6 Ways to Kickstart an Energized Day

I like to think of my day as a stranger that I am meeting for the first time in the morning.  When a first impression goes right, the way for a beautiful and smooth conversation is laid down…and a lasting friendship just may develop.

When first impressions are rough, it can take a whole lot of energy to turn things around…not impossible, but it sure is the hard way to do things.

Here are 6 things I have brought into my morning that makes for a smooth, enjoyable and energized day.

1.  Herbal teas

I’m not a total wet blanket when it comes to coffee.   I personally love a warm cup of creamy coffee.  What I do try to keep on top of is using coffee as a energy jolt…especially first thing in the morning.   I’ve switched to herbal teas that give a super antioxidant boost and help with mental and physical stamina and vitality. I’ll enjoy a cool glass on warm days or hot mug on cool days to start off my morning.

Some herbs that make excellent energizing, nutrient dense teas are rooibos, eleuthero, Chinese ginseng, Ashwaganda and gotu kola.  These herbs are part of a blend called Get Charged from The Republic of Tea.  I’ve also found mint or citrus teas to be great for a fresh start in the morning.

2.  Move and Breath

When we move and breath deeply we oxygenate our blood. Oxygen gets to all our muscles and our brain and keeps us feeling alert and energized.  Taking just a few moments every morning to do some form of movement and deep breathing can charge you up.

3.  Music

What kind of music gets you going, make you feel excited for the day, keep you in a good frame of mind? Make yourself a playlist or mix and use it in the morning to set the mood.

4.   Go Big for Breakfast

Most of us chronically under-eat for breakfast, but then over-eat or over-snack the rest of the day.   Enjoying a large, sustaining breakfast that includes healthy fats, quality protein and fiber makes a huge difference in setting us up for an energized day. Take a look at what (if anything) you are eating in the morning.  Experiment with different breakfasts and see what difference each make in the quality of the rest of your day.

5.  Clear and Focus

Even though stress may come at us from our environment, the stress response comes from within us. And our stress response is amplified in our thoughts throughout the day.  The negative dialogue that happens within our own mind creates a world of anxiety, stress, panic, anger and frustration when it is not disarmed and replaced with more accurate, positive, and intentional thoughts and responses.

We can shift this by taking some time in the morning to get the jumbled thoughts out of our minds and replace them with purposeful, enjoyable, and directed thoughts about how we want to experience our day.  I love to do a short rambling page first thing in the morning and then follow it up with prayer, scripture and inspirational reading. Then I shift my thoughts toward my day and feel anchored and excited to begin the day, not weighted down right from the start.

6.  Wake Early

I know that waking earlier than your household is one super effective way to create a morning routine that works to set the stage for a great and energized day.  I’ve also found that without a clear plan for the morning, I can too easily convince myself to sleep in. Here is a lovely ebook, Maximize Your Mornings from Kat at Inspired to Action.  It’s free and a great guide to work through and create a morning plan that fits just right.

What short and simple routine could you plan for yourself so you are encouraged to start your day intentionally?  What aspects of a morning routine would bring you more energy and vitality?