works that day. I always tell our clients that I love to be “in the trenches” of their businesses with them. This is one way I’m able to do that!
4. Once this is wrapped, this is the point where I finally make my morning coffee before diving into either A) meetings or B) creative projects.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

It changes pretty drastically because my theme over the weekends is “go with the flow.” This means that I usually don’t set an alarm clock. I allow myself to sleep in and have really slow, spacious mornings with all the caffeine, journaling, and reading my heart desires! Short answer: it isn’t structured at all. Just super spacious.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

It depends on the day. Obviously, not every morning is “picture perfect.” Some mornings I’m feeling high vibe and confident and others I may be feeling “bleh.” But I do believe that the way you start your day determines how you approach the rest of your day, which is why I almost always prioritize my morning routine no matter how I feel. This ensures that I give myself the space, care, and opportunity to “reset” that I need.

That said, I do aim to enter into an empowering mindset at the start of every day – tapping into my purpose, passion, drive, vision, and belief. One of the main ways I do this is through declaration. I speak life over myself every morning. I’ll give you a peek into part of my declaration:

“I am destined for greatness and goodness and all that I touch prospers. I walk in light and favor everywhere I go. I am a champion, earth shaker, and atmosphere shifter. The seeds I’m planting today are creating a ripple effect on future generations.”

I encourage you to create your OWN declaration. Speak this over yourself at the start of your days until it is so ingrained into your mind that you know it by heart. Let it sink into your subconscious and rewire your beliefs.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Non-negotiables are movement, nourishment, and embodiment – basically, all that I have listed for my morning routines. At this point, I have this down to a science so I’m usually able to make all of these happen each morning! If I need to decrease my workout time, journaling time, or whip up something easier for breakfast, that’s okay. But each of these key elements have to be prioritized for me!

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

Honestly, I would love to train my body to wake up on its own around 6:30 without a device necessary. The idea of waking up to the sunshine or birds chirping vs. my phone alarm, sounds like a total dream.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Find out what works for YOU. If you’re a morning person by nature, you may be able to expect more of yourself in your morning routine. If you’re not a morning person, release the pressure! Identify what your non-negotiables are, and let that be enough. Your morning routine should be designed to serve YOU not to fit into a construct based on what everyone else is doing or what “looks good” on Instagram. 

Want more morning routine inspo? We got you. Check out our collection of past morning routine features from inspiring women.

In 2016, I started my own podcast educating on the intersection of sports medicine & business (her niche expertise) and then began providing mentorship for those desiring to start and scale their own business.

After several years of informal mentorship, my husband and I decided to officially pursue business consulting as a formal venture and Pennington Perspective was born. Shortly after, we had our daughter, Tatum, which completely changed how we approached life and business. She became the priority and so we shifted all our work to include her and we became entrepreneurs + parents.

I invite you to follow me on Instagram and join our weekly email series Clarity Is Confidence, which helps the overwhelmed business owner identify the next steps in business with simple, yet foundational techniques.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?

Most days, I naturally wake up with the sun, which now that it’s spring time, is around 6:30a (in winter it can be as late as 7:30a). My daughter’s baby monitor is on my phone, so on rare occasions she wakes up before me and her babbling will wake me. 

How do you like your coffee (if you drink it)?

I don’t drink coffee anymore (since pregnancy), but I still love a warm cup of something in the morning. So now I make myself a London Fog, which is an Earl Grey Tea Latte, made at home with steamed almond milk + splash of vanilla creamer. And I add collagen each morning as well. 

What’s on your bedside table?

On my bedside table, I have my phone & watch charging. Additionally, I have the “Super Attractor” affirmations deck from Gabby Bernstein (which I typically pull from each morning or night), and recently added the @omnilux face mask that I also wear either day or night depending on the flow of my day. 

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

I don’t really do anything the night before to prepare for mornings, aside from taking myself to sleep at a reasonable hour (which is 9p-10p). Waking up each morning, responsible for a toddler, can require a lot of energy, so I make sure I don’t stay up late and make myself crabby.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I don’t do much with my skin in the mornings, except for sunscreen + Vit. C (I don’t always remember both!). At night, I wash my face, use a toner, apply retinol, and a moisturizer.

If I am using my omnilux mask, I will do that treatment before any ointments. I don’t wear much makeup anymore, sometimes just an underage brightener and some powder to even out my skin tone. Otherwise, its au natural + Lashify. 

What does your morning routine flow look like?

