Despite the bright energy of the holidays the days are shorter and the nights are longer. The winter slumber makes it hard for me to wake up in the morning with lots of energy to jump start the day. Have you experienced that lately? My body feels sluggish and my mind feels foggy and unmotivated. Spending the past couple of winters in Seattle, a naturally gray and wet place in the winter, I was motivated to find a solution to managing my energy levels. After some research and self-discovery, I created three staples I practice in my morning routine that give me the boost of energy I crave. Each staple taps into my physical, mental and emotional state—supporting me as a holistic being so I can give more love and energy into the world.
Mind:
I never was a strong believer in UV lamps and didn’t see how I could fit sitting in front of a lamp as part of my busy daily routine, until, last winter. My energy was painfully low I was willing to try anything to give myself a boost of energy. I purchased a Vitamin D lamp on Amazon and realized sitting in front of the lamp while I meditate is the perfect combination! I sit on my meditation pillow for 10-25 minutes situated right in front of my lamp. The glow of the light as well as the glow of meditation helps warm my body from the inside out. I leave my pillow with a greater sense of awakening. If you are into chakras, I feel like my 6th and 7th chakra are tickled. My eyes are wider, brighter and I can see colors and objects in more clarity than I would if I just sleepwalked into my day. If you are not yet a meditator, try practicing your morning stretches or fitness routine in front of the lamp. It will give you that extra boost of energy to get you moving.
Body:
For breakfast, even when I am not super hungry, I jump-start my day with a couple of spoonful’s of homemade chia seed pudding. Fueling my body with nutritious and delicious chi seeds fills me up with omega 3, antioxidants, fiber, protein and potassium–giving my body energy, nutrients and the gasoline it needs to function smoothly throughout the day. I am obsessed with this chia seed pudding recipe because it is so quick, easy and delicious! I know some people love having chia seeds in their smoothies or in a simple glass of water. However, for me, I don’t like the slimy texture of drinking my chia water and to be honest I am not always craving a green smoothie. Having chia seed pudding is like having better-tasting non-dairy yogurt. I sometimes will add granola, seeds, fresh or dried fruit to mix up the texture, taste and depth of the meal. Try it. It’s delicious!
Chia Pudding Recipe
Mix together:
- 4 TBS chia seeds
- 1 cup non dairy milk of choice
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- ¼ tsp Vanilla
- Let pudding congeal in the fridge for 10 hours before enjoy it’s deliciousness!
Soul:
Some mornings it is as though my body has arrived but my “beingness” hasn’t shown up yet. That sensation you might feel if you haven’t had your morning cup of joe–where your eyes are slightly closed, and life feels like its on autopilot. Do you know the slumber I am referring to? In those sluggish instances, instead of getting sucked into the vortex rhythm of the day, I bust on the radio (yes I still have a radio and use it) and dance to whatever song KEXP is playing. I get my body moving in all sorts of directions (even “un-attractive” moves) to stimulate myself physically and mentally. The music helps to evoke my soulful creative energy that anchors me in the freedom of dance. I get to feel alive, present and think on my feet. The best part of having a mini dance party, even if its for 20 seconds, is that it gets to spark more energy and joy that I can carry into my day and help spread to others.
Let me know how these energizing winter tips support you. I would love to hear any of your own morning routines to help beat the slumber of winter! Feel free to write them below or send me an email.