The Not-So-Perfect Morning Routine of a Writer Mom and Digital Entrepreneur
I aspire to wake up without immediately reaching for my phone, but until that day comes, here’s a real look at how I navigate mornings as a writer, mom, and digital entrepreneur.
One of my favorite things to read about is the creative process and routines of people I admire. This inspired me to take a deeper look at [and write about] my own morning routine. Mornings in my house are…fluid. Let’s call it that. As a writer, digital entrepreneur, and mom to a 9-month-old, my mornings are less about routines and more about rhythms. How early [or late] I wake up depends on whether Noka, my teething baby, had a rough night or if I stayed up too late reading or scrolling on Threads. While my routine is still a work in progress (isn’t everyone’s?), I’ve found ways to make the most of those early hours. Here’s what my mornings look like:
Most mornings, I wake up around 7:30, but if the night didn’t go as planned, it might be closer to 8:30 or 9. The first thing I do (because we listen and we don’t judge) is pick up my phone. I check emails, scroll through Instagram and Threads, and see what I missed while I was sleeping.
If Noka is awake, my husband Lebo takes over bottle duty while I change his diaper. If he’s still knocked out, I stretch for a bit before diving into my morning routine, which usually includes unloading the dishwasher while listening to a podcast. I’m currently obsessed with The Daily, Naked Beauty, and Fashion People.
Despite the juggling act, mornings in our home feel peaceful. Noka wakes up with a big smile, and it really sets the tone for the day. I sip my collagen coffee (thank you, Lebo) and ease into my tasks while enjoying those quiet, grounding moments.
As someone who works from home, there’s no perfect balance between work and family. Some mornings, Noka is with me on client calls and other times, Lebo steps in so I can focus. If I have an important meeting, we plan ahead to make it work. It’s definitely a team effort.
Finding Time for Creativity
One of the most important parts of my morning routine is carving out uninterrupted time to write or create content. Communication is key here—Lebo and I plan together so I can have the space I need and vice versa. I love working in a quiet office or simply closing our bedroom door for privacy.
Coffee is a non-negotiable part of my morning routine—I had a brief stint earlier this year where I cut out coffee, but I quickly came to the conclusion that I should not deprive myself of joy. Lebo’s coffee-making ritual transforms our kitchen into a cozy cafe (also known as Lebolatte Cafe). There’s just something about coffee that makes me feel ready to create.
Building a More Intentional Routine
I’m working on adding more structure to my days. I’ve started by reserving Mondays for admin and planning tasks and Fridays for in-person coffee meets or content creation. This means that I do not take calls on Mondays or Fridays, which has freed up those days tremendously. My goal is to dedicate specific blocks of time throughout the week to writing, growing my social media agency, and research.
Cuddling with Noka, yapping with Lebo, and feeding my mind with podcasts are the most essential parts of my morning. These moments motivate me to go harder and help me stay grounded as I prepare for the day ahead.
While my mornings aren’t perfect, I’ve learned the value of preparation—cleaning the kitchen the night before (nothing is worse or more anxiety-inducing than waking up to a dirty kitchen), charging my phone and laptop, and having diapers stocked and bottles sanitized make a world of difference.
While I’m still figuring it out, I’ve realized that the beauty of a morning routine is in the little moments that keep you moving forward.
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Love my morning cup of coffee too.
I love this so much! I too tried to cut coffee, and swiftly had to make a return!