Morning Mojo
How I Finally Dialed In My Morning Routine (And How It Sets Me Up for a Good Day)
For years, my mornings felt like a mad dash. The alarm would go off, I’d hit snooze three times, scroll my phone, and then race into the day feeling two steps behind. Sound familiar? I knew something had to change, but every time I tried to start a “morning routine,” I’d give up after a week.
The truth is, I was making it too complicated. I thought I had to do everything , meditation, yoga, journaling, reading, affirmations, meal prep—before 8 a.m. It wasn’t sustainable. What finally worked was dialing things back to just three core practices that make me feel grounded, energized, and ready to take on the day: journaling, moving my body, and fueling myself with a green smoothie.
Now, my mornings feel intentional instead of frantic. I don’t dread the alarm clock anymore, and I start the day with a sense of calm focus. Let me walk you through what that looks like and why it’s been such a game-changer for me.
Step One: Journaling for Clarity and Mindfulness
The very first thing I do in the morning—before coffee, before emails, before anything else—is grab my journal. This one habit alone has shifted the way I show up in my life.
I used to carry my thoughts like a mental traffic jam. Worries about work, errands I needed to run, conversations I replayed in my head—it was all swirling around before my feet even hit the floor. Journaling clears that clutter. I pour everything out onto paper without worrying about grammar, spelling, or even making sense. Just the act of writing helps me separate real priorities from noise.
Some mornings, I’ll jot down three things I’m grateful for. Other times, I’ll write about what I’m excited for that day. And if I’m feeling anxious, I use my journal like a safe container, a place where I can release those thoughts instead of carrying them into the day.
Journaling isn’t just about productivity, it’s mindfulness. When I put pen to paper, I’m practicing being present with my thoughts instead of letting them control me. It’s a quiet ritual that centers me before the world starts making demands.
Step Two: Movement That Feels Good
After journaling, I move my body. Some mornings it’s strength training, other days it’s a brisk walk or yoga. The key is not sticking to a rigid script but choosing movement that feels good and energizes me.
For years, I approached exercise like a punishment, something I had to “get through” because it was “good for me.” That mindset made it unsustainable. What changed everything was shifting toward movement as a way to care for myself, not punish myself.
When I move in the morning, I feel more awake, my mood lifts, and I notice I’m more focused throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be an intense sweat session. Even 20 minutes of stretching or a short walk outside makes a difference.
And here’s the best part: starting my day with movement gives me a little win right out of the gate. I’ve already done something positive for myself before the day even gets busy. That small accomplishment sets the tone for the hours ahead.
Step Three: A Green Smoothie for Energy and Hormone Balance
The final piece of my morning ritual is blending up a green smoothie. I used to skip breakfast or grab something quick and sugary that left me crashing by mid-morning. Now, my smoothie has become a non-negotiable anchor for my energy and overall health.
Here’s my go-to blend:
A big handful of spinach or kale
Frozen berries (for fiber and antioxidants)
A tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds (for healthy fats and hormone support)
Half water and half unsweetened soy milk
It’s quick, it’s nutrient-dense, and it fuels me for hours without that heavy, sluggish feeling. Plus, knowing I’ve gotten a serving or two of greens before 9 a.m. gives me momentum to make better choices the rest of the day.
Food is information for your body. Starting the day with real, whole ingredients tells my body, “We’re going to treat you well today.” That mindset carries through into lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
The Role of Mindfulness
While journaling, movement, and smoothies are the core pillars of my routine, what ties them together is mindfulness. To me, mindfulness means paying attention on purpose, choosing how I start my day instead of running on autopilot.
When I journal, I’m mindful of my thoughts. When I exercise, I’m mindful of my body and how it feels. When I sip my smoothie, I’m mindful of nourishing myself instead of just eating whatever is convenient.
Mindfulness doesn’t require a meditation cushion or an hour of silence. It’s simply about slowing down enough to notice. By building mindfulness into my mornings, I carry that same intentionality into the rest of my day, whether I’m working, connecting with others, or just handling everyday responsibilities.
Why This Routine Works for Me (And How You Can Create Your Own)
I think what finally made my morning routine stick was simplifying it. Instead of trying to squeeze in every wellness practice I’d ever read about, I focused on three essentials that give me the biggest return: journaling, movement, and nourishing food.
Here’s why it works:
It’s flexible. Some days my journaling is two pages, other days it’s two sentences. Some mornings I work out for 45 minutes, others it’s 15. Flexibility keeps it sustainable.
It’s enjoyable. I actually like these practices, so they don’t feel like chores.
It’s realistic. None of this requires me to wake up at 5 a.m. or spend hours in prep. It fits my life.
If you’re trying to build your own routine, I recommend starting with one small ritual that makes you feel good. Maybe that’s journaling, maybe it’s stretching, maybe it’s just drinking a glass of water before coffee. Build from there. The point isn’t perfection, it’s consistency and intention.
The Ripple Effect
Dialing in my morning routine hasn’t just made my mornings better, it’s changed how I show up for the rest of the day.
I’m calmer and less reactive when challenges come up.
I have more energy and focus to pour into my work.
I feel proud of myself before the day even begins, which boosts my confidence.
That ripple effect is why I’ll never go back to my old “snooze button and scroll” mornings. This routine grounds me, energizes me, and reminds me every day that I’m in charge of how I want to show up.
Final Thoughts
Morning routines aren’t about being perfect or doing what the latest productivity guru recommends. They’re about creating a rhythm that supports you, mind, body, and soul. For me, that means journaling to clear my head, moving my body to wake up my energy, and fueling myself with a smoothie that makes me feel good from the inside out.
I didn’t get here overnight, but once I let go of perfection and found what actually worked for me, mornings became something I look forward to instead of dread.
If you’re still figuring out your mornings, start small, be kind to yourself, and experiment until you find your rhythm. Because when you win the morning, even in small, simple ways, you set yourself up to win the day.
If you’re ready to finally lose weight, balance your hormones, and feel energized, schedule a call with me today—I’ll help you create a plan that works for YOU. Click Here to Schedule Call
