Rise and Shine- Simple Tips to Get Energized For Your Busy Day

Get out of bed sleepy head.  This is easier said than done because I am definitely NOT a morning person.  I am secretly jealous of my husband because he loves getting up early to work out, go for a bike ride, or even go into work early.  I am sure many of you face the same obstacles as I throughout the day such as carpooling, working, cooking, cleaning, and making time for your children.  Sleeping through the night can  be even more of a challenge; especially if you have a newborn baby, sick child, or work is keeping you up too late.  Then, before you know it, your alarm is going off and it’s time to be excited for a new day.  YA RIGHT!!!!!

So, I’m writing this post to help jump start my new morning routine.

 The goal is simple; I want to have more energy throughout my busy day. I want to be happier and less stressed, and I want to be more healthy inside and out.  Here are a few ways to get the morning started right.

#1.  Get Up and Go

 Get out of bed 10 minutes earlier everyday.  Setting my alarm clock earlier has helped me feel less stressed with my morning routine and has made it easier getting my girls off to school on time with a smile.

#2.  Yoga and Meditation

Yoga wakes up your mind and body and gets your energy flowing.

Meditation or Prayer

 Even if I meditate for just 5 minutes this helps me get focused for the day.  My daughters love doing yoga with me, and I’m amazed by how much they enjoy meditating and sitting quietly (even if it only lasts a few minutes.)

Cat-Cow Pose

This is a great morning stretch for your back and it opens the whole spine.  Make sure you keep your arms straight and your head down.  Do this for 2 minutes.

Tree Pose

This pose is amazing for balance and stretching your legs.  Stand up straight and shift your weight onto your right foot.  Then bring the sole of your left foot up to your right inner thigh.  Put your hands together in prayer position over the chest.  If you lose your balance try again.

#3.  Take a Walk

Walking increases your energy level, lowers your cholesterol, and increases bone strength.  I would go on long walks when I was pregnant with all three of my daughters not only was it great exercise but I had so much more energy throughout the day and slept better at night.  It is also a great way to bond with friends and family even if you only have 30 minutes.

#4.  Herbal Tea

 Herbal tea can calm anxiety, provide plenty of anti-oxidants and soothe the stomach.  After you are done drinking your morning tea use the tea bags to relieve puffiness by putting them on your eyes.  It truly makes you feel like you are at a day spa until you take them off and your 3 year old is looking a you like you are crazy.

#5.  Under Eye Gel

If the tea bags don’t get the job done with the puffiness under your eyes try this under eye gel by Simple at CVS Pharmacy.  This helps to revitalize your tired eyes by just rolling it on.  I love how quick and easy this is.

#6.  Green Goddess Smoothie

Make your own in your blender or if you don’t have the time, go buy one at your local smoothie shop. (Don’t forget the protein.) Green smoothies provide a boost of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins which will give you more energy to get things done throughout your day.

Green Goddess Smoothie

2 celery stalks

1 cucumber

handful of kale leaves

handful of spinach

1 apple

1 lemon peeled

ice

#7. Water

I saved the best for last.  If you are not drinking enough water you will get dehydrated and it will then trigger a false hunger. Believe me I know this to be true.  I will snack on junk food all day if I don’t drink enough water.  Adding a lemon will help improve your immune system and metabolism, and it adds a touch of flavor.

Extra Tips

1. Take a steamy hot shower.  This always does the trick to wake me right up.

2.  Eat something healthy, like a bowl of fresh fruit or some eggs cooked your favorite way.

3.  Stay away from caffeine.  This is a temporary quick fix.

4.Workout.  Lift weights, bike, hike or run.  Running gives me the energy I need on a daily basis.

5.  Smile.  If Mom and Dad are happy everyone is happy.

I obviously am not going to have time to do these everyday, but my goal is to try a couple a day and see what works best for me .  I’ve been surprised that just by getting up earlier and drinking a green smoothie has changed my mood and given me much more energy throughout the day. I hope you will try this with me and tell me what works best for you.

What is your morning routine to help you rise and shine?

Ashley was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and now lives in Henderson, Nevada.  She studied in Germany and created a hand knit hat business in 1998–Mutze by Ashley (meaning hat in German).  She is obsessed with her Husband, three daughters, fashion, coconut desserts, and garden gnomes.

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