Once I wake, I check to see if Tatum is up yet. If not, I will close my eyes and either do some gratitude practice or pull a Super Attractor card and meditate on it’s words. If Tatum is up, I will get up and get myself fully ready (brush teeth, apply face ointments, get dressed, put on wedding ring + watch).

Then I go into her room, she usually greets me with a high pitched “MOMMY!” and then proceeds to tell me about each of her stuffed animals (same thing, every morning, lol). She stays in the crib while I grab her vitamin, a new diaper, and choose her clothes for the day.

Depending on her mood, I either dress her completely in the crib or she comes out and wanders around her room while I chase after her with pants and shirt in hand (we’re quite the site!). She then goes to the bathroom where she “climbs tower” to brush her teeth and get her hair done.

After completing both of those, we head downstairs to have “toast” before she gets dropped off at one of our moms’ house.

I get her toast started, and also get the water boiling for my tea at the same time. In her independence, she wants to spread the butter and cut her bread, so its a constant battle of letting her do things and finding ways to be safe.

Once she is eating, I complete my tea latte (which she helps stir + add the cinnamon atop), then we head out the door. Tatum goes to each of our moms’ house 2x/week, so we have care 4 days a week, which is incredibly helpful for us. After she gets dropped off, I either head to Pilates (2x/wk) for 50 minutes or I come home and get straight to work. 

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

Each day I start my work by addressing outstanding emails (deleting or marking as unread, as needed), then go to my calendar to see what is scheduled for the day, then straight to my OneNote to see what I need to get accomplished this week/month/quarter.

I am pretty strict about writing a new note every Monday, so throughout the week I don’t have to spend brainpower thinking about “what do I need to do?” It’s all listed right in front of me.

I usually tackle the hardest/biggest projects first and then work down from there. I also sync my work productivity with where I’m at in my menstrual cycle to ensure I am focusing on tasks that best suit the stage my brain is most adept to. 

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

The morning routine looks pretty similar on weekends. On Saturdays we take Tatum to gymnastics, so we might not be right out the door after toast, but we do head out within about an hour or so.

On Sundays, we usually have nowhere to be, but I like to get out and play/walk in the mornings, so we’re usually out the door headed to a park or farmers market. We try to keep the routine very consistent for her so she knows what to expect in her days, despite what we have going on in our lives.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day?

Most mornings I have a pretty optimistic and positive mindset. I believe this is due to a few reasons: I prioritize sleep, so I don’t wake up tired or grouchy most days; I am naturally a morning person, with most of my energy and focus being in the first half of the day; I am able to do a gratitude practice or meditation to start my day fairly often; I enjoy waking up and being with my daughter (even when she’s grumpy or difficult, I still really enjoy having that time with her).

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

My primary non-negotiable is getting myself ready before getting Tatum up. Giving myself the 10-15 minutes I need in order to feel ready for the day creates space for me to show up for her and for other people as needed.

And an extra-luxurious morning is when Tatum sleeps in later than expected and I get an elongated morning to myself. If I can meditate, and drink my tea, and maybe even answer a few emails before she wakes up.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

If I improved my mornings, it would include some intuitive movement prior to getting Tatum. Perhaps a few sun salutations, combined with deep breathing, and stretching my body as it desires.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Mornings have always been a favorite time for me because I have something to look forward to. Perhaps identifying something to look forward to when you wake up could make mornings easier, as simple or profound as it may be. 

Let’s dive into how self care has become overly commercialized and ways you can break away from that!

What is self-care, really?

Self care isn’t just about buying new skincare products and taking bubble baths. Of course, those things can be considered self-care, but it’s important to also recognize that self care doesn’t always have to be extravagant.

I like to think about self-care as anything that prioritizes your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This could look like listening to music, eating nutritious foods, or even saying no to someone.

How is self-care commercialized?

It’s no surprise that since the pandemic hit in 2020 that people have been prioritizing self care and their mental health as a whole. Google Trends actually show a 250% increase in searches related to self care since then. Crazy, I know!

According to Information Resources, Inc., self care is growing into a $450 billion industry.

Because of the rapid increase in self-care-related searches and the estimated worth of the self care industry, self care has truly become unrecognizable. It’s become more about spending money and competing against other people’s routines, instead of truly taking care of yourself and prioritizing your overall well-being.

Sadly, I even saw an influencer say that self care is not an expense, it’s an investment – said while promoting her affiliate product, of course!

So now that we are surrounded by constant ads, YouTube videos, and influencers on TikTok and Instagram telling us to invest in self-care products and create expensive routines – how can we make sure that we are prioritizing actual self care and not getting sucked into the commercialization of it?

