Backstage pass to my miracle morning routine 👍🏽

If you have been a part of my tribe for a while you probably have heard me repeat this quote time and time again!

I do because I absolutely live by this quote and it continues to be an integral part of my being.

“How you start your day is love you live your day. How you live your day is how you live your life.” - Louise Hay

Ready?

Let’s go!

Practice Gratitude

The first thing I do is write in my gratitude journal 3 to 5 things I'm grateful for. I try not to repeat my items daily.

This forces me to really think about even the small things like, I almost missed my train but it was late and so I caught it, saving me from waiting another 30 minutes.

I typically do not write things like shelter, food, a job, etc., because I give thanks for these every day, they are foundational.

Studies show that practicing gratefulness and allowing yourself to think about other things (other than food, shelter, etc) that you are grateful for helps to make you a more positive and happier person.

Let's face it, every day we wake up to all sorts of bad news, which can permeate our souls and lead to sadness, affecting our outlook on the world.

A healthy balance between reality and protecting your well-being is important.

Hydrate with water

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I drink about 22 ounces of warm water with a mixture of fresh lemon (¼), 4 drops lemon essential oil, ½ tsp turmeric, or a small amount of cayenne pepper (amount can vary based on your tolerance for spice.

I rarely ever use all the above ingredients at once. I usually use 2 ingredients depending on how I am feeling, for example, combining fresh lemon and cayenne pepper with water.

Mix and match based on your preference, there is no wrong or right way provided you can tolerate all the ingredients.

The benefits of this practice include activating bile and thinning the blood to promote better circulation because your blood is thicker when you wake up in the mornings.

Meditation or Quiet time

I like to center myself as I prepare to start my day.

My meditation is often between 5 to 20 minutes depending on my schedule.

Sometimes, I repeat mantras. Other times, I just focus on my breath, making it deep and intentional. Sometimes, I concentrate on a decision I need to make, sitting in stillness and allowing my thoughts to flow freely.

It’s amazing how balanced and grounded this makes you feel.

Intentional exercise

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I move my body daily with some form of intentional practice instead of relying on movement surrounding my daily activities such as doing errands, and gardening, those are counted as extras:-)t

My exercise routine ranges from walking, running, and yoga practice, to strength training with free weights or my own body weight, and if I am close to a pool or the ocean, then swimming is on the agenda.

I work out at home or in the gym.

Word of caution, if you are over 40 like me, you must be mindful of injuries as you age.

After more than 20 years of road running, my knees are now feeling the impact so I now run on a treadmill or a cushion track.

I try to vary my exercises to strengthen different muscles and body parts.

Morning smoothie

I usually do not break my fast until around noon and when I do smoothies are often one of my go-to.

Smoothies are great because you can pack them with lots of superfoods and protein (great to start your day) such as protein powder, nuts, and avocado.

Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipes (I typically don’t measure, but I know the portions that make the smoothies just right for me. Sorry if I disappoint you by not giving you exact measurements. Try looking up a recipe if you really need precise measurements)

Blueberries, strawberries, bananas, papaya, flaxseed, protein powder, collagen powder, water or plant-based milk.

I found a bone broth protein powder from Ancient Nutrition that is my new fav.

Enjoy!

I hope you got some value or got to learn a little more about me. Let me know which you already do or which you will try to incorporate into your morning routine.

I would love to hear about your morning routine, hit the reply and let me know.

In Good Health,

Deon

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.