From Night Owl to Early Bird: My Morning Routine

Let me preface this by saying, I was definitely not a morning person. I used to wake up tangled in blankets, limbs hanging off the bed, rocking some serious bed head—always hitting snooze. But things changed when I introduced a few new morning rituals that have made my mornings so much brighter.

Gradual Beginning

Loud, aggressive alarms might get the job done, but they weren't cutting it for me. I used to wake up in a panic, scrambling to turn it off, worried my eardrums would burst. Now, I've switched to a progressive alarm that starts soft and gradually gets louder. It wakes me up gently, without the shock, making my mornings much calmer.

Supplements 

I’ve experimented with a lot of supplements over time, and I’ve finally found my favorites. They’ve really helped me feel better, boosting my energy throughout the day, and many of those pesky health issues—like headaches and stomach aches—have vanished. Of course, everyone’s body is different and may need different supplements, but a good starting point is a multivitamin. From there, do your research and explore what works best for you.

I even have one of those weekly pill organizers—yes, the same kind your grandparents use. I am in love with it.

• Multivitamin for general wellness  

• Magnesium for everything. No joke. Magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, better sleep, increased energy, etc.

• Fiber for digestion

• Probiotic for gut health

• Zinc for Immune health

Morning Mojo

I can’t start my day without coffee, but I’ve upgraded my usual black coffee by adding powdered collagen. Collagen has been a game changer for my skin. I’ve always had pretty sensitive skin, so breakouts and dark spots were just part of the deal. But once I started drinking collagen regularly, I noticed a huge improvement—my skin tone and texture evened out a lot. Plus, collagen is great for bone, gut, and joint health. I’ve tried a few brands, but my favorites are Ancient Nutrition and Vital Proteins.

Breakfast

I’ve started paying more attention to the quality and ingredients of what I eat, focusing on whole foods and avoiding overly processed stuff. The 80/20 rule has been a game changer for me. 80 percent of the time, I stick to whole foods that really fuel my body—things like meat, eggs, fruits, and veggies. The other 20 percent? I let myself enjoy life. I’ll get ice cream, have drinks with friends (I could never say no to a margarita), and satisfy my cravings. It’s not about restriction, it’s about balance.

Breakfast is an absolute must for me in the morning. I have a few tried-and-true options that I rotate throughout the week, and the best part is, there are so many ways to customize it to fit your routine.

• Greek yogurt with chia seeds, raspberries and two dates on the side

• Eggs with turkey bacon (extra cholula)

• Omelet with veggies - I opt for bell peppers and onions

• Smashed avocado on sourdough

These little morning rituals have helped me to enjoy the mornings without rushing to get them over with. Hopefully my morning routine will continue to evolve and grow with me!