I was never a morning person. In high school, I got a notice every year without fail that if I arrived late one more time I was looking at summer school (yuck). In college, I’d study until 2 or 3 a.m., crash and sleep until noon, then down three cups of dining hall coffee before repeating the cycle. When I entered the work force my habits inevitably shifted, and even though I was waking up earlier, I still struggled with insomnia followed by sluggish mornings.
After I started getting into health, I nailed down a successful sleeping pattern which allowed me to view the morning as a time of possibility, rather than something I dreaded. This was huge for me. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a morning person now (I press snooze two or three times every day). But I have figured out how to take advantage of this time, so that I set myself up to feel great throughout the day.
Here are some things to try (perhaps not all on the same morning):
1. Drink water with lemon. If you’re going to pick just one of these practices, pick this one. It’s easy, quick and super important. Room temp or lukewarm water is best for digestion, but the point is to get a glass down. Our bodies get pretty dehydrated overnight, so the best thing we can do is rehydrate right away. Adding lemon kick-starts the metabolism, adds vitamin C, balances your pH level (it’s extremely alkaline: clutch for preventing illness), and it adds a nice flavor, no? Bonus: it aids weight loss. Half a lemon will do, and if you have the time, wait about 20 minutes after drinking water before eating anything, so your body fully absorbs all the benefits.
2.Try oil pulling. It’s things like this that garner strange looks from my friends. You do you, I tell my inner hippie. Swishing around a teaspoon of organic oil (I opt for coconut, but other kinds work) for 20 minutes in the morning can remove toxins and reduce the bacteria in your mouth, help whiten teeth, and reduce bad breath. DO NOT: swallow the oil, spit the oil into the sink when you’re done (spit into a toilet or trash can), or replace teeth brushing with oil pulling. I know 20 minutes sounds long, but you can multitask and you’ll get used to it. Afterward, swish around water to make sure you get the toxins out, and then brush your teeth. I follow oil pulling with apple cider vinegar (see below) and then lemon water.
3. Drink a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s a little rough, but I bet you’ve taken a few tequila shots in your day that went down worse. If you can handle a spoonful of organic, unfiltered ACV, you’re giving the bod a whole lotta goodness. It contains vitamins and nutrients that make it a highly effective health tonic, plus it can help build the immune system, lower blood pressure, aid sinus congestion or allergies and provide a short burst of energy. You can find it a grocery store or online, and a large bottle will run you about $5.
4. Move your body. According to Ayurveda, the best time to exercise is between 6-10 a.m., so that you’re left feeling invigorated, happy (hello, endorphins) and energized for the rest of the day. I realize this isn’t possible for everyone (I can feel the eye rolls of my teacher friends who are out the door at 6 a.m.) but if it is, try it. You can get it done in under 30 minutes, and I promise your whole day will change.
5. Do something for your mental health. I really, really, really want to tell you that I meditate every morning, but I would be lying. Apparently the benefits are amazing, and man have I tried, but it just doesn’t do it for me. What does though, is running, and that my friends, is what they mean when they say “two birds with one stone”. One run and I’ve got my workout done, plus a clear head. No meditation for you, either? Try yoga, writing in a journal, coming back to a daily mantra, or anything that clears your mind or provides inspiration so you can tackle the day.
6. Stay informed. I’m not advocating for an email check or a social media scan first thing in the morning. That’s actually one of the easiest way to feel crappier (you’re going to be thinking about work all day long, why not delay it for just a little bit?). But it’s nice to know what’s going on in the world, before said work day gets hectic. I’m a news junkie, so a bit biased here but I don’t think people in my generation are as informed as they should be. There are many ways to get the news, and a CTK fave is reading The Skimm. One quick, entertaining email and you’re caught up on what’s going down in current events, politics, sports, entertainment, and around the world. Today just so happens to be National Skimm Day, and you can click here to join the party.
7. Eat a great breakfast. Last but certainly not least, you’ve gotta fuel up for a day that feels good. For most people that includes some combo of carbs for energy and protein to make it last. As you know, we’re big smoothie fans (ideally green ones) and you can browse all our blends here.
Above all, figure out what sets you up for your optimal day. These are just a few things that add up to a good morning in my book. How about you? Leave a comment to tell me below!