How do we break away from commercialized self-care?

Recognize that self care will look different to everyone

Well first, I think it’s extremely important to recognize that self care can and will look different to everyone. Just because your best friend loves to color while sitting on the beach every night doesn’t mean you have to also!

Here are some examples of what self care can look like:

• Reading a book
• Walking on the beach
• Saying affirmations
• Drinking water
• Taking a bubble bath
• Going for a run
• Disconnecting from social media
• Watching your favorite movie or show
• Playing with a pet
• Taking deep, grounding breaths
• Getting a massage
• Writing a gratitude list
• Cooking a meal
• Going on a long drive
• Doing an EFT tapping session

Of course, these are just some ideas and there are many more ways you can practice self care in your life! Notice how those ideas don’t all include spending money, which brings me to my next point.

You don’t need to buy numerous products to engage in self care

You can take care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs without spending a dime! It’s so easy to get sucked into the commercialization of self care and want to buy all the new things.

Yes – a skincare routine is nice and can be a form of self care, but you don’t need to buy a whole new kit when your current one is working just fine!

Your self care routine doesn’t need to be time consuming

Another thing that influencers on TikTok and Instagram promote are self care routines. Personally, I think having a self care routine is impactful and I definitely want to prioritize that more in my life. 

But I also get a feeling that it’d be time consuming – maybe you do too. And that’s another way we can break away from the commercialization of self care, by recognizing that it’s not about who has the most luxurious and time consuming routine.

If 10 minutes of journaling helps you destress daily, then that’s what works for you!

Read this next: How To Create Your Own Self Care Retreat

Self-care matters

It’s extremely easy to think that you’re not doing enough for yourself, especially now that we see so many people posting about treating themselves and their self care routines. It’s great that more people are starting to prioritize self care, but let’s make sure that we’re not making it more about competition than actual self care!

I also recently spoke at the Money Moves Summit presented by Create and Cultivate and MasterCard, where she covered topics surrounding budgeting and buying your first home!

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up? 

I like to wake up naturally. I have tried an alarm, and it just doesn’t feel right. I wake up around 7:30 am.

How do you like your coffee?

Cappuccino with almond milk, oat milk, or regular milk if it’s a good place!

What’s on your bedside table?

• One book
• Lotion for a foot massage before bed
• Earplugs
• Notebook and pen
• Basal body temperature thermometer

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

Not really. Sundays are when I schedule the entire week ahead. And the evening before, I always look at the day ahead.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I get facials once a month. I am given all my products when I go for my facial treatment. I wash with water in the morning, apply vitamin C serum and sunscreen a while later.

In the evening, I wash my face and apply retinol lotion.

I love a good hair mask.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

I need a slow morning.

I wake up naturally.

Go to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth first thing.

Walk into the kitchen and cut up a lemon slice, and get hot water.

Enjoy my drink in my comfy chair in my office while I am either journaling, meditating, or watching videos of inspiring coaches. On Fridays, I cuddle with my husband and watch television. 

Then, I will either go for a walk or start the day around 11 am. 

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

During the summer, when the days are long, I like to start the day around 11 am and end around 3-4 pm. Then I enjoy going outdoors. 

During the winter, when the days are short, I like to be outside in the daytime. My day starts around 1-2 pm.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

Fridays are different from the weekdays because it’s the start of my weekend. I take a half-day on Friday, and I do not work on Saturday.

I allow myself to watch a movie in the morning or read some blogs. I like to cook some fun foods and take it easy.

On Saturdays, I have no routine except for spending time with my husband.

On Sundays, it’s a mix. It is the first day of my week, but it is a reflective day. I reflect on the goals and achievements of last week and setting new ones for the week ahead. I like setting my schedule and getting things done.

This is the day when I have a family meeting with my husband. We talk about finances, our relationship, and upcoming trips.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

This is different for everyone, but I think starting in a bright sunny place in your home helps tremendously.

It helps me visualize, write ideas down, write what I’m grateful for, and read fun books.

Lately, I have been listening to a meditation about manifesting what I want.

One huge thing for me is that my phone is off or on airplane mode from the night before I start working to the next day. 

Of course, you don’t feel great some days, and you must honor that and not put yourself down.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Non-negotiables are water with lemon and quiet alone time.

Luxurious is if the sun is out, I go for a nice long walk! Also, if my husband makes breakfast, haha. 

