Envision this: starting your day bounding out your door invigorated and excited to truly enjoy the day ahead and energized to conquer whatever you may encounter. Sound good? Sound realistic? Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a genetic trait, it's a learned behavior; you can train yourself to start every day on a higher note, thus translating into a more empowered, enjoyable and productive life! It all starts with waking up on the "right" side of the bed -- here's what I mean:
How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day, and essentially how you live out your life, which is why I believe an effective morning routine can transform your outlook and make an epic difference in your life.
People often ask me what I do for my morning routine, and so I decided I would share it. In truth, I love my mornings, and usually the rest of my days, and I believe it has a lot to do with these two little secrets:
1. Every day, I wake up with my four-minute energizing ritual.
This is the best way to start your day! All it requires is four minutes and in my experience, it will change your day, your energy, your attitude, how you feel, your body -- there's no reason not to do this! Watch my video below to learn the routine (and feel free to tweak it to make it your own).
In fact, the amount of time you spend pondering whether to press snooze again you could just get up and get it done on autopilot. I have come to like that I'm half-asleep when I start, then as I go through the motions I slowly wake up more alert and energized than I could've possibly been otherwise. Heck, you might even skip your morning coffee (mini-bonus: save $3-$6 before 9 a.m.) or if you're like me, this little routine sets me in the right mindset for a healthy and invigorating day!
Check out the video routine here. Follow this little routine with:
2. A Superfood, High-Protein, Flat-Belly Breakfast
Here is my one-minute recipe for my super-starter breakfast (you can add your own favorites or tweak as you like). It is packed with protein, nutrients, antioxidants and energy to get and keep you fueled for your morning. All the taste, none of the junk -- your body, mind and waistline will thank you.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Stir in half of a chopped banana and one-half cup berries
- Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
Personal Note: Keep swapping and experimenting with ingredients to keep things interesting. My favorite additions and/or swaps include (but not limited to): apples and cinnamon, oatmeal, homemade granola, a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave, sliced almonds, avocado, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and carob chips -- and the list goes on.
Voila!
Make this routine as natural as brushing your teeth and you'll likely see positive change in your life, from the physical to the mental and emotional.
They say it takes three solid weeks (21 days) to really get into a routine, so my challenge to you is to really try to do this for three solid weeks and make it a regular part of your day!
You will feel amazing and your body will quickly see the benefits. It's a nice little extra boost in your day. I even do this ritual before I go to the gym in the morning -- it's now simply a part of my morning ritual!
Have a trick or habit in your morning routine that sets your day off right? Post it in the comments below.
I'll leave you with this rather appropriate quote:
"Each day is a new one full of promises and joys. This day only depends on you and how much you are willing to work to reach your desired goal." -- Unknown, India
Love, Amanda
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