Make Mornings Easier — No Coffee Required!

I am admittedly the biggest caffeine addict on the planet. While it may be the ritual of drinking something warm to start my day, the thought of eliminating this beloved drink makes me very sad.

The truth is you can actually start your day without a kick of caffeine! Here are some easy ways that we can all make our mornings less of a drag…

Maca

This Andean root has been used for centuries in treating different health conditions. Adding this supplement to cereal or even blending it into a morning smoothie has been linked to a boost in stamina and decreased fatigue.

Move

There’s a reason why morning exercisers note feeling more energetic, but if squeezing in an entire morning workout is out of the question, simply try to get moving for five minutes. You can jump rope, put on the radio and dance while getting ready or take a quick walk around the block. You’ll find that just getting your body into motion will put you in a better mood and instantly deliver more energy.

Fruit

Not only is starting your morning with fruit great for your digestive system, but it can also help you to wake up. The natural sugars give your body a boost while stabilizing your own blood sugar. Mix something yummy and nutritious like berries with protein and fat to keep that energy going all morning long. Two of my favorite options are apples dipped in almond butter or peanut butter and banana! Click here to learn more about which fruits will energize you and help your skin look great.

Get Wet

Are you someone who feels invigorated after your morning shower? You are not alone. A morning shower can slightly spike your adrenaline and get blood moving to your brain. If you’ve overslept and don’t have time, chug a glass of cold water to kick start your morning – you’ll get the same effect plus a boost in hydration.

Essential Oils

Citrus (found in Yon-Ka’s Pamplemousse PNG) and peppermint (found in Yon-Ka’s Nettoyant Crème) can brighten up your mood and help you to wake up in the morning. The best way to apply these is directly to your pressure points with gentle massage. You can also wave the bottle in front of your nose and do some deep breathing to get the same boost.

Sunshine

Open up the windows or go outside! Exposing yourself to sunlight and fresh air can be helpful in telling your body that it’s time to start the day. The shades in my bedroom are purposefully a bit sheer to expose the room to natural light. I find that my mornings are less jarring when the sun helps me to rise and shine, as opposed to an alarm clock

Routine

Waking up at the same time each day can help your body get into a rhythm. Routines make waking up easier in the mornings and knowing that I will awake at the same time sets the tone for my day. If you vary your waking times too much daily or during the week as opposed to the weekend, the effects can be similar to that of jet lag, leaving you sluggish and less productive.

I have been using the morning shower followed by a bathroom dance party to replace my morning cup of caffeine and I am shocked to say that I really love the effects!

Have you tried to kick the caffeine? Do you do any of these morning rituals? If so, let me know in the comments below…