Everyone is unique, so it takes some time (and a lot of trial and error!) to figure out your best morning routine. But in the end, it’s so worth it! Here’s what truly works for me.

5:00am to 6:00am: Rising With the Sun

I’m an introvert, so I’ve found I need some quiet time each morning before all the rowdy fun kicks in. That’s why my day starts early! I wake into the silent morning, brush my teeth, and clean my face with some heavenly smelling Rose Water from Valentia.

After that, I tiptoe down to the kitchen to take my supplements (42Nutrition’s Collagen, Omega 3, Digestive Enzymes, and Turmeric Curcumin, along with chromium, magnesium, probiotics, and milk thistle) on an empty stomach. Then I take a little time to snuggle up with my dog and sip some warm water with lemon while I check my emails.

7:00am to 7:30am: Morning Mindfulness

It’s about 7:00am by the time I’m finished with email, which usually gives me a half hour more to myself before my kids wake. I love to take this quiet time to do some gentle yoga sun salutations, which help my body feel stretched, flexible, and ready for the day.

Finally, for my last few minutes of solitude, I sit in mindfulness meditation, where I do an abbreviated version of the two-hour body scan meditation I learned from a Buddhist monk several years ago—bringing attention to each part of my body and softening and relaxing as I go. By the time I’m done, I’m feeling calm, centered, and ready to be present for the ones I love the most.

7:30am to 8:30am: Snuggles, Stories, and Smoothies

Right around 7:30am, the kids begin to stir. I ask each of them to choose a book and we climb back into bed to cuddle up under the covers while I read to them. This cozy family time is so special to me!

After that sweet storytime, we’re ready for a quick healthy breakfast. We head downstairs and dance around to our favorite tunes on the radio while we all pitch in to make a yummy smoothie. Here’s one of my favorite easy, nourishing recipes for a family batch—all you have to do is run everything through a high power blender!

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• ½ the empty can filled with water
• 1 banana
• 1 handful blueberries
• 1 handful raspberries
• 1 handful frozen spinach
• 2 handfuls frozen cauliflower
• ½ scoop Vega Vanilla Protein & Greens powder (the secret ingredient!)
• 1 heaping Tbsp Sari Foods Spirulina Powder
• 1 Tbsp Sari Foods Maca Powder
• 1 Tbsp Sari Foods Vitamin C Powder
• 1 Tbsp Sari Foods Acacia Powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon (wonderful to help support healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day)

8:00am to 9:30am: Fun in the Sun

When we’re done with breakfast we all get dressed and take our dog for a nice long walk in nature. I love helping the kids put together cute outfits from all their The Simple Folk separates—and I’ll encourage them to pick out something with long, stretchy legs since they’ve been known to wade into nettles and climb up trees. The Free-Range Playsuit is one of my favorites for sunny summer days!

While we’re walking and the children are roaming, my husband and I get a chance to talk and figure out how we’re going to approach the day and who gets first dibs on work time. The baby usually falls into a peaceful nap as we head back after our walk, and we’re all home again by around 9:00 or 9:30am, happy and ready to start the day in earnest.

Do you have a morning routine that makes your day shine? We’d love to hear from you! Wishing you fresh new beginnings with each new day!