The Morning Practice That Changes How High-Achieving Women Start Their Day

Let’s just be honest: summer mornings hit differently. If you’re a mom, you probably woke up for years thinking “mornings = chaos.” School drop-off, lunchboxes, missing shoes, someone crying over cereal. Been there. Survived it.

But hear me out. Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean I’m about to default to a morning free-for-all. In fact, summer is when I double down on my morning leisure hour—and let me tell you, it’s magic.

And no, leisure hour doesn’t mean “I’m still in bed at 10.” I’m actually up early (usually 6 AM). But the vibe is different. It’s not about rushing—it’s about rising. With intention.

Here’s what that looks like for me lately.

My Summer Morning Leisure hour Lineup (aka My Soft Girl Power Hour)

First up: I’m in my HotWorx era. I roll out of bed, toss on my matching set (because let’s be cute), and head to my infrared workout. It’s the best combo of sweat therapy and solo time. Even if I’m half-asleep walking in, I leave feeling like I could carry the team on my back. (Or at least carry the Costco haul without breaking a sweat.)

Before my workout, I mix up my cortisol support drink and creatine. This duo is non-negotiable. It gives me sustained energy without the crash and helps keep my hormones in check, because let’s be real, my stress levels used to live on a permanent rollercoaster. Now? Much smoother sailing.

Once I’m back, I’m not hopping straight into “work mode.” That’s the old me. Now, I give myself the gift of quiet. I sit with my Bible, journal a little, sip something cold, and just breathe. No notifications. No “urgent” emails. Just me and God.

Sometimes I pop in a podcast or audiobook while I’m tidying up or walking around the neighborhood, just light movement and good input. (If it’s raining, you know I am getting on my walking pad & binge watching Desperate Housewives). And if my bestie’s ready, you know I’m yapping. Like a full 20-minute life catch-up over speakerphone while I go for my walk.

All of this? It happens before 9 AM.

I’ve worked hard to create a life where I don’t have to hustle in the mornings anymore, and that one hour of intentional, unrushed rhythm makes me a better woman all day long. I show up to my work with energy and clarity, not frazzled vibes. And when 2 PM hits and I’m poolside with the kids, I’m fully present because I already poured into myself first.

Why This Matters (Beyond Just “Being Productive”)

Listen, the goal here isn’t productivity, it’s peace.

Having a morning leisure hour isn’t about checking a bunch of boxes. It’s about reclaiming your mornings as sacred instead of stressful. Whether you’re a mom, entrepreneur, or just a human who’s tired of starting every day in a rush, this little shift can be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• My nervous system? Way calmer. That cortisol drink is doing its job, but so is the slowness.
• My creativity? Through the roof. You want good content? Give your brain a quiet hour before the scroll starts.
• My relationships? Deeper. When I’m grounded, I show up for my people better. (Also, the kids can tell when I’ve had my “me time.” They like me more after.)
• My body? Stronger. Consistency with movement and supplements has finally become enjoyable, not another thing on a to-do list.

This isn’t a flex, it’s an invitation. If you’ve been craving a rhythm that feels realistic and restorative, this is it. You don’t need a 14-step morning routine. You need an hour. Just one. And it can look totally different from mine.

Here’s How to Start Yours

If the idea of a “morning leisure hour” feels laughable right now, I see you. Here’s how I built mine without losing my mind:

1. Start with just 15 minutes. Wake up a little earlier (just 15—don’t panic), and do one thing that feels nourishing. Read. Stretch. Sip something warm. Whatever.
2. Build in layers. Add movement. Add supplements. Add a faith ritual. One thing at a time.
3. Don’t check your phone first. Seriously. Nothing will hijack your mood faster than opening email before you’ve opened your eyes fully.
4. Create a “vibe corner.” My porch is sacred. Yours might be a chair by a window or your kitchen island. Give yourself a place where your brain goes, “Ahh. We like it here.”
5. Romanticize the heck out of it. Play music. Light a candle. Use the cute glass. These little cues help your body want to show up.

And if you’re in your soft life era like me? You’re going to thrive in this rhythm. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what actually fills you.

Final Thought: Guilt-Free Afternoons Start Here

My morning leisure hour is why I can close my laptop at 2 PM and not feel bad about it. Why I can soak in the sun with the kids, do evening porch hangs, and not spiral about what I “should’ve” done.

This one intentional morning leisure hour gives me permission to enjoy the life I’ve built.

And if that’s not the goal, what is?

So, bestie, what would happen if you gave yourself one hour in the morning just for you?

Try it tomorrow. I’ll be cheering you on from my porch swing, lemon water in hand, podcast queued up, ready to yap.