Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East shares how her morning routine, family, and faith keep her grounded each day.
What does a typical morning look like for you right now?
I love waking up and taking a little time for myself. Coffee, a workout, sending the kids off to school, snuggles, and a daily devotional with Andrew. It’s honestly the best way to start the day.
How have your routines around nutrition and wellness shifted over time?
After becoming a mom, I realized I needed to make time for myself and be more intentional with it. I’ve made it a priority to take care of myself so I can be a better parent, partner, and person.
What does consistency mean to you at this stage of your life?
Consistency means making time for my family every single day. That’s what matters most to us.
Your upcoming book, “The Courage to Commit,” explores the idea of sticking with things over time. What drew you to that message?
We’re in a really fun phase of life where some things have worked out incredibly well, and others have been frustrating. We started asking ourselves how we could set ourselves up for more fulfilling things, and the through line we kept finding was commitment. The things that worked were the ones we stayed committed to, and the ones that didn’t often lacked that same level of follow-through.
How do you think about your energy throughout the day, and what role does your morning play in that?
Starting my morning on the right foot is so important. If I skip those foundational things, like moving my body or fueling myself well, I feel it for the rest of the day. I need proper nutrition, water, coffee (of course), and time with my kids to really get the day started strong.
When it comes to your daily routine, how do you decide what’s worth prioritizing?
It always comes back to family time with Andrew, especially our devotional time together. Those are the things that keep us grounded.
Is there anything else you’d like to share, or any perspective you’d offer to others as they figure out what works best for them?
Listen to your body. If it needs rest, rest. If you feel ready to push yourself, don’t be afraid to try something new. What works for you might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. Take it one step at a time and don’t feel like you have to change everything all at once. Small steps really do add up.
