Fall into a Healthy Morning Routine
Wake up Slow
We can all agree that there is truly nothing more incredible than waking up without an alarm in the morning. Unfortunately, many of us are without the option of the luxurious morning sleep in. Also, that whole “internal alarm clock,” isn’t really a thing, is it? Regardless of if you're waking up at 5 am to work early mornings, or sleeping until 11 am after a late evening shift at your job, the most important ingredient for a healthy morning routine is to give yourself time to wake up peacefully (even if that means setting your alarm 20 or 30 minutes earlier than usual.
Each morning when you wake, take time to be still in your bed (or in your home) and allow your body to naturally adjust to the light, sound, and energy around you. Take it all in for a few moments. Morning has always been a powerful time in nature - the sun rises, the moon sets, tides change and animals in the wild begin their day.
Allow your mind, body, and spirit to be aware of these shifts and give yourself space to breathe and awaken your body slowly before reaching for a cell phone (I like to keep mine turned off or on airplane mode for the first 30 minutes of every morning,) or staring at a computer screen for a quick e-mail check.
Mornings are beautiful.
Create space to let your morning be beautiful as well.
Find your Flow
Find something you enjoy doing every single morning and do it. Even if it is only for 20 minutes before you pack for work, school, or the gym.
- Make a big mug of your favorite tea
- Sit somewhere comfortable and journal for a few moments
- Put on your favorite morning playlist
- Enjoy a clay face mask
- Massage your hands, face or feet
- Or simply sit in bed and create a list in your head of all of the things you have to look forward to the day. Even if they’re not extraordinary or far from your usual routine. It all comes down to your perspective of how you wish to view the world and the situations around you.
For example...
“Today is going to be an incredible day. I slept well last night and feel so rested this morning. I am going to perform so beautifully at work today. I look forward to meeting some co-workers for a late lunch at a yummy cafe this afternoon. I am excited for the warm weather and sunshine that is on its way. I cannot wait to go out with girlfriends tonight and celebrate the weekend. Today is going to be an incredible day.”
or even...
“Today is going to be an incredible day. I went to bed late and didn't sleep well last night but I am grateful to be awake and alive early this morning. I love starting my day with the rising sun. I have a long list of errands to run today, but I am excited to be productive and get them out of the way. I am looking forward to squeezing in a yoga class at my favorite studio this afternoon. I cannot wait to watch the sunset during my long drive home. I look forward to having a healthy, home-cooked meal tonight, and am excited to crawl into bed early with my favorite book to catch up on much-needed sleep. Today is going to be an incredible day.”
The more frequently and authentically you express gratitude for the good (and even the seemingly not so good) experiences in your life, the more likely you are to attract these circumstances back into your existence. Like attracts like and the universe is always working to bring you what you focus your attention on.
Get active and Get Nourished
Ideally, the next component of an ideal morning routine would be exercise. Whether you choose yoga, jogging, cardio, kick-boxing, or weight training. Whichever you prefer, find the activity you love, and do it consistently.
Exercise increases energy levels, heart rate, and metabolism. It allows your body to fire back up after a (hopefully) long night of sedentary rest. Exercise also promotes healthy digestion. If you had a later than normal dinner the night before, or feel that you may have indulged on too much junk food, you’re encouraging your body’s natural cleansing process before you invite new breakfast foods into your system. Lastly, exercise has been shown time and time again to boost our confidence levels almost immediately. Look great. Feel great. Exercise will help you do that.
Breaking the fast after a long night’s sleep is best done with nutrient-rich foods. Hydrating, vitamins rich, and fiber-rich foods are key first thing in the morning. I love enjoying large meals of juicy fruits like citrus, watermelon, cantaloupe, or papayas to promote healthy detoxification first thing. Otherwise, a green smoothie or plant-based protein smoothie is best. I love to combine frozen fruits, leafy green vegetables, healthy fats (like hemp, chia, or flax seeds) as well as superfood powders such as cacao, maca, spirulina, or barley grass juice powder.
Enjoy some delicious and wholesome and set yourself up for a day of clean, nourishing eats. Take pride in the fact that you are the only person who determines how your morning (and the rest of your day) will unfold. Treat yourself to the best each morning, always. You deserve it.
Amelia WhelanCultivating happiness and holistic health through vibrant foods and abundant living.
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