Lights, Camera… Coffee? My Morning Routine in the Adult Industry
Hi friends! Erika here again
You know those perfect morning routines you see on YouTube where someone wakes up at 5 a.m., does hot yoga, journals for an hour, drinks green juice, and somehow still makes it to work looking like a skincare ad? Yeah… that’s not quite me.
But I do have a morning routine—and while it’s not always glamorous, it’s mine. It helps me get centered before stepping into what can be a high-energy, high-pressure day in the adult film industry.
Whether I’m filming, editing, creating content, or just taking care of myself, the way I start my morning sets the tone for everything else. So today, I’m taking you through a real, unfiltered version of what mornings look like for me.
Spoiler: coffee is involved. Lots of coffee.
Step 1: Wake-Up (Without the Panic)
My alarm usually goes off around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m., depending on whether I have a shoot that day. I try to resist the urge to scroll through my phone right away—keyword: try. Some days I give in. Other days I leave my phone charging across the room so I have no choice but to get up.
The first thing I do? Water. A full glass. Before anything else. Filming under bright lights is dehydrating, and this one habit keeps my skin and brain functioning. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add lemon or cucumber slices.
Then I make my bed. It’s a simple ritual that gives me an instant win and makes the space feel clean—especially important since I sometimes shoot content at home.
Step 2: Coffee, Sweet Coffee
Let’s be honest: coffee is my love language. No deep introspection, no green smoothie magic—just one strong, hot cup of caffeinated bliss.
I usually use a French press or my beloved espresso machine. My go-to is a cappuccino with oat milk and cinnamon on top. Occasionally I’ll switch it up with matcha or herbal tea, especially if I’m anxious or need to stay extra hydrated. But coffee is home.
While it brews, I’ll put on a playlist—chill R&B, lo-fi beats, or something upbeat depending on my mood. This helps me ease into the day without feeling like I’ve been launched out of bed and into chaos.
Step 3: Skincare & Self-Check-In
Once I’ve had a few sips of caffeine and started waking up, it’s time to take care of my skin. Whether I’m going full glam for a studio shoot or keeping it natural for a home content day, this step grounds me.
My Morning Skincare Routine:
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Gentle cleanser
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Toner or essence
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Vitamin C serum
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Moisturizer
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Sunscreen—even if I’m indoors (light from cameras and screens still counts!)
While I’m applying everything, I’ll usually do a quick self-check-in.
How am I feeling today?
Do I feel safe, confident, supported?
Is there anything I need before I give my energy to others?
It’s a 1-minute pause that makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Light Movement (Optional but Delicious)
Not every morning involves a gym session—but I try to move my body, even for just 10 minutes. Some days it’s a full-on weightlifting session. Other days it’s yoga, stretching, or a walk around the block with a podcast.
Movement wakes up my body and clears my head. Especially if I have a long shoot ahead, even 5 minutes of stretching helps prevent soreness later. And if I don’t move in the morning? I feel it by midday—physically and mentally.
Step 5: Breakfast or a Snack on the Go
Depending on my call time, I either sit down to a proper breakfast or grab a snack on the way out. I always try to eat something because filming on an empty stomach is a recipe for burnout.
If I have time:
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Overnight oats with chia seeds and almond butter
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Avocado toast with eggs
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Greek yogurt with berries and honey
If I’m rushing:
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Protein bar
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Banana with almond butter
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Hard-boiled egg and a handful of nuts
Sometimes, I’ll pack a lunch or extra snacks in my bag too, especially if I don’t know when the next food break will be on set. Adult sets don’t always run on schedule (understatement of the year).
Step 6: Pack & Prep
If it’s a filming day, I double-check my shoot bag. Here’s what’s usually inside:
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ID and paperwork (legal stuff is always part of the gig)
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Makeup touch-up kit
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Extra outfits or lingerie
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Hygiene products
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Healthy snacks & water bottle
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Mini notebook (for journaling or downtime)
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Phone charger and tripod (because: content creation never stops)
I also check the call sheet, confirm directions, and mentally run through any scenes or character work I need to prepare for. Even in adult film, there’s acting, blocking, and emotional readiness involved.
Step 7: Set the Tone
Before I leave the house—or before I sit down to create content from home—I like to do one small thing just for me. It might be:
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Writing a quick affirmation like “I am grounded and in control”
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Playing a favorite hype song
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Reading a few pages from an inspiring book
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Lighting incense or spraying a little perfume—yes, even when I’m alone
These micro-moments add up. They help me feel like myself—not just a product or persona.
Morning Routines on Off Days
Not every day is a work day. On rest days, I sleep in a bit later (8:30 or 9:00 a.m.), make a bigger breakfast, take time to journal, or even go out for brunch. I don’t open my laptop until I’ve moved my body and had a real break.
Off days are when I recharge. They’re just as important to my career as the days when I’m filming or promoting content.
Final Thoughts
My mornings aren’t perfect—but they are mine. As a porn actress, my job may be unconventional, but my routine isn’t that different from anyone else who’s trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world.
I drink coffee. I do my skincare. I stretch. I feed my body. I try to be kind to myself.
That’s really the heart of it—self-kindness. It’s the secret ingredient to any successful morning, no matter what you do for a living.
So, to all my fellow early risers, slow wakers, and caffeine-fueled dreamers: here’s to starting your day your way.
Until next time,
Erika ☕