This is One Thing, a column dedicated to offering valuable tips on how to enhance everyday living.

The inspiration for this article was quite unintentional. One fateful morning, I found myself wide awake at 4 a.m., unable to drift back into slumber. Instead of lying in bed, wrestling with my thoughts, I opted to rise early, brew a comforting cup of coffee, and turn on the television. In a half-awake daze, I awkwardly navigated the remote and stumbled upon TCM, the Turner Classic Movies channel. To my delight, Audrey Hepburn was on screen, elegantly stepping out of a taxi, moving closer to the iconic Tiffany & Co. windows with a croissant delicately in hand. It struck me then that starting the day in a delightful way can provide the calm and grounding that we often seek.

As I continued with my morning routine, I found myself repeating one of the films most memorable quotes, I am a very stylish girl, almost like it was a mantra or affirmation. While many people might kick off their mornings with vigorous workouts, or a session of journaling and creative writing, I am here to advocate for a different approach: simply indulging in the joy of watching a movie.

After that enchanting morning with Breakfast at Tiffanys, I made a habit of setting my alarm for the early hours, allowing me the luxury to nestle on the couch with my favorite films. Whether it was thrilling dramas like Basic Instinct or lighthearted comforts like The Naked Gun or Weekend at Bernies, waking up early to enjoy a cinematic experience turned into a cherished self-care ritual. However, when I became a mother last summer, I worried that this delightful routine might come to an abrupt halt.

In the beginning, the demands of pumping milk and breastfeeding a newborn every three hours on a relentless cycle made it seem impossible to carve out a time for a morning movie. My attempts were often thwarted by distractions, interruptions, or sheer exhaustion that would send me drifting off to sleep. To adapt, I turned to television shows instead. I quickly developed a fondness for CBSs procedural Elsbeth and became engrossed in various scam shows like Scamanda and Apple Cider Vinegar. These series proved to be much more manageable, fitting seamlessly into my hectic new life. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese has noted that he keeps TCM on in the background while he works, as he finds it to be a source of comfort and creativity. Similarly, having the television playing softly while I nursed my baby provided an unexpected form of support during those early days. Who needs a calming playlist or meditation app when the gentle noise of the TV can be so soothing?

Now that my daughter has grown past the newborn stage, I have adapted my morning movie time to include multitasking. I often find myself organizing, cleaning, or even writing while an old favorite film plays in the background. This time has become an essential moment of solitude and self-care, allowing me to recharge before the demands of motherhood fully set in.