How I make early mornings work for me
This post is sponsored by Starbucks® The opinions and text are all mine. Starbucks and the Starbucks logo are registered trademarks of Starbucks Corporation used under license by Nestlé.
I think most kids under the age of, like, 10, get up early, right? I have a solid 9 more years of early mornings, but my morning routine has kept me sane. *if something is constantly viewed as terrible - it will be terrible* So I try to treat my mornings like a gift. An early gift that needs lots of coffee! :-P
What I mean by that is - how can I make these mornings more enjoyable and actually work for me?
Do Not Check the Phone!
The first thing I do is NOT check my phone. I am not fully awake, so how can I be expected to have solid ways of handling and responding to emails, messages, or to dos? No. I really try not to let my phone dictate my day and my mood. The only thing I will look at is my exercise app and I will get to that soon. My baby 1-year-old is always the first one up, so since he is still a little bit snuggly first thing, I have a few moments to loosely meditate or clear my head at the very least. And I really recommend this if you can make it happen each morning! It really sets the tone for the rest of your day, as cliché as that might sound.
Start the Coffee
Are you a coffee drinker? Fun fact, I did not start drinking coffee regularly until I was in my 30s, isn’t that wild?! By the way - the smart thing to do is to start a brew of coffee before anything else, so it’s nice and toasty and waiting for you. Starbucks® Fresh Brew Pike Place® Roast Ground Coffee cans are finally here and I’ve been loving these new Starbucks Pike Place Fresh Brew Cans sold at Giant Eagle because they are seriously the easiest way to make coffee, ESPECIALLY if you have a lot going on in the mornings like I do. All you have to do is pop the can, brew and enjoy! Because you aren’t trying to keep an open bag fresh all week - it will be fresh and delicious every single time.
Get in Movement Before Other Distractions Come my Way
After getting the coffee started, I focus on getting a workout in right away. There are many reasons for this and they all center around - if I don’t do it first thing, it will never happen! Plus, I find the early morning to be the time when the kids are more easily occupied with breakfast or a TV show. Let me be clear - I still have to pause it many, many times...but it gets done!
Drink Lots of Water
This is another great reason to exercise - because my water intake goes up amazingly if I am active in the AM. And, your body needs it after having 8 hours...who am I kidding?!...5 hours of sleep and no water intake at night. I will usually drink a few cups of water, plain, during my work out because it is easier. Afterward - I add in an entire lemon to my super-big Yeti cup and fill that bad boy up a few times a day.
Take Care of Moi
By this point, the house is getting crazy. Kids need more attention, things need to get packed for morning camp, everyone is “still hungry” or peeing their pants. But those 5 minutes I take each morning to make myself feel fresh and loosely put together are EVERYTHING. Sure, I am changing out of my workout clothes into basically the same thing - but they are clean clothes, my face is washed, lotions applied, AND the mental piece of this is so powerful to feeling like I am ready for the day. Even if I am not.
Of course, I’m not - I still didn’t actually drink that coffee!
Back to that Coffee
Starbucks Fresh Brew delivers a half pot of coffee that tastes as if it were ground that same day, every time. Amazing, right? Best part is that it's sold in the grocery store so you can easily pick it up. The coffee inside is already pre-ground and is perfectly pre-portioned in each can, and those air-tight sealed cans are keeping the grounds fresh, baby! The packaging is also 100% recyclable which is fantastic for the environment (definitely a plus in my book).
If you love fresh coffee with the convenience of your HOME - the Starbucks Pike Place Fresh Brew Cans are the best way to kick-start your morning. There are multiple brew options like Pike Place, Breakfast Blend, and French Roast. I personally love the Pike Place roast, because I love a balanced brew - not too acidic and the perfect amount of smooth. If you are interested in learning more about this product, you can find all information on the product page at GiantEagle.com. Giant Eagle is also offering curbside pickup which is so convenient and much appreciated for those still taking extra precautions. AND you can save $2.00 on any ONE (1) 8 ct. box of Starbucks Fresh Brew Ground Coffee Enjoy!