My Model-Off-Duty Morning Routine

A little light, movement, and quiet time before the day begins.

If you’ve been here for a while, you probably know that I love the little things that make everyday life feel a bit more special. A good skincare ritual, a cup of tea in a quiet room, a little movement before the day gets busy. Nothing overly complicated, just simple things that help me feel more like myself.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. I’ve always been drawn to that effortless, model-off-duty kind of lifestyle, but for me, it’s never really been about looking perfect or having everything figured out. It’s about feeling good, taking care of yourself, and finding little ways to make your everyday routine feel a little more intentional.

My mornings are a good example of that. I have a few rituals I love coming back to, but no two mornings look exactly the same. Some days I wake up feeling energized and ready to move, and other days I need a slower start. As a health coach, I’m a big believer in listening to your body and learning to recognize what you need each day, rather than feeling like you have to follow the same routine perfectly. I love having little rituals that ground me, but I also love giving myself the flexibility to change things up.

One of my favorite ways to start the morning is with my Smart Alarm Clock, which gradually brightens the room as I wake up. It’s one of those little changes that makes getting out of bed feel a bit gentler, especially on mornings when I would happily stay under the covers a little longer. I take a few deep breaths, drink some water, and make myself a cup of tea. I like to hydrate first thing and enjoy a few quiet moments before jumping into the day.

And before anyone asks, no, I have not given up coffee, and I don’t see that happening anytime soon. 😂 I’m a coffee girl, too! But I do love starting my mornings with water and tea first to hydrate and ease into the day before reaching for my usual cup of coffee. Some days, I also reach for MUD/WTR, a mushroom-based coffee alternative, when I’m in the mood for something a little different. I love having options depending on what I’m craving and how I’m feeling that day. Because wellness is about finding what works for you, not giving up everything you love in the name of a routine.

Depending on how I’m feeling, I might rinse my face and put on my red-light mask while my tea steeps. I love finding ways to incorporate little moments of self-care without making my routine feel like another to-do list. Afterward, I sometimes use my gua sha stone with a little serum or face oil. It’s a relaxing ritual that gives me a few minutes to slow down and focus on myself. I’m always interested in products that feel enjoyable to use and fit naturally into my life, rather than ones that leave me feeling like I need an entirely new routine.

Movement is another thing I like to make space for, although what that looks like changes from day to day. Sometimes I’ll use my Vibration Plate and move through a few gentle exercises. Other mornings, I’d rather stretch, take a walk, or simply give myself a little more time to wake up. And there are days when rest is exactly what I need.

I think it’s easy to get caught up in all the routines, habits, and products we’re told we need to feel our best. But I’ve come to appreciate a much simpler approach: pay attention to how you feel, find what supports you, and let the rest go. You don’t need to do every wellness trend or have a perfectly optimized morning to take good care of yourself. Sometimes a little movement feels amazing, and sometimes a slower morning is exactly what your body needs. Both can have a place in a healthy lifestyle.

Once I feel ready to ease into the day, I finish my skincare with moisturizer and SPF, smooth my hair, and take a moment to think about what’s ahead, or journal a few thoughts. I love feeling a little more refreshed and put together, but I don’t need every morning to look the same for it to feel good.

That’s really what I want this space to be about. A place where I can share the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle things I genuinely love, along with the little rituals that make everyday life feel better. I love discovering a product that earns a permanent place in my routine, trying something new, and finding simple ways to feel a little more put together without making life more complicated. And when I find something I truly enjoy, I want to share it with you—not because you need it, but because it might be something you love, too.

Whether you’ve been following along for years or you’re just finding your way here, I hope you’ll feel at home. I’m excited to share more of what I’m enjoying, what I’m learning, and the things that inspire me, while always remembering that what works for one person might look completely different for someone else.

Because, at the end of the day, a model-off-duty morning isn’t about having a picture-perfect routine or owning every trending product. It’s about those little moments that help you feel refreshed, grounded, and connected to yourself before stepping into the rest of your day. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is simply listen to your body, have your tea (and absolutely your coffee, too), and take the morning as it comes :)