Morning Musings

 I've always been a morning person. Ask me if I'm going to the party at 1:00 in the morning and chances are you won't get a response-because I will be fast asleep. Ask me if I'll be at 6:30 spin class or 4:30 crew practice and the answer will be a chipper yes!

Did you get tired just reading 4:30 in the morning, or do you cry a little when your alarm goes off for a 9:00 am class? You are definitely not alone! I get asked all the time how I do it, as if the morning is some unimagineably horrible concept. And that's what I think is worth sharing! The morning can be the very best part of the day-a really fabulous first few hours can truly shape your mood if you let it. Here are my 5 top tips for a memorable morning and a positive healthy day :)

               

1. I love sleep! But at the appropriate time 

It is the extremely rare person who can do both mornings and nights. It truly is beneficial to your health to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I may be up early but you can bet that I am in bed by 12:00 at the latest. And guess what? I adore sleep! I love laying around in my bed, and sleep feels darn good-but I make sure to time it correctly.

2. Lounge in clean, comfortable luxury 

I don't feel like myself honestly if I am not surrounded by "pretty" things. My pajamas are no exception. I love quality loungewear! I get up and wash my face and lightly brush and style my hair. Feeling and looking luxurious as I go about my morning routine is crucial to me.

3. Get up and move-start your metabolism 

I always go for a walk first thing in the morning before I eat or drink or do anything else. I walk on the treadmill with a good book or a movie in the winter and walk the dog for a couple of miles in the summer. It really helps clear the head and wake up the metabolism.

4. Coffee is not (just) a drug-it is to be enjoyed 

I love coffee and drink it like I am about to pull an all-nighter. The difference is that to me, my morning coffee is an experience and one of the best parts of any day. I always drink it out of a cute mug, and I always make sure it tastes good. A crappy cup of coffee is simply never worth it. I love the hours before most people are awake and I can quietly enjoy an awesome book and cup of caffeine ;)

5. Breakfast is non-negotiable and nutritious  

I would have breakfast all 3 meals of the day if I wasn't covinced I would die of malnutrition or a carb-coma. I get super excited! My usual is a piece of spelt-grain Eziekiel toast with an egg over easy but on special ocassions I'll have french toast, or buiscits, or waffles.  We got my dad a panini press for father's day and it has attachable waffle iron plates-so of course I had to go ahead and make waffles. Get excited about your morning meal! Like the walk, it truly is a great way to wake up your metabolism and get those endorphins going first thing.