In a world where balancing multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming, Ciara Collins, a 35-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles County, is demonstrating how to carve out precious “me-time” amid a hectic life. Through her engaging TikTok content, Collins has inspired many parents by sharing her daily routine, which begins as early as 3 a.m. each day.
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For most, the early hours are reserved for sleep, but for Collins, they represent a sanctuary of time dedicated to personal fitness and self-care. Her early morning routine, which includes workouts and personal training sessions, was born out of necessity after she underwent spinal surgery approximately a decade ago. Once a full-time fitness instructor, she faced months of uncertainty during her recovery, compelling her to find ways to regain strength and mobility.
Each day, Collins’ alarm goes off at an ungodly hour, prompting her to shake off sleep and begin her focused morning rituals. After a quick refresh and a light snack—often a banana or rice cake—she heads into her home gym for her workout before transitioning to her role in the classroom or as a mother. By 5 a.m., she is already training her first client, often completing a full morning’s work before her children, aged 11 and 12, even commence their school day.
Afterward, Collins undertakes the duties of a busy mother: making breakfast, packing lunches, and ensuring her children are ready for school. Following her school day as a third-grade teacher, her responsibilities continue with preparing dinner, driving her sons to football practice, and working with more personal training clients in the evening. Finally, she often collapses into bed by 8 or 9 p.m., ready to begin the cycle anew.
Collins shared her journey on TikTok, expressing that her motivation to wake early stems not just from a desire for productivity, but rather from an innate necessity to create time for herself. “I don’t wake up at 3 a.m. because I love it; I do it because it’s the only time I can fit in my workout without interrupting my family’s needs,” she explained in one of her TikTok videos.
Although her days can stretch to 16 hours at times, Collins remains committed to striking a balance between her professional aspirations and family life. She actively communicates with her husband, an engineer and youth football coach, about each family member’s responsibilities. This teamwork, coupled with the support of nearby family members—her parents and in-laws—helps to ease the burden of parenting and managing household duties.
Collins prepares her lessons and classroom activities while her morning routine is still fresh in her mind. Teaching, as she admits, demands much of her time and attention, often capitalising on all available hours of her day. Despite this, she understands the importance of allowing flexibility within her schedule. On particularly hectic evenings, she has no qualms about calling for takeout dinner when circumstances demand it, embracing realism over perfection.
The weekend offers a reprieve from the busy routine, allowing Collins to sleep in a little later if her boys’ schedules permit. Typically, this means waking by 6 a.m. instead of her usual 3 a.m. During these brief respites, the family takes the time to enjoy outdoor activities and connect, ensuring that her sons have the memories of a mother who was present and engaged, rather than simply consumed by work.
Collins places significant importance on that early hour of the day, not just for productivity’s sake, but as a reminder of her journey and the progress she has made since her surgery. “This time is for me; it’s when I’m reminded of my strength,” she emphasised. She firmly believes that motherhood shouldn’t come at the cost of personal dreams and aspirations. Whether it means waking early or finding other pockets of time throughout the day, Collins advocates for parents to prioritise their well-being and goals.
Encouraging others to explore their potential for early rising, Collins suggests gradually shifting their schedules rather than immediately adopting a drastic wake-up time. Her advice includes preparing the night before to reduce morning decision fatigue, allowing for a clearer path to an effective morning routine. Ultimately, she underscores the importance of having a compelling reason to rise early: the pursuit of both family and personal fulfillment.
In a life filled with obligations, Ciara Collins is skillfully navigating motherhood, professional commitments, and personal growth, creating a life that she is proud to share. Her message resonates with many, emphasising that through careful planning and prioritisation, it is possible to create a life that balances family responsibilities with individual passions.