My 5:00 AM wake-up routine

The Sunday EDIT | No. 22

Good morning from my walking desk!

It's 5:45 AM, and I'm already up and at 'em. This year, I'm determined to make the most of my mornings. I've always been an early bird (5:30 AM is my usual wake-up time), but lately, I've fallen into the trap of scrolling on my phone and before I know it, it's 6:00 AM and I'm rushing to squeeze in all the "me time" I can before Leena wakes up around 6:45/7:00.

Ever tried showering with a toddler who insists you keep the shower door open? Yeah, not fun. My goal is to avoid those chilly morning moments, which means getting serious about how I spend my time. So, I've been setting my alarm for 5:00 AM and using Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule to get myself out of bed, even when it feels like the coziest place on earth. (It's simple and really works: count down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... blast off! Then, immediately do the thing you've been avoiding.)

If you’re curious what my ideal morning routine looks like now —

Here's the lowdown:

• 5:00 AM: Wake up, chug 20 ounces of wat…