Sometimes my husband and I watch television together and cuddle on the couch first thing in the morning.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Be easy on yourself. Accept how you feel and what you want to do.

If you know you want a slow morning, schedule yourself accordingly or wake up early to have extra time.

Understand that listening to yourself is key.

Featured in Business Insider, Jacqueline Relke is the founder of the JW Method and Gen Z sales consultant who managed over $700,000,000 on the trading floor during her corporate finance career. Now, she consults with corporate financial institutions and mentors women so they can grow in their careers and business and shatter the glass ceiling.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?

I wake up at 6:45 am to my alarm on my Apple Watch. I love it because it is a gentle vibration that wakes you up gently versus a blaring alarm. Talk about a non-relaxing way to wake up with the latter!

How do you like your coffee?

I brew fresh black coffee from a local coffee shop, Irving Farm, every morning in a percolator and enjoy it was a splash of hazelnut creamer. I used to not do this to save “liquid calories,” but life is too short, and it brings so much joy to my morning. Don’t miss out on 95% of life to weigh 5% less.

What’s on your bedside table?

There is nothing other than lavender essential oil spray, phone charger, humidifier, and hand lotion (hi, dry skin). I am a slight clean freak, so less is more.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

I do not prepare only because I have such a rock-solid morning routine now. If I have a lot going on and my mind won’t turn off, I will do a “brain dump” – a list of everything I need to do the next day/week so my brain can turn off and go to sleep. However, if I am going to a 7:30 am pilates class, I will set up my gym clothes outside of our bedroom, so I don’t wake up AW ruffling around for a sports bra.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

What does your morning routine flow look like?

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

My workday starts immediately after my morning routine. I typically do my morning routine 7-8 am, then will work 8-10 am, then go to a 10:30 am pilates before jumping on calls for the day. I am my most productive in the morning, so I waste no time diving in.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends? 

I give myself grace on weekends. I actually do not have much of a morning routine at all! I sleep in, and AW makes coffee on the weekend. I wake up, and we watch Formula 1 or soccer. I will either read a chapter of a book or tie up a few loose ends from the week, then head to a late morning pilates session. I try to do no morning work on Sundays, but I will prep my entire next week in the afternoon.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like? 

Every weekday is a non-negotiable for my morning routine. Coffee, candle, gratitude, to-do’s, non-negotiables, prioritization of tasks, and scheduling workings/wellness have to happen. I try to infuse luxury into every morning. Extra-luxurious is diving more into journalling, letting thoughts flow, and working more on high-level M$W/JW Method things instead of client work. But to be honest with my client load lately, that happens on weekends now because #clientsfirst.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

I found myself in this conundrum recently when I was asked to pet-sit my brother’s Labrador. Our routines completely clashed. A morning ritual is designed to be selfish. It’s a sacred time for you to indulge in your own self-love practices without being disturbed by the outside world. 

But here’s this pup. And he’s craving your attention. And as much as you want to, basic human instinct (and morals!) tells you not to ignore your four-legged pal in favor of a couple of hours of yoga and mindful eating.

So what’s the answer? Including your dog in your morning routine, of course! And trust me, you’ll feel even better for it. 

Why you should include your dog in your a.m. routine

Including your dog in your healthy morning routine is a great way to inspire healthy habits in both yourself and your pet. For the longest time, my morning routines consisted of rolling out of bed, drinking my weight in coffee, stumbling into the shower and getting straight into an 8-hour day of work. That was until I was made to be held accountable by my four-legged nephew.

Dogs need a morning routine as much as we do. Think about it. They wake up, they have their bowl of food, and then they’re often left alone while their family goes to work or school. If they’re lucky, they’ll have a dog minder or someone home to walk and play with them, but for the most part our dogs endure a very long and boring day with little stimulation.

Enter: the dog-friendly morning routine!

This pet-friendly morning ritual allows both you and Fido the best possible start to your days, leaving you both energized and rejuvenated for the day ahead.

The perfect dog-friendly morning routine

My own flexible work schedule meant my morning routines varied from day to day. With a dog, I was able to make some even healthier changes while enjoying quality cuddle time! (And if that’s not a motivation for your day, I don’t know what would be!)

Morning mindfulness

Starting the day with a positive attitude has a flow-on effect on the rest of your day. 

Meditation is one of the best ways to cultivate a positive attitude and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

First thing in the morning is the perfect time to sit quietly and make a gratitude list (whether in your mind or on paper). Grab your dog and include them in this sacred time. You may wish to light a candle or incense and cuddle up on the couch to do this, or sit outside on the grass and let the earth and sunlight ground you. 

