I used to be a certified night owl. I would stay up late and sleep in even later. Even when I would force myself to go to bed at a decent time, I’d sleep in until 11 am if my schedule allowed; it’s like my body was primed for it. As you can imagine, waking up early was difficult (if not impossible). I was one of those crazy people that set 10 alarms on my phone because I knew I’d roll over and hit snooze or cancel them altogether without surrendering from my slumber. Once I was out of bed, I would immediately drink a cup of coffee…and then another one…and then maybe another one after that. I was so well known for this behavior that one of my friends once joked that they’d never seen me without a cup of coffee in my hand.
Obviously, this wasn’t the healthiest way to operate. It also wasn’t setting me up for success in my personal and professional lives. Not only was I experiencing more anxiety than normal, but I had a demanding job that often required me to attend and contribute to morning meetings. Plus, I always dreamed of being that person who wakes up early, works out, and checks off half their to-do list before noon.
For context, I had tried all the expert-recommended tips and tricks for transforming from a night owl to an early bird before, but they never worked. I knew there would be days when I needed some extra motivation to stay on track (i.e. avoid snoozing my alarm or lazing around in bed for 30 minutes before getting up). So, I turned to what I know best: beauty and wellness products.
I figured if I set myself up with the right products, the right routine would stem naturally from them, and I was right. After investing in some extremely helpful items, and working through some trial and error, I’m happy to report that I’m a morning person. Or, at the very least, I’ve been a morning person for a few months. I’m working out almost every morning, drinking less coffee, and eating a healthy breakfast. Keep scrolling to see my full morning routine and shop my early morning must-have items.
This alarm clock was a game-changer for my routine. It wakes me gradually with a soft sound and a sunrise lamp—a complete glow-up from the jarring phone alarms of yesteryear. It’s also a sound machine. I play rain noise every night as I sleep, so I wake up well-rested and less inclined to laze around before breakfast.
Plus, it just looks pretty. Maybe it’s because I’m particular about my living space or maybe it’s because I’m a Taurus and I’m inclined to like luxury, but the sleek design is easy on the eyes.
My next order of business is to take a morning walk. I try to do this as soon as possible—before coffee and checking email. I change into my favorite pair of running shorts, slather on some sunscreen, and head out the door to walk around the neighborhood (I shoot for 2-3 miles).
This is the sunscreen I use. The milky formula melts into my skin, gives it a little glow, and keeps me protected from UVA and UVB rays. It also lasts me a long time even though I use it on my neck and chest too.
Once I’m back from my daily walk and podcast binge, I hydrate. This is my favorite water bottle. I spontaneously purchased it on Amazon one day and I’ve been using it every day since.
About three times a week, after my walk, I’ll move right into a Pilates flow. I swear by Melissa Wood Health videos (and I subscribe to her website for unlimited classes). They’re easy to follow along with, they’re not too long or too short, and they always make me feel accomplished.
Since many of her videos incorporate accessories like ankle weights, a Pilates ball, and a resistance band, it helps to have her Prop Kit on hand. It contains everything you need.
I also love these ankle and wrist weights from Bala. I have the 2-pound weights, and I use them whenever I’m in need of a short, yet effective workout. I like the look of the weights and the fact that the velcro attachment keeps them secured tight to my skin.
After a quick 15 to 30-minute workout, it’s time to shop in the shower. I don’t use a dry brush every day, but when I’m feeling inclined, I brush my bare skin in short, quick strokes, moving upward and inward toward my heart. It makes my skin look bright and fresh and it makes me feel awake and invigorated.
This cleanser uses vitamin C along with acai and goji berry, hyaluronic acid, and galactoarabinan extract to protect collagen, diminish hyperpigmentation, and defend the skin against free radical damage. I love that, and I also love its fresh, citrusy scent.
Naturium makes some of the best body washes in the game. This one is full of vitamin C to brighten the skin and protect against free radical damage. It also contains natural fruit enzymes and niacinamide to keep skin smooth and even.
I LOVE using this body lotion after getting out of the shower in the morning. It smells bright and fresh and basically like a tall glass of grapefruit juice. It never fails to make me feel awake, refreshed, and happy.
Admittedly, I was totally influenced by TikTok on this next one…but I swear it works (and I have the proof!). This strange-looking tool is based on wood therapy tools that are popular in Latin America for assisting in lymphatic drainage.
This product is insanely expensive, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. That’s because it’s not only a moisturizer, but it’s also kind of a serum and a treatment mask all in one thanks to firming peptides and brightening antioxidants.
I’ve been using it for a couple of months, and my skin absolutely loves it. My dark spots have diminished, my complexion looks brighter, and my skin feels plump and hydrated. (By the way, celebs like Kaia Gerber and January Jones love it, so you know it’s good.)
I know I said I’m drinking less coffee lately, but that doesn’t mean I’m not drinking any at all. It’s one of life’s greatest joys, and I’ll never go without it entirely, even if that means drinking decaf more often than not.
Before getting this espresso machine, I’d drink endless cups of black coffee from my old coffee pot. Now that I have to make individual pods, I can easily limit myself to one (maybe two tops) each morning. Plus, thanks to a milk frother attachment, I can make foamy lattes. Once my coffee is made, I can get to work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Next, Miranda Kerr Is My Wellness Icon—16 Products She Swears By for Glowing Skin.