Ever wonder what the morning routine of a night owl is? You’re about to find out.
My name is Callie, and I’m a startup marketer, YouTuber, and brand photographer. I have been known by my family and roommates to stay up to the early hours of the morning, typing away at my keyboard like that one cat meme.
It didn’t take long into my adult life for me to realize that blue light screen time glow does not translate into glowy skin during the daytime. A pandemic and a half later, I switched up my morning routine to improve my overall hydration, health, and happiness. Here’s what my morning routine looks like today:
What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?
Around 7:00 am, I wake up to the sound of my alarm. I WISH my body naturally woke up with the sun, but until then, my iPhone’s default alarm sound is what signals me to get my day started.
What are your skincare/body care rituals?
The first thing I do after brushing my teeth is grab my Trader Joe’s jojoba oil and start my morning skincare routine. As someone with dry skin, this product has single-handedly kept my “thirsty” skin satisfied. You won’t be surprised by the next step – I take the time to give myself a facial massage with a GuaSha tool or an Ice roller as often as I can to feel refreshed.
How do you like your coffee?
I could probably balance out the amount of JoJoba oil I use if I cut down on coffee, but … no. I love to start my mornings with coffee. In the winter I like it hot, but as soon as the first day of spring rolls around, iced it is. I’ll buy a big iced coffee, usually from Khalifa farms, and mix in the almond milk or creamer that I have on hand. I enjoy my coffee the most sitting outside with my go-to breakfast of eggs and an air-fried trader joe’s hash browns.
What does your morning routine flow look like?
I enjoy my coffee the most sitting outside with my go-to breakfast of eggs and an air-fried Trader Joe’s hash brown. At this point I’m already up, showered, dressed in workout clothes, glowing from the JoJoba Oil I slathered all over my face (again, you need this product), and trying to get my mindset ready for the workday.
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 struggle with ADHD-like tendencies and if I’m not intentional, I can let anxiety get the best of me before I start my work day. To get into a good mindset, I remind myself that today is a fresh start. It’s a new day to feel my best, do my best, and take the steps necessary towards the big shifts I want to make in my life. I ask myself what I can do to make today a good day, at work, for myself, and for those I care about and write them down or type them out. I find that when I define what it is I want to accomplish, everything feels more doable.
When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?
After setting my intentions for the day, I kick my work off with a to-do I find inspiring, exciting, or easy. Sometimes that means a marketing podcast, a current project I’m most interested in, or the quickest item on my to-do list. Starting off this way gives me that boost of energy I need to get “in the zone.”
Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?
Waking up to a clean kitchen makes all the difference! I don’t always make this happen, but when I do, it’s a game-changer. My morning routine is heavily reliant on my breakfast experience so it makes sense.
How does your morning routine change on the weekends?
On weekends I take my mornings a lot slower. I’ll usually sneak in a workout in the morning before having a fancier breakfast. That could look like cooking at home (pancakes are my go-to) or eating out with my friends.
What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?
On an extra-luxurious morning, time moves slowly for me to fit everything in. I’ll workout first, do my hair, get dressed up, edit a video, read up on entrepreneurship and wealth-building, and get organized, all before 9 o’clock rolls around.
My morning coffee is always non-negotiable, but if I’m treating myself, I’ll grab a chai tea latte and scone from my favorite neighborhood shop down the block.
What would you like to improve with your mornings?
I started focusing on my morning routine and building daily, healthy habits in order to feel more engaged and empowered around my career and creativity.
When I realized the late-night laptop sessions weren’t cutting it, identifying what my ideal morning routine would be and incorporating moments I felt excited about helped me improve the way I wake up and start my day.
I’m also playing around with my evening routine, and one of the things that I’m testing out is being active in the mornings. Will it improve my focus? Will it make me feel more productive? Will it tire me out before the day even starts? Who knows, but I’ll be looking to add walks or runs in the mornings to get outside and supplement my typical weight-lifting sessions. Wish me luck!
What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?
Listen, as a night owl, I’ve been there. I never found mornings peaceful. The only time I felt inspired and focused was after the day passed and everyone and everything I was accountable to was on pause for the day. I’m still not waking up at 5 am and taking cold showers, but defining what makes me happy, and being more intentional about incorporating those things throughout my day has made such a difference.
I feel way more balanced now that I have found those quiet moments in the mornings as well. If you’re struggling with mornings, start with the small changes that will make a big impact.
Make your morning beverage special, just the way you like it.
Make time to eat a breakfast you’ll look forward to. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up for the day. You’re worth it!
Want more fun morning routines? Browse more on our A.M. routine series.
