My 5-9 Before My 9-5: A Peek Into My Morning Routine

A peek inside the early morning rhythm that keeps our home (and my brain!) running smoothly before the real workday even begins.

I’ve always been an early bird. Not in the cute “I love sunrises” kind of way (though those are nice too), but in the practical, “my brain just works better before 10 am” kind of way. While I may stay up late now and then for book club wine nights, the truth is I’m my best self in the early hours of the day.

So, here’s a look at my weekday mornings, what I lovingly call my “5-9 before my 9-5” even though I technically work more like 8 am-4 pm. Ha! It’s structured, a little chaotic (hello, kids!), and built around habits that make me feel grounded and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.

Workout Mornings (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

These start early. Like, 5:00 am alarm early. That means that I’m usually in bed by 8 pm with lights out by 8:30 pm. I know, lame.

• I lay out my gym clothes the night before so I can throw them on in the dark and be out the door fast. I also prep my gym bag with fresh clothes, toiletry case, etc.

• By 5:30 am, I’m on the gym floor, following my go-to workout plan.

• After 45 minutes of sweat, I hit the sauna for 10 (pure bliss), shower, and get fully ready at the gym.

• I’m home by 7:15 am to help get the kids out the door.

Finn and I tag-team drop-offs - he typically does Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I handle MWF. On these workout days, he’s usually got it covered, which gives me time to:

• Unpack my gym bag

• Do a quick clean-up sweep of the house

• Brew coffee and get settled at my desk by 8:00 am

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Non-Workout Mornings (MWF)

These feel a little slower, but in the best way.

• Up at 5:00 am

• Brush teeth, shower

• Head downstairs to unload the dishwasher, take my supplements, drink electrolytes

• Eat my same breakfast every morning (creature of habit over here. Here’s my protein-packed go-to.)

While eating breakfast, it’s inbox time. I’m an inbox zero girly through and through, and clearing it out first thing gives me a huge sense of calm to start the day

After email triage, I’ll finish getting ready - hair, makeup, and yes, real clothes, even if I’m not leaving the house. (It just makes me feel like a person!)

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Kid Mornings

The kids are early risers. Ellis is sometimes up at 5:30 am (!!), but we’ve implemented a Hatch light = freedom rule. Their lights turn green at 6:35 am, and they:

• Get dressed

• Put clothes in the hamper

• Tidy up their rooms and make their beds

There’s a gate at the top of the stairs that stays shut until those things are done. Game changer. We used to do post-breakfast dressing…total chaos. Never again. I think they enjoy having some responsibility for doing these chores every day. Although they do choose some interesting things to wear to school…

For breakfast, it’s quick and easy, usually hard-boiled eggs or frozen waffles and fruit. They both get breakfast provided at school, so I’m never too worried about them going hungry.

We chat, read, dance, and pack up backpacks. If it’s nice out, we hop on the e-bike and get to school early for a little playground time. If it’s raining or freezing (hello, Chicago), we drive - though it’s only a few blocks.

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Back Home, Back to Me

Once I’m home from drop-off, Finn has usually handled the breakfast mess (he’s the real MVP). But I still love to do a 10-minute refresh around the house.

• Open the shades

• Fluff couch pillows

• Tidy up the clutter

• Make our bed

• Toss in or fold a load of laundry

The coffee pot becomes my timer. When it beeps, I head upstairs to my office, light a candle, and get to work. Usually by 8:15 am, I’m in my chair and fully dialed in.

What's Coming Next...

You might be wondering, once I’m in my seat at 8:15 am, what does my actual workday look like?

Well, that’s a whole other Substack post coming soon! I’ll be sharing how I structure my workdays, especially as someone running my own business. For example, I know my brain is sharpest in the morning, so I block my 8 am-12 pm window for deep work—things like writing my book, drafting posts, and big-picture thinking.

The afternoons? That’s when I tackle meetings, graphic design, answering DMs, and the little tasks that don’t need as much creative heavy lifting.

It’s taken me a long time to figure out what works best for me, and I can’t wait to dig into that with you soon!

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These routines aren’t perfect. Some mornings are messy and loud and involve forgotten book reports or spilled yogurt. But having a rhythm helps me start my day feeling clear, calm, and (mostly) in control.

What’s your morning rhythm like? Are you an early bird too, or more of a night owl? (No judgment—especially if there’s wine and books involved)

Oh, and I know someone is going to ask if this stays the same on the weekends? Well, if you have kids, you know that they are the true alarm clocks of the house. So we’re usually all up by 6 am, ready for whatever chaos is coming our way!