The way you start your morning can really impact the rest of your day, so start out with a morning ritual and set yourself up for a success! Give one, or all of these a try the next time you roll out of bed. 
#1 No Devices
Upon first waking up in the morning, most people reach for one of their devices to check their emails or catch up on the latest social media updates. When this happens, you can easily get caught up in your inbox or fall into a social media black hole and, before you know it, are already running late and haven't even left your bed yet. Do yourself a favor and try to avoid checking your phone! Take some deep breaths instead, and think about the warm shower you're about to climb into or the warm coffee you'll soon be pouring or the yummy Thunderbird bar just waiting for you!
#2 Positivity
Another way to replace that instinctual phone grab, is to think of one to three things you are grateful for right upon waking. Whether it is waking up in a warm bed, being employed and having a job to go to (even if you don’t want to leave your warm bed), or perhaps it is waking up next to your significant other. Think about what you are grateful for in your life and go into your day with an attitude of gratitude.
#3 Meditate
Instead of automatically pressing the snooze button on your alarm clock, take five to fifteen minutes to close your eyes again (yay!) and meditate. Most people think meditating means clearing your mind of all thoughts, but that is not entirely true. Your mind will always have thoughts, but meditation is all about acknowledging those thoughts and then releasing them without getting swept away in them. If you notice your mind wandering, focus on deep breathing or counting. Even repeating a particular word or phrase can assist you in keeping your focus.
#4 Hydrate
After catching eight to nine hours of shut eye, your body needs some good ole H20. Get up and grab an eight ounce glass of water or leave one on your bedside table overnight. Do not worry if the water is room temperature when you wake up, it will absorb in your body quicker, meaning you will hydrate faster! Gulp, go, and you are good. For an added touch of flavor, add a squeeze of flavor from fresh citrus fruit like lemon, lime or orange, which will help invigorate your senses. If you feel like detoxing after a long night, try a combination of lemon + cucumber + mint.
#5 Movement
Whether you go for a walk around the block, hit the gym for a sweat-sesh or do some light stretching on your own, wake your entire body up with some sort of movement. Be sure to choose a movement you actually enjoy though, that way you are more inclined to get out of bed and get moving!
#6 Healthy Choices.
Start your day off with a hearty and healthy breakfast. We recommend some sort of plant-based protein, paired with a healthy fat and fiber! Too busy for a sit down meal? Grab a Thunderbird bar. Don’t mind if we do! ;)
No one likes to start their day rushing out the door and already stressed and strung out. Do yourself (and your health) a favor, and start your new year off with a healthy morning routine! You can thank us later <3