My Perfectly Imperfect Morning Routine

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Finding Your Morning Routine: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect—Just Yours

Mornings can be tough. As a mom, I’ve tried (and failed) to sleep in as long as possible. But after years of trial and error, I’ve realized something crucial: **I’m a much better mom—and just an overall human—when I get my morning started by myself**. I need that quiet, alone time to ground myself and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

It doesn’t have to be some fancy, Pinterest-worthy ritual—sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

Here’s what works for me:

1. Caffeine First, Please

Let’s just get this out of the way: I need caffeine to function. I tend to reach for my Alani powdered pre-workout or BODi Energize to to get my brain awake and running. Sure, I know some people love their morning smoothies or breakfast routines, but honestly? I can’t deal with a whole food situation first thing in the morning. So, while I’m sure the health gurus might have something to say about this, I choose to get my caffeine fix and worry about breakfast a little later. It's my drug of choice, and let’s be real, it helps me get through the morning fog.

2. Brain Dump—The Stress Journal

Here’s where I get a little personal. Every morning, I write in a brain dump book. I take a few minutes to just unload all my thoughts, worries, stresses, and fears. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly freeing. Writing it down gives me the mental space I need to focus on the good and move through my concerns. I’m not just venting—I’m actively working through things, straightening out my thoughts, and processing my feelings.

And yes, I do write about the good stuff too, but let’s be honest, the bad stuff tends to take priority when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I always end my brain dump on a positive note, finishing with gratitude and affirmations to lift my spirits. It’s a mini-meditation, but without the whole "sitting in silence" thing—because, well, I’m a mom. Silence is a rare luxury.

3. Movement for Mental Health

I’ve learned the hard way that exercise is so much more than just a physical activity. For me, it’s a mental reset. Whether it’s yoga, strength training, or a quick bike ride, moving my body first thing helps me clear my mind, release tension, and set the tone for the day. Plus, it’s a huge energy booster, which is pretty necessary when you’ve got a busy day ahead.

On the mornings when I’m slow to get out of bed, the kids will join me—sometimes as my "workout partners," sometimes just as distractions. Either way, they’re up, and I might as well make the most of the chaos, right?

I am incredibly thankful to have at home workouts that give me the freedom to choose the workout I want or need on any given day or follow a carefully constructed format designed by the best fitness trainers. There is no way this mama is making it out to a gym in this season of life so this is the perfect at-home set up for me. Grab your subscription here.

4. Fueling Up—Simple & Effective

Once I’ve worked out, I fuel my body with some protein, water, and a serving of fruits or veggies. I’m no nutrition expert—so don’t expect a perfect, “Instagram-worthy” breakfast spread from me. But I try to keep it simple and balanced. I know my body needs to re-fuel, and I can tell when I haven’t taken the time to eat properly.

If you’re looking for more detailed nutrition tips, I highly recommend checking out @nutrition.at.its.roots on Instagram for practical, real-life advice that doesn’t feel intimidating.

5. The Post-Routine Chaos

By this point, the kids are awake, and the house is in full swing. There’s a flurry of activity—giggles, requests for snacks, and a few reminders like “please don’t get your pants wet” or “get off the freaking counter!” It’s a beautiful chaos, and while it’s not exactly serene, it’s my normal, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I wrap up my morning routine with washing my face, brushing my teeth, and getting ready for the day. For more information on my simple + straightforward skin care routine check out this blog. It’s not perfect. It’s not glamorous. But it’s mine—and it works for me.

Why Mornings Matter (Even If They Aren’t Perfect)

I’ve realized that the key to making my mornings work isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency and making time for myself. By prioritizing a few simple rituals that help me mentally prepare for the day, I’m able to show up as the best version of myself for my kids, my work, and for me.

I’ve stopped trying to force my mornings to look like everyone else’s, especially when the internet makes it seem like a three-hour routine is the only way to "win" at mornings. I’ve embraced that my mornings might be a little messy, but they’re mine—and they give me the mental clarity and energy to take on the day.

So, if you're struggling to find your morning routine or feel like you should be doing something different, remember: your mornings don’t have to be complex or Instagram-worthy. They just need to support you.

And if that means caffeine first and a quick brain dump before the chaos of the day begins, then so be it. (And welcome to the club. We don’t have shirts or dress codes because that’s a lot of work, but we are so glad to have you!)

Tips for Finding Your Morning Routine:

- Start small: You don’t need a 5-step morning routine right off the bat. Try one thing, like a morning coffee or a quick journaling session, and build from there.

- Let go of comparison: The “perfect” morning routine doesn’t exist. What works for you is the only thing that matters.

- Make time for yourself: Even five minutes of quiet can help reset your mind.

- Keep it simple: The key is consistency. If it’s easy and doable, you’ll stick with it.