There’s something about a new school year that makes you want to do better—not in a Pinterest-perfect way, but in a grounded, this-might-actually-work-for-us kind of way.
This fall, we’ve been slowly shifting our mornings to match the full, beautiful chaos of our lives: long school days, evening dance classes, early work meetings, and that deep desire to feel strong—physically and mentally.
Instead of diving in cold turkey, we’ve been inching toward our routine five minutes at a time. And it’s working.
Here’s a look at what mornings look like right now in our house.
🌅 5:15 AM – Movement First
The alarm goes off while it’s still dark out. My husband prefers the Y—he’s all about the weights and a quiet indoor rhythm. I usually slip out for a sunrise run (sometimes he lets me talk him into joining). It’s not always graceful, but it always feels good.
This early hour has become sacred. It’s the one part of the day that belongs just to us—before parenting, teaching, or schedules start tugging at us.
Tip: The only way this happens is by prepping the night before—shoes by the door, headphones charged, gym clothes ready to go.
🚿 6:15 AM – Reset & Refresh
We’re back home in time for a quick shower and reset. It’s not a slow, luxurious start—we’re usually still in “get it done” mode—but even five quiet minutes to breathe and sip coffee makes a difference.
This is also when I toss a mental checklist together for the day: Did we pack her dance clothes? Do I have lunch? Are the car keys still in yesterday’s bag?
👧 6:30 AM – Wake Up, Rhapsody
Rhapsody is up by 6:30, sometimes even before. She’s been really into healthy breakfasts lately—her current go-to is a bowl of Greek yogurt, topped with protein granola and sliced strawberries.
It’s fast, filling, and keeps her fueled through a school day and straight into hours of ballet.
We keep a stash of Greek yogurt, high-protein granola, and fresh fruit stocked weekly—she builds her bowl while I pack her bag.
🎒 Packing for the Whole Day
Since we go straight from school to the studio, mornings are our only chance to prep for a full day. That means lunches, dancewear, snacks, water bottles, and whatever gear I need for after-school work or errands.
We love these:
- Leakproof bento boxes
- Reusable ice packs
- Cute (but functional) lunch bags. (this one is on super sale!)
- Stanley water bottles (a staple at our house)
🚗 7:15 AM – Out the Door
We leave the house by 7:15, coffee mugs in hand, bags in tow, and (ideally) no one in tears. The car ride is short but sweet—sometimes music, sometimes silence, sometimes a little chat about the day ahead.
🌀 Why It Works
We don’t do everything perfectly. We’re tired sometimes. The kitchen isn’t always clean when we leave. But this rhythm feels good.
It creates space—space for focus, movement, and grace. It gives us momentum before the day has a chance to get away from us. And it lets us move through our jam-packed life with more presence and a lot less panic.
Whether you’re adjusting your alarm clock five minutes earlier each week, trying a new breakfast routine, or just making sure everyone has clean socks—it counts.
This isn’t about hustle. It’s about building something sustainable, one morning at a time.
Want to follow more of our daily rhythm, road trips, and dance life?
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