Only skinny people do yoga (and other misconceptions)

June 25, 2015 · 20 Comments

Only skinny people do yoga (and other misconceptions)

I can’t do yoga.

I’m too big.

I’m not flexible.

I’m not fit.

I’m too old.

I have an injury.

I don’t have the right clothes.

Just some of the misconceptions I have heard from women in regards to yoga.

I have been doing yoga for about 16 years. I can tell you right now that you don’t have to be any of those things to do yoga.

I think social media has a lot to answer for in creating these misconceptions. We see wellness people on Instagram or Facebook showing their amazing skinny bodies, clad in bikinis, performing superhuman feats of balance and flexibility on some beautiful exotic beach or mountaintop.

Good luck to them – that’s their practice. I can tell you now that there are just as many regular sized mums with wobbly bits, in holey tracky-daks doing their yoga on a sticky floor in suburbia.

Yoga quite literally means to join, unite or attach.

Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. In fact the asanas (or poses) are just one aspect of yoga. Wait until you find out about all the awesome breathing practices and relaxation techniques like yoga nidra!

You don’t need special clothes (just something comfy and stretchy) or equipment (although a yoga mat is nice to have). You don’t even need to go to a class. Get hold of a book or a dvd and go for it. Your local library is a good place to start.

If you want to go to a class, choose a yoga teacher that is more spiritual based rather than exercise based. They should be encouraging you to go at your own pace, stop if something is hurting or doesn’t feel right and allowing you to find your own way. Some teachers also offer one on one teaching.

In fact, many of the yoga teachers I have had do not have perfect bodies or perfect flexibility. How refreshing! You will find people of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels at yoga classes. I have done yoga with a very flexible octogenarian!

Yoga can be done by anyone!

Yoga can be comfortably done with bolsters, cushions and blankets supporting you and poses can always be modified to suit the level you are at. I have a bulging disc so I am careful to never do forward bends. If you have an injury, get some advice from a qualified yoga teacher or ask an exercise physiologist what you should avoid. Yoga can also be done from a chair or in bed. You don’t have to get down on the floor if you can’t manage it.

It’s not about tying yourself up in a shape that resembles a pretzel (although if you practice for a few years you might want to do that!) To start with, it’s about moving your body, stretching it out and making it feel good.

If you don’t resonate with the first yoga you try, then try something else. There are many different types of yoga, each with different focuses. If you are a bloke, don’t be intimidated by classes! My hubby loves his yoga and he doesn’t mind hanging out at classes with me. Yeah, guys can do yoga too!

What I think I love most about yoga is that it fosters self awareness, mindfulness and appreciation of our bodies. The benefits of yoga are just too good to dismiss it because you think you are ‘too something’ or ‘not enough something else’!

It might be just what you are looking for!

Need some inspiration?

Check out the hashtag #curvygirlyoga or #curvyyoga on Instagram.

Curvy Yoga

Body Positive Yoga Australia

Yogasteya

Charlie Merton, Yoga Teacher

Resources

Rejuvenation Lounge

Yogi Tree Wellbeing

I will be talking more about yoga in the coming weeks. Those of you in our chat group asked me to put together five basic poses for the beginner to practice. Keep an eye out for that one.

I would love to hear your experiences with yoga! Let us know in the comments!

20 Practical Tips to Protect your Energy

September 18, 2014 · 14 Comments

20 Practical Tips to Protect your Energy

You know that feeling?

You feel tense, drained, uncomfortable, confused not quite right?

You may have taken on some negative energies. Perhaps you are an empath or a highly sensitive person. Your job might be highly stressful or emotional.

When your energy is balanced, your health is better, you are happier and life is easier.

Check out these 20 practical tips to protect your energy.

1. Crystals. Black Onyx protects our personal energy and can absorb negative energy. Black Tourmaline protects against negativity directed at us. Rose quartz is another that can be used. The high energy of rose quartz gives it the ability to enhance love. It will bring love into your life and any situation, lower stress and soothe. You can wear crystals as jewellery, put them in your pocket or tuck them in your bra.

