How I Get Ahead Before Work Every Day

I’ve always been a morning person. Those early hours are my time to set the tone, get a head start, and knock out the things that matter before the rest of the world needs me. As a wife, mom of two, and a full-time executive, I don’t have the luxury of “finding time” later in the day — so I make it in the morning.

I’m not about fancy routines or perfect aesthetics. My mornings are practical. They’re about getting my body moving, my house in order, and my head in the right place before my 8–5 begins.

Here’s how my 5–8 looks, most days.

1. Self Care Comes First

Before anyone else gets my time, I take five minutes for the basics. Teeth. Hair. Bathroom. Then I throw on my workout clothes so I don’t have an excuse later.

What I grab:

• Cooling eye roller — wakes me up faster than coffee.

• Detangling hair brush — no fighting knots at 5 a.m.

• Workout top, leggings, socks, and sweatpants for the walk with the dog.

2. Dog Duty

My lab is always ready to go. Quick trip outside for #1 and #2, then back in.

Tools:

• Biodegradable poop bags

• Small dog treats — bribery works.

3. Feed the Animals

Dog gets breakfast. Cat gets water topped off. If this step gets skipped, I’m in trouble later.

Gear:

• Dog food bowl + water bowl

• No-spill cat water dish

4. Finish Lunches

If I didn’t pack them the night before, I do it now. I keep everything in the same spot so I can pack in under five minutes.

Favorites:

• Bentgo lunch boxes

• Reusable ice packs

• Insulated lunch bags

5. Coffee + My Work

Before the “real” work starts, I do my personal stuff — paying bills, scheduling, or writing. Coffee in hand, laptop open.

My setup:

• Laptop

• Coffee mug

• Sugar-free creamer

6. Workout

This is non-negotiable. Even if it’s only 30 minutes, I feel better all day. I stick with dumbbells, circuits, and enough intensity to break a sweat.

Gear I keep out and ready:

• Dumbbells

• Bluetooth speaker for music

• Fan — no one needs to sweat more than they have to

• Mat

• Brooks shoes

• Cooling towel

7. Shower and Get Ready

I don’t waste time here. Products are lined up and ready so I’m not digging through drawers.

What’s in my bathroom:

• Co-wash conditioner

• Shaving cream + razor

• Body wash

• Curl gel

• Hair brush, dryer, clips

• Mineral face lotion

• Mascara, blush, eyebrow tint, lip tint

8. Out the Door

Kids ready, lunches packed, coffee gone. I drop them at school or camp and head into my own workday already feeling like I’ve knocked out half my list.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a perfect morning routine — you need one you can actually stick to. My setup works because everything is in place and I don’t waste time deciding what to do next.

If you’re looking to get control of your mornings, start with one small change. Nail it. Then add the next thing. Before you know it, you’ll have a morning that works for you instead of against you.

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