☀️ The Morning Ritual That Changed My Body and Mood
I used to start my mornings feeling… meh.
Kind of puffy. Kind of sluggish. Already a little behind before I’d even opened my laptop.
Some days I’d grab my phone before I even sat up—scrolling, spiraling, then suddenly running late with zero peace and definitely no breakfast. Other days I’d skip the mirror entirely and launch straight into emails like it was a full-contact sport.
And let’s be honest… a lot of that came from a stretch of time where life was full.
Between 2017 and 2019, I was working full-time and earning my MBA. It was grind mode, no pause button. Late nights, Tropical Red Bull, and no time for real rest became the norm. I was doing what I had to do to stay afloat—and yes, I graduated with distinctions, so those long nights weren’t in vain. 🙌🏽
But here in 2025? I’m still unlearning some of the habits I picked up in survival mode. Because when you’ve been in hustle culture for years, even rest can feel unfamiliar.
The good news? I started making small changes—nothing dramatic, nothing unrealistic. Just a few intentional shifts that helped me reclaim my mornings and reconnect with me. And those tiny shifts? They changed everything.
My body feels lighter.
My mood feels steadier.
And I don’t need a full-blown Pinterest routine to make it happen.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about support. It’s not about being “that girl”—it’s about being this girl. Grounded. Glowing. And giving herself what she actually needs.
🧘🏽♀️ 5-Minute Meditation (on Work-From-Home Days)
If I’m home, I start with stillness. Five minutes. No phone. No notifications. Just me and my breath.
Sometimes I sit up on my meditation cushion, and play one of the Peloton Meditations. Other days, I stay cozy under the covers and just close my eyes. Either way, it’s a pause before the day pulls me in ten different directions.
It might not seem like much, but this tiny moment of intention grounds me more than any triple-shot espresso ever could.
💊 My “Feel-Good From the Inside” Stack
Next up: vitamins and hydration. These are my ride-or-dies—not because I’m obsessed with wellness trends, but because I can feel the difference when I take them consistently.
Here’s what I take each morning:
Multivitamin – Covers the bases
Pre-, Pro-, and Post-biotic – For digestion, gut support, and immunity
Omega-3 Fish Oil – Keeps my brain focused and joints happy
Women’s Wellness Supplement – Gentle hormonal balance (without getting graphic 😅)
Allergy Meds – Because life is already hard without sneezing through meetings
Collagen Powder in Cold Water – Glowy skin, happy joints, easy habit
I mix the collagen into cold water while I start my skincare, so I’m fueling my body and showing it love all at once.
💧 Skin Care That Sets the Tone
My skin routine is short, sweet, and intentionally luxurious. I don’t rush it. Even on busy days, I treat these few minutes like a reset button.
Here’s the lineup:
SkinMedica cleanser, serum, eye cream and moisturizer – Clean, gentle, and gives me that fresh-faced glow
Beekman 1802 Toner – Hydrating and calming—especially after dry sleep air or long nights
Clean Skin Face Towels – No more bacteria from used cloths. Just soft, hygienic freshness every morning
It's the kind of ritual that reminds me: I’m worth a little extra effort.
🍓 A Light & Easy Breakfast (Fruit First, Always)
I keep breakfast simple, especially since I’m already fueling my body with supplements and hydration. Most mornings I’ll have fresh fruit—raspberries, strawberries, or pineapple depending on what’s in the fridge.
If I’m hungrier or have a longer day ahead, I’ll blend a smoothie or have some chia protein pudding. But honestly? Just starting with fruit and collagen water feels energizing and gentle on my digestion.
It’s light, fresh, and a gentle nudge to my body that: “Hey, it’s safe to wake up now.”
🥗 Lunch & Snacks… If My Weekend Went According to Plan
Some Sundays, I’m that girl—meal prepping, grocery shopping, packing my lunch like I’m running a wellness retreat out of my fridge. Other Sundays? I chase spontaneous plans and forget Trader Joe’s exists—and that’s okay.
But when I do prep ahead of time, everything hits differently.
My in-office days feel smoother. I’m more focused. I stay energized. And I successfully avoid those hanger-fueled trips to the free employee snack area, where the only thing between me and a bag of mystery pretzels is willpower and a deadline.
Here’s what I try to pack:
A balanced lunch: protein, veggies, and something satisfying (because lettuce alone is not lunch)
Snacks that actually hold me over—think hummus + veggies, rice cakes with almond butter, or a clean protein bar
A calming herbal tea or electrolyte packet for the 3PM slump
And if my prep doesn’t happen? No shame in the game. My 30s are about living well and living fully—which sometimes means spontaneous plans > Sunday routine.
🎧 My Drive = My Vibe Check
On my way to the office, I use the commute to set the tone for the day. My car turns into a tiny mood-boosting capsule.
Depending on how I’m feeling, I either:
Call someone I love (because connection before chaos hits different)
Listen to a go-to podcast (wellness, self-growth, or something funny)
Play an upbeat playlist (Late 90's/Early 2000s R&B? Yes please.)
It’s intentional. It’s joyful. It’s my transition space between “home mode” and “get-it-done mode.”
💬 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Perfect—It’s Mine
I don’t do every part of this routine every day. And that’s the point.
This isn’t about perfection. This is about building rhythms that actually support me—physically, mentally, emotionally.
This is about reclaiming my mornings for me.
And when I show up for myself first thing in the morning, everything else flows more smoothly. My mood shifts. My focus improves. My body responds. And I feel more in control—not just of my schedule, but of myself.
📣 What Morning Ritual Makes You Feel Good?
→ DM me on Instagram @sittingprettymovement – I want to hear yours