If I had to choose a season where I most like my morning routine, it’s probably summer (though a cozy Fall morning is awesome too!). But there’s something about the warmer, lighter summer mornings that make getting up early easier and all around more enjoyable. I think my early morning Pilates routine has also just instilled waking up earlier and being active in the mornings which has truly been a blessing. I have a lot more energy when I do it – even though I want to hit snooze every single time – and feel better mentally, too!
I’ve been traveling lately but in between those trips and since I’ve been crafting a summer morning routine that I really really like! It involves waking up pretty early (the sun has been waking me up for the most part) and basically going straight for the activewear that I set out the night before.
If I’m going to Pilates I’ll throw on a set, or if I’m walking, it’s been these shorts and this top that I LOVE (sometimes I’ll grab a light hoodie like this if it’s chilly). Also, I HAVE to call out this sports bra (pictured above) because it’s freaking comfy like nothing else and I love the natural shape it leaves if ya know what I mean! I also love that I can wear it as a regular bra too – I got the nude and pink color!
If it’s a walking day, I’ve really enjoyed walking to a coffee shop and bringing my computer. The combination of movement, caffeine, a little breakfast + getting to emails before most people are in the office is KILLER and I’m kinda obsessed with how it all makes me feel. For the most part, I’ve been leaving my phone on Airplane Mode while I walk so that I can listen to a podcast, music, or even just think and silence. This has been my “quiet time” of the day that I need so much. OH! And I’m trying to drink alllll the water at the beginning of the day. (I try to drink a huge bottle by the time I get to the coffee shop or am done with Pilates.)
I’m not saying I do this EVERY morning, but lately, it’s been most days. Even if I go to Pilates, I’ve enjoyed going on a walk later in the day and trying to walk more in general (which I covered in this post). No matter what physical activity I’m doing though, lately it’s been in lululemon.
Y’all know I’m a HUGE fan of the brand (I’ve legit lived in their high rise Align leggings for years) and season after season you can find me in their pieces. I’m loving all their summer gear that’s light yet durable, and of course cute enough to wear to coffee shops where I know I’ll run into someone. Their stuff really just reminds me to be more active, honestly, which leads to me feeling better about myself in SO many ways. If I’m in active gear all day, I’m wayyyy more likely to throw in another walk or walk instead of drive to lunch/coffee shops.
Speaking of coffee shops, I realized it’s been a while since I shared some favorite places. I can’t walk to every location on this list, but I can to some and those are in my summer morning routine rotation. As for the other ones, I had to mention them since they’re a favorite to work at (whether on my computer or shooting for the blog).
Favorite Dallas Coffee Shops for Working
Houndstooth – There are two locations in Dallas and both are great, honestly. But I do especially love going to the one on Sylvan because there’s a Tacodeli right next to it for lunch. Lately, I’ve been taking a break to walk in between coffee/work time and lunch just to split things up / get in movement.
Royal Blue Grocery – I feel like this place has essentially become the Highland Park Watering Hole. I always see someone I know and I love sitting on the patio. Also, I like to walk here (it’s about 1.5 miles from my house) and reward myself with a Topichico or even a glass of wine! Double points that you can stock up on some groceries, too.
La La Land – Okay so I haven’t actually been here yet but it just opened on lower Greenville and it’s top of my list! The little house it’s in is adorable and so is the decor. Have y’all been yet?
Halcyon Coffee – This spot is also on lower Greenville but I like to go here when I want to get out of the house to work; they have floor to ceiling windows so there’s lots of natural light and plenty of seating! Oh, and they have great avocado toast!
White Rock Coffee – I like to grab a cold brew at the Express location (it’s tiny – like you can’t sit down) before heading to White Rock Lake for walks on Saturday’s and Sundays.
Mudsmith – Love meeting friends here for coffee and a pastry. I used to go a lot more often when I lived over in this area, but I still venture here because it’s that good! The interior is a little moody but there’s plenty of seating and it’s great to post up and work if you need to zone in for a few hours. This is where I go if I need to get stuff done!
OK! Tell me what your summer morning routine looks like and how you get in movement during the season!
P.S. Y’all can shop my favorite summer essentials from lululemon (plus what I’m wearing in these photos) right here…
