emma sumrell

by: emma sumrell

I’m a morning person. Like, aggressively. Sunrise? Stunning. Staying up past 10 PM? A personal attack. Wild to think there was a time my friends and I used to go out at 11 PM. The trauma.

These days, I treat mornings like a ritual—and these five habits help keep me grounded, calm, and slightly less feral.

1. No Screens, No Drama

You should be waking up with your thoughts, not Brenda’s 6 a.m. hot take on Twitter. Your brain deserves peace.

2. Water Like You Mean It

Before anything else: hydrate like you’re preparing for battle. Or at least your inbox.

3. Natural Light + Dog Duties

Riggs and I head out first thing. He does his thing, I pretend I’m in a wellness documentary. If the weather’s nice, we play fetch and bask in the glory of movement and morning air.

4. Breakfast & Coconut Coffee = Joy

Does coffee help my anxiety? Debatable. Do I care? Absolutely not. My coconut coffee brings me joy. If I get to drink it outside? That’s my Super Bowl.

5. Crack a Window and Romanticize the Heck Out of Your Life

Let the breeze in. Let the birds serenade you. Let the neighbor’s dog bark like he’s on Broadway. It’s not just air—it’s ✨atmosphere✨.

Calm mornings lead to calmer days—and honestly, I’ll take all the peace I can get. Try one, try them all, or just steal the coffee idea (highly recommend). Here’s your reminder that small things, done consistently, are where the magic happens. Happy Monday friends, let’s have a great week🫶