2. Becoming aware. A crucial part of protecting your energy is becoming aware. What are you feeling? Is it because of a place, a person or a situation? Once you learn to be in tune with your body and emotions, it’s easier to be pro-active and protect yourself.

3. Kashyapa Mudra. This mudra (hand positions) helps to balance and protect against negative energies. Use it when you are in a situation of negativity or visiting a place with dark energy. Find out more here.

4. Salt Bath. Bathing is fabulous for getting rid of any negativity or unwanted energies. You can add sea salt, pink himalayan salt or magnesium chloride flakes to your bath for a lovely cleansing effect.

5. Earthing. Connect with nature. Stand on the grass or beach with barefeet and imagine the energy rising up from the earth and filling your body. Doing this regularly can also make you stronger against negative forces.

6. Meditation. Meditation can bring us back to ourselves and refuel our own energy when it has been depleted. Check out this guided meditation from Helen at The Little Sage that is specifically designed for this purpose.

7. Bubble of Light. This is a very popular and effective technique to use prior to going into situations where you feel your energy might be compromised. Visualize a bubble of light – some people like white, blue or purple coloured light (it’s up to you). Imagine yourself stepping into that bubble and being surrounded by the colour and protected. Another idea from our Facebook community was to send pink healing, loving light to negative or difficult people.

8. Ask the angels. Ask Archangel Michael for protection by simply saying “Archangel Michael, protect me now”. For more information take a look here.

9. Cut cords. “Basically, an energy cord is created between two people where an energetic exchange occurred – usually formed by an exchange of emotions or thought forms.” If this connection becomes toxic, you are able to visualize the cord or bond being cut. For a great explanation of how to do this and more information, visit the website of psychic Amanda Linette Meder.

10. Space clearing mist. This beautiful mist from Australian Bushflower Essences is a blend of aromatherapy oils, botanicals, cleansing herbs and Australian Bush Flower Essences. It encourages a feeling that you are in a sacred and harmonious environment and protects from negative energies.

11. Essential Oils. All essential oils help raise your vibration but for specific protection of your energy, try geranium, sandalwood, myrrh, sage, frankincense and cedar wood. Choose good quality, pure oils for the best benefit.

12. Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui principles, four animals can protect the energy of your home. The Green Dragon, The WhiteTiger, The Black Turtle and The Red Phoenix. Find out more here.

14. Dance, music and moving. All these things can all help clear negative energies and restore balance in your body. Try specialized dance like Wu Tao, Chakra Dance or Nia which are all spiritual based.

15. Learn to say no. Taking on only what you want to do and what you can physically do is one of the best ways to protect your energy and avoid being emotionally and physically drained. Kirri White, life coach tells us how to say no and reclaim our life.

16. Be choosey about what you allow into your consciousness. Avoid gossip, drama and negative talk. Keep away from toxic, draining energy vampires. Stop watching the news. Raise your vibration with things that make you feel good. As Oprah says “Surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher”.

17. Affirmations and Intentions. The power of the sending out your intentions to the universe is amazing. I used to do this when working in retail before each day began. After a spate of negative interactions, I started affirming that “only happy, positive people come into my space today” and it worked! As you leave a negative situation or place you can also say something like “I now release anything which does not serve me”.

18.Smudge. Smudging is used for clearing negative energies. To use, just light the bundle of herbs and blow it out until it is emitting a lovely stream of smoke. Take it around your house or office or just around your aura and set your positive intentions while doing so. The negative ions in the sage will make you feel cleansed and peaceful. Read more about how to smudge here.

19. Use your breath. A simple and quick technique that can be done anywhere. Visualize all the negative energy leaving your body when you exhale. On the inhale, visualize your body being filled with positive energy, happiness or love.

20. Self examination. If negative energy, places and situations keep cropping up in your life, you may want to ask yourself why you are attracting this. Is it a life lesson to learn? Why does it serve you?