Extend the practice by mindfully petting your dog. Feel the texture of their fur, the warmth of their body – really take this time to be present and appreciate your existence in the here and now.

Eat something nutritious

Eating a healthy breakfast works for both you and your dog! Find a breakfast option that is packed with nutrients and vitamins to give you energy for the day ahead.

For you, this could be a bowl of cooked oats with nuts & seeds and fresh berries or sliced banana. For your pooch, this can be a combo of cooked meat with grated carrot (for fiber), and a fresh egg for protein and a healthy, silky coat. 

Stretch/yoga flow

While your dog might be ready to go for a walk the second you finish breakfast, some of us need some extra wake-up time! 

Doing some deep restorative stretches and gentle yoga is a good way to wake up tired limbs and get the blood flowing. 

While your dog cannot physically join in (even though they might try!) there is a benefit of doing yoga with your dog. It has been said that animals are attracted to the energy of these spiritual practices, with yoga or meditation creating harmony and synchronization between you and your pet!

Go for a walk

There are many benefits of an early morning walk. While it can be hard to motivate ourselves to step outside (especially on those chilly mornings!), once we get our bodies moving in nature there’s an instant boost in our energy and alertness.

Your dog feels it too! Exercising your dog every day keeps them happy and healthy, and opens them up to new sights, tastes, and sounds. Whether it’s at a designated dog park, a beach, or around the block, aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily and make it a permanent part of your morning ritual!

Ease into your routine

Upon your return from your walk, you can use this boost in energy to continue working out or by settling into your to-do list.

Whether you’re leaving to go to the office or you work from home, pull out a Kong toy for your dog and fill it with some treats or peanut butter. Leave them in their yard or crate with some of their favorite toys, a pig’s ear, or some raw carrots to snack on and keep occupied with while you’re gone.

You’ll find that the after-effect of a healthy morning routine extends to your dog too – helping them with feelings of separation anxiety and burning off excess energy. 

Enjoy your mornings with your pet

Routines form an important aspect in both you and your dog’s day. A regular feeding time and exercise regime keeps you both healthy and happy and gives you a renewed sense of motivation for the day ahead. Not to mention, that extra quality time spent in the mornings boosts our moods – which can be a true blessing when you’re faced with a particularly busy day.

As soon as you return from work or school, make sure you greet your dog with enthusiasm and extra cuddles! Use this time to catch up on some play, and every night you can now prepare yourselves for another great morning ahead.

My name is Natalee Linez and I’m an actress and entrepreneur who made her mark in the health and wellness industry when I created MAGIC Mornings. MAGIC is a morning routine journaling method that focuses on empowering women to live to their highest potential, all while advocating for the integration of mental health and wellness tools into schools across the country. I’m also currently filming STARZ “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and you can find me as the lead in a new Gravitas Ventures film as well as a recurring character on Freeform’s “Siren.” Here’s a look at what my morning routine looks like.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up? 

I wake up between 5:00 and 5:30 am almost every morning. In 2019 I read a book called “The 5 am Club” and I was pretty much sold on the concept after the first chapter! I totally understand that it sounds insane to wake up that early, but your body truly gets used to it.

I don’t like looking at my phone first thing in the morning so I bought a traditional alarm clock to create this habit. Consistency is key with this one!

I am a huge advocate of waking up 1-2 hours before your normal day begins. After browsing through articles of scientific studies, reading about the psychology of “The Good Life”, listening to multiple podcasts of some of the highest performers on earth, and my personal experience, you really do have a happier and more productive day when you wake up earlier than you’re supposed to. The way in which you start your day is likely how the rest of your day will go.

How do you like your coffee? 

I go through phases. I am currently getting iced oat milk lattes with an added shot. When I make coffee at home, I use a Bialetti, froth whole milk and pour the frothed milk over the coffee. Surprisingly, I don’t do sugar in my coffee. I have the biggest sweet tooth but for some reason, I don’t like it in my coffee! But again, I do go through phases so who knows what my coffee future has in store for me! I love new coffee recipes so if you have any, plzzz DM!

What’s on your bedside table? 

My bedside table contains a reading light that I wear around my neck, a book (currently reading “How to Build a Goddamn Empire” by Ali Krugman), and a candle.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how? 

Often times I write out a “to-do” list for the following day. I’m not hard on myself if I don’t accomplish them, it’s more of a reminder for myself. Morning routines are very important to me, so I already created the daily habit of what to do in the AM rather than having to prepare the night before.

