Let’s clear something up right away – when I say “S & M,” I’m not talking about what your brain probably just jumped to. I’m talking about how I, as a working mom juggling about 45 things a day (hour?), start and end my day with intention.

My secret? A simple recipe I call “the Bookends”—three Ms in the morning and three Ss at night. These isn’t just a play on words to hook you into this article; they’re pillars that keep me grounded, energized, and (mostly!) sane.

Morning: The 3 Ms

1. Movement

Whether it’s a sweaty strength session, a Peloton intervals ride, or a few yoga poses while the family is still sleeping (this feature is a necessity!), I move my body first thing.

The benefit: Movement boosts circulation, wakes up your brain, and releases endorphins (AKA nature’s stress relief). Not to mention, starting the day with a win builds momentum for everything else.

2. Mood

Enter the 2-part drink that I haven’t lived without since October 16, 2023 – Amare Global’s (and my!) foundational product “Happy Juice.” This is a gut-brain blend of supplements that helps me feel focused, clear, and emotionally-even (which I find especially helpful on those chaotic school-morning days).

The benefit: Supporting your gut health = supporting your mood. Science backs it, Moms feel it.

3. Meditation

I’m not talking about sitting on a mountaintop (although that does sound lovely, just don’t give Mike or my kids the address). Some mornings it’s 5 minutes of deep breathing after yoga before I move from the mat; other days it’s a guided session while sitting cross-legged in my closet. It can even be just a quiet pause with my eyes closed before the chaos begins (I just make sure I am out of bed first!).

The benefit: Meditation calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol, and can help you respond instead of react. A few mindful minutes can shape the whole rest of the day.

Evening: The 3 Ss

1. Skincare

I did not add such rituals to my bedtime routine until my 30s…yikes! Although I do try out different products often for my acne-prone skin and have yet to land on a “can’t live without it” skincare line, one thing is non-negotiable: a ritual is crucial. When I miss it, I can both feel it AND see it! Cleansing the day off my face is also symbolic – I’m literally washing off the stress.

The benefit: Beyond the glow, it’s a signal to your body that the day is done…a tactile, soothing cue for winding down.

2. Supplements

At night, I take a few targeted supplements, essentials like vitamins and minerals (with formulas made especially for women), anti-inflammatory blends, and probiotics. My supplements also offer free-radical and anti-oxidant protection and promote overall cardiovascular health.

The benefit: Quality sleep, muscle recovery, and hormonal balance. Supplements can be a simple but powerful investment in your present AND future self.

3. Spice

And finally: a little fire to close the day. Not chili flakes…I mean a good book – the kind with tension, steam, and enough drama to make me forget my to-do list.

The benefit: Reading is a form of escape and self-care. And choosing your story at night (instead of mindless scrolling) is a form of reclaiming your time and energy.

Why the Bookends Matter

Motherhood is chaotic. It’s easy to feel like the day runs you, instead of the other way around. But with intentional bookends – structured starts and soothing stops – you regain a sense of control and connection to yourself.

S & M might not mean what you thought, but once you try it, you’ll see that it’s still kind of addictive.