I’ve always been more of a morning person than a night owl…. there is just something about waking up early, embracing the day, and making the most out of the daylight hours. That being said, over the years, I’ve come to view my morning routine as something that sets the tone for the entire day ahead of me…. and I’m partnering with Walmart today to share with you the four aspects I try to consistently implement every morning to help ensure that I have as great a day as possible. Walmart carries so many of my favorite health and wellness products… everything from my favorite healthy foods to my go-to workout equipment… they have me covered. They make it easy to make healthy living, both physically + mentally, a priority in this New Year and beyond (especially when they offer fast + free shipping….)…

1. Get In A Workout: I know the time of day for a workout is dependent on the person, but I always think that a little movement in the morning gets the blood moving and wakes me up. It doesn’t always have to be something that takes a lot of time either. I have these workout bands (one of my all time favorite pieces of workout equipment), kettlebell, workout ball, and free weights handy so that at the very least I can get in a few good toning moves. I also try to lay out my workout clothes the evening before so that it’s all ready for me when the alarm goes off…. I recently snagged these leggings + post workout pullover, which are super soft and comfortable to move around in…. as is this cowlneck sweatshirt.

2. Have A Nutritious Breakfast: Another great way to set the tone for a healthy day ahead! I always find that when my breakfast choices are nutritious I’m more apt to make consistent healthy choices throughout the day. That being said, sometimes it’s hard to make a clean + nutritious breakfast when you’re racing out the door. In these cases, I recommend making breakfast items in bulk…. you can make a large batch of an oatmeal bake (I heard this cookbook has a great recipe) on Sunday evening and then scoop some out, reheat, and head out the door (or take to work and heat up once you arrive). I also love chia seed pudding as another “make in batch” breakfast option. I’ve recently started adding Spirulina to my recipe (after being inspired by my favorite açai bowl joint…). It’s a superfood high in antioxidants (which works to reduce inflammation in the body… and inflammation is what causes disease), helps regulate blood sugar, and some studies have shown that it helps to reduce memory loss. I included my recipe for my go-to dairy free chia seed recipe below… and you can still make it if you don’t want to include the spirulina (just leave it out… it won’t impact the consistency of the pudding at all).

Spirulina Dairy Free Chia Seed Pudding

1 cup coconut milk (I use full fat coconut milk to ensure a thicker pudding texture)
1 cup oat milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp spirulina
1/2 cup chia seeds

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together. Cover and refrigerate overnight. I top mine with fruit, a nut butter, and always Purely Elizabeth chocolate probiotic granola (my favorite flavor).

3. Hydrate: Last night I was feeling incredibly sluggish, more than just the usual evening and pregnancy fatigue… when we sat down for dinner I did a quick assessment of my water intake for the day. I rushed in the morning to get out the door (so I didn’t drink any then….), had a tea in the early morning, lunch was with harper, my sister, and mom so I was preoccupied with talking and watching Harper (meaning little to no water…), and then I worked all through her nap (again, no water…). I was basically slightly dehydrated (nothing severe….). I think we easily underestimated what not taking in enough water can do to the body. I typically try to start my day with 12oz of Core Water (pH balancing water)…. sometimes I heat it up and toss in half of a juiced lemon + apple cider vinegar. Giving my body a jolt of hydration helps me wake-up and, as cheesy as it sounds, feel alive!

4. Connect: I think there are various times throughout the day that we need to connect with the self and others, but especially in the morning. Again, this doesn’t have to be a huge gesture… it can be something as simple as listening to your morning devotional in the car while on the way to work (obviously connecting with yourself….), giving your pup (or pet) a long hug goodbye, or chatting with your signifiant other for several minutes in the morning about your day ahead…. and then having a good hug before leaving. Connecting with yourself and others can help to release endorphins (those feel good chemicals in the brain) which can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

That’s it… super simple… but hugely impactful for the day ahead!
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(Outfit Details || Leggings (several color options, wearing a S) | Pullover (several color options) | Spirulina)

Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post