But in the beginning, I definitely would write out, step-by-step what I would do each morning as well as my to-do list for the day.

What is your skincare/body care rituals? 

For skincare I have a morning and night regimen that look pretty similar, the only difference is that I don’t wash my face with cleanser in the mornings, just rinse with water.

Here’s a step-by-step!

AM: Rinse face, spray toner, vitamin C serum (currently using Drunk Elephant), under-eye moisturizer, and then the most important- SPF (currently using Super goop unseen sunscreen).

PM: Face cleanser, toner, night serum, under-eye moisturizer, moisturizer!

And for body, TBH, I don’t have any rituals just a simple shower.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

5:00-5:30 am: Read. I’m usually switching between two books but I want to be better about just knocking one at a time out! Anyone else do this?!

5:30-6:00 am: I do my magical morning routine. It’s called The M.A.G.I.C Journal and it goes like this (Meditation, Affirmations, Gratitude, Intentions, and Coffee) I do a ten-minute guided meditation on the app insight timer or YouTube, write 3 affirmations, write 3 things I am grateful for, write 3 intentions and for “Coffee” there is a motivating quote to kickstart my day.

6:00-6:30 am/7:00 am: Work out/Move my body (Yoga, BodybyBina Pilates, or the Nike training app)

7:00 am- Make coffee and I usually start to work at this time! I make my breakfast at around 8:00 am.

Of course, there are some days that look different. But because of the structure and routine set in place each morning, it allows spontaneity. Meaning that I feel grounded enough to switch it up if I need to or if something comes up! But waking up at 5:00 am allows me those extra hours in the day to really take care of myself so I can have a more successful day for myself and everyone around me.

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

Around 7:00 or 8:00 am! Before I start, I need to make sure I engage in something mindful. What I do for my mindfulness is the MAGIC method that I spoke about earlier! It has truly transformed my life. So many of us wake up, immediately check our phone, and are bombarded with different outlets vying for our attention. This leads to immediate anxiety and could eventually lead to depression (science backs this!). If we can change our daily routine slightly, ditch our phones for the first hour of the day, and swap it with mindfulness we would live in a higher vibrating world.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends? 

The only thing I am more lenient with on the weekend is the time I wake up. I sleep in an extra hour or so until around 6:00-6:30 am. I maintain my morning routine because I know that consistency is key! Of course, there are some days that will inevitably be missed and that’s ok. But if I start slipping every weekend chances are I won’t keep it up during the weekdays either. After doing the routine for a couple of weeks it becomes a habit anyway.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset? 

I have cultivated the daily practices I have spoken about above, to keep up a healthy mindset. Some days are harder than others. Not checking your phone is one of the healthiest tips I have ever practiced. Some ways to help implement this would be to: Set your phone across the room so you don’t wake up and immediately check it, create a separate habit like immediately waking up and grabbing a book, delete social apps each night to train yourself to not click on them first thing in the morning.  

Some of these tactics may seem extreme but once you create the habit, you will have it for good! Overall my mindset is optimistic, ready for a good day.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Honestly- my extra-luxurious mornings are the same as my non-negotiable mornings.

Let me explain… I truly enjoy waking up and having a mindful morning to myself. I feel the difference when I don’t create the time and space to do so. I understand we all have different lives and some of us have kids, demanding jobs, and exterior responsibilities. I promise you, if you put some effort into it, you CAN create 15 extra minutes of time for YOU. By doing this you will be more equipped to take care of others, execute your goals for the day, and have an overall more peaceful and joy-filled day.

What would you like to improve with your mornings? 

I need to create the habit of eating a healthy breakfast! I tend to go for my bars or green juice. I am totally aware of the importance of having a nutritious and filling breakfast so I would like to find some good recipes to try. Have any?! Again, slide in those DM’s!

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Start small. Start slow. Want to wake up earlier? Start in 15-minute increments. Set your alarm for just 15 minutes earlier than usual, use that time for a few days, then gradually add a little more.

Try habit stacking. If you wake up and brush your teeth every single morning, stack a new healthy habit on top of that like drinking a glass of water or reading for ten minutes.

This will ease you into your day. The worst thing you can do is wake up and rush into your day not even taking a single conscious breath! If this does sound like you, it’s okay! We all do it. Be proud that you are taking the first step by reading this and being interested in a more mindful morning.

There’s a quote I love that says “If you lose an hour in your morning you will spend the rest of the day looking for it.” Don’t spend your whole day looking for that hour, create it for yourself.