Five Tips for an Easy (and Healthy) Morning

They say that the early bird gets the worm. While I can't attest to the truth of that claim, I can give you five ways to make your mornings even easier - and healthier. (No worms were or will be harmed by the tips in this blog post).

1. Stretch it out! Though it can feel annoying at times, I always set my alarm clock early enough to have fifteen minutes to stretch before class. In true sleepy fashion, I don't even bother getting out of bed to do it! 

Or you can do it on the floor!

In particular, I focus on stretches said to improve digestion. Like: spinal twist on each side, hugging my knees to my chest and rocking side to side, one legged seated spinal twist or, hilariously named as it is, puppy pose. There isn't any "right" or "wrong" way to stretch as long as it feels good. 

2. Drink warm lemon water with apple cider vinegar. Many magazines suggest warm lemon water in the morning, which helps "detox" the body. As I've written before, apple cider vinegar is also thought to improve digestion by helping balance good and bad stomach bacteria, lower heartburn and constipation and reduce bloating. 

Bonus points if you're cup is full of "calm!"

The easiest way to squeeze this "tea" into a busy morning? Make it as soon as you get up (simply by microwaving a mug of water until warm, adding 1/2 squeezed lemon and a dash of ACV) and sip on it as you get dressed, do your makeup and run out the door! 

3. Breakfast - made the night before! This is a bit of a cheat considering it's easiest to prep breaky the previous night, but try to make time to eat each morning. Typically, I mix my oatless zoats and cut up the fruit toppings that night, then microwave it and add any nut butters and blackstrap molasses in the morning. 

All the (easy and healthy) yum!

Having pre-made smoothies also makes breakfast a breeze. Simply whip up your smoothie as normal and freeze in a glass bowl or jar with a lid (making sure to leave looooots of room for the smoothie to expand as it freezes - or the glass will crack. Sadly, I know this well). In the morning, defrost with a microwave (optimally on 50% power) until soft. Add your toppings, tote it to class or work and devour! 

4. Make a list of your to-do's for the day. I don't know how people survive without planners. Honestly, I'll probably still use them even after I finish college! Making a list of everything you need to get done that day - optionally color coding or circling to indicate degrees of importance - can make a busy day feel manageable. It also doesn't hurt that crossing items off a list is the most cathartic feeling EvEr! 

Chaos organized...

For other celiacs in college (or working) to-do lists are a must to balance work and cooking. I write down my breakfast, lunch and dinner prep the same as my homework from class. This ensures that I'll always be fed...and it gives me a genuine excuse to procrastinate homework (but still be productive). 

5. Shoot a smile. Honestly, this is the step I forget most often. When I'm busy doing chores (and sometimes working out) in the morning before class, smiling can fall off my to-do list. When I take the time to just grin in the mirror, though, it can make a big difference in my confidence. 

Funny faces are also acceptable

And selfies? They may get a bad wrap as symptoms of being self obsessed or vain. But when you look in the mirror and say, "I be lookin' goooood today!", you deserve to preserve that moment for history! (Or, at least, for a bad hair day). 

For this college student, a relaxed and productive morning is just as rewarding as a worm to an early bird. Being healthy from the time you wake up doesn't have to be hard - it can just take a little extra planning. 

But when part of your homework is laying in bed, eating a delicious breakfast or snapping a cute pic, morning "work" doesn't seem too bad! 

*Also found at RunningwithSpoon's link party!*

What are your routines for an easy, healthy morning? Comment below!