My Morning Routine at 61

There’s a version of mornings I used to have — rushed, reactive, reaching for my phone before my eyes were even fully open — and then there’s the version I’ve intentionally built for myself now.

After years of feeling frenetic and eventually hitting a wall, I realized I needed my mornings to feel grounded instead of drained. Giving myself this quiet “me time” before the world rushes in has become something I truly protect because it sets the tone for everything that follows.

The very first thing I do before getting out of bed is meditate. I use the Unplug App and do what I call a “bed-itation” — a term coined by one of my favorite meditation teachers, Davidji. Even five or ten minutes of stillness before checking messages or opening Instagram genuinely changes how I move through the rest of my day. It calms my nervous system and reminds me that the day starts with me, not my phone.

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Then comes the ritual I look forward to every morning: my mushroom hot chocolate drink. I use Om Mushroom Superfood Blend, which is packed with adaptogens like Lion’s Mane for focus, Reishi for calm, Chaga for antioxidants, and Turkey Tail for immune support.

I stir in Ancient + Brave Collagen and Ancient + Brave Creatine — two supplements I consistently swear by, especially for women over 50. I love this brand because the powders blend seamlessly into drinks without becoming clumpy. I also add a few drops of Thorne Vitamin D + K2 Liquid because Vitamin D supports so much more than bone health — from mood and immune function to overall wellness.

And if I want my drink a little creamier, I add Nutpods non-dairy creamer. It’s such a delicious dairy-free alternative that still feels indulgent and is much healthier than using Coffeemate.

Collagen has become a staple for me for skin elasticity, joint comfort, and bone support. Creatine is another non-negotiable because it supports lean muscle, cognitive clarity, energy, and workout performance. The research around creatine and women in midlife is incredibly compelling, and I think more women should know about it. Not all collagen and creatine are created equal, so check out my vetted brands for the cleanest and best formulations.

I also make a point to step outside every morning for fresh air and sunlight, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, supports better sleep at night, boosts mood, and helps me feel more connected and energized before the workday begins.

Along with my morning drink, I take my supplement stack, which has taken years to refine. A few staples include Timeline Mitopure for mitochondrial health, Tru Niagen NAD+ Supplement for cellular energy and DNA repair, a probiotic for gut health, and other targeted supplements that support longevity and vitality. I share my full routine in my Longevity Supplement Guide if you want to see everything I currently take.

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Then comes breakfast. I don’t skip it anymore — especially as I’ve gotten older. Most mornings, I make two eggs over medium (and love using the toxic-free Our Place Always Pan) with a scoop of Good Culture Cottage Cheese. I also like to add fresh berries on the side. This breakfast gives me over 30 grams of protein first thing in the morning, which is foundational for muscle maintenance, energy, and blood sugar balance. I genuinely feel the difference on days I prioritize protein.

After breakfast, I brush my teeth with my new Suri Sustainable Toothbrush using Ollie mint toothpaste (so clean you can swallow it), floss with Coco Floss, and get ready for the day. It sounds simple, but I’ve learned that small rituals can feel incredibly grounding.

Then it’s time to move. I love to get some exercise in every day…no excuses! Some days it’s Pilates, Power Yoga, or strength training. Other days, it’s getting in 7,000–10,000 steps. If I do both, it’s a big win! Movement is less about aesthetics for me now — it’s about longevity, mental clarity, mobility, strength, and feeling good in my body. Muscle is essential as we age, and movement truly is medicine. I love getting those endorphins going!

By the time I sit down at my desk around 11:00, I feel clear, energized, and present instead of scrambling to catch up. There’s something deeply satisfying about starting work already having taken care of yourself first — your body, your mind, and your spirit — before opening a single email.

I think about what pro-aging really looks like in practice all the time. It’s the accumulation of small daily choices that quietly say: I value this body. I value this life. I’m going to take care of both. And for me, it all starts in the morning.

What does your morning look like right now? Is there one ritual you swear by — or one you’re trying to build? I’d love to hear in the comments.

xx Melissa