You might also like to read:

What is smudging and how do you do it?

How to cleanse your crystals

I would love to know how you protect your energy!

Does any of this resonate with you?

Why Pregnant Women Should do Yoga

July 19, 2014 · 10 Comments

Why Pregnant Women Should do Yoga

My gorgeous friend Lou from Yogi Tree is a yoga instructor with a special interest in pre-natal yoga. I have asked her to share a bit about why this is so good for expectant mummas.

♥♥♥

Although I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years – it was falling pregnant that really made me realize how amazing it is.

I guess growing another little human being inside is the ultimate motivation for a bit of self-care, yes? During my pregnancy, yoga helped me relax my mind, stretch and open my body, all while teaching me the fundamentals of a magically strong BREATH which, boy oh boy came in handy during labour.

Putting the physical and emotional benefits aside for a minute (of which there are MANY!) – simply taking time out for yourself is something so important (and often pushed aside with our hectic lifestyles). When you take time for yourself and focus on simply BEING and BREATHING you let external distractions simply melt away…. giving you the amazing opportunity of connecting with yourself, and your child.

I love the energy of a pregnant woman – vibrant, excitable, dedicated, determined, and brimming with love. It is usually yoga that helps coax out these qualities – the focus that I see from my prenatal clients has no rival! So why should someone do prenatal yoga? What if you are a beginner? What if you have specific injuries or pregnancy complications?

♥ First things first – choose your teacher wisely. Prenatal yoga (to me) is a lot more of an intimate learning environment. A lot of my classes end up in a huge counselling session where we all start venting and sharing our experiences! Choose someone you feel comfortable with, and trust – follow your gut – a good prenatal teacher will be there to support you through EVERYTHING. Prenatal yoga is so much more than just doing a few yoga postures. Your perfect teacher will be able to specifically tailor your practice depending on your stage of pregnancy and your general health & fitness.

♥ Prenatal yoga brings so many benefits – physically you help your body stretch and open…. it’s all about creating SPACE for baby, in an increasingly restricted area! Building strength and muscle tone is something that will help your body carry the extra weight of a growing child, plus get you through an active labour and childbirth – not to mention a speedy recovery!

♥ Yoga will help improve your posture, which in turn helps you BREATHE better. A straight spine and an open chest helps prana (breath) flow. The energy of breath flowing through our bodies is our life force – when you breathe properly, your internal organs receive fresh, oxygenated blood more easily, in turn helping your whole body feel and function BETTER.

Speaking of breath – prenatal yoga will teach you the fundamentals of a beautiful, calming breath which you will use during labour. A calm and deep breath helps relax the body and clear the mind of negativity – crucial during labour. The breath also helps you focus when you are physically challenged (through dynamic yoga OR a contraction – it’s the same breath!) so by practicing during your yoga class, you are practicing for birthing your child.

♥ Pregnancy complaints such as insomnia, sciatica, lower back pain, mood swings, nausea (yes the list goes ON) can all be addressed and relieved through certain yoga postures, stretches and breathing exercises.

♥ Prenatal yoga will help you learn to TRUST your body, and let go of fear and anxiety. Through asana (yoga postures) and pranayama (yoga breath) we can address, and in turn, release negative energy which can hinder the birth process. When we tense up and fear the pain of childbirth, the physical body goes into a state of “fight or flight” where all the blood rushes to our external limbs. Through yoga (meditation & breath work) we can learn to surrender and trust that our bodies KNOW what they are doing – by staying calm & relaxed all of that blood stays pumping around the uterus, keeping labour progressing as it should.

♥ Through positive visualization and meditation, yoga can help you connect with YOUR true self…. help you find your courage and determination…. and most importantly give you some precious quiet time to connect with your child. It truly is a magical experience.

I could go on for AGES (I often DO during my classes!) about the amazingness of pregnancy and childbirth (and beyond). For me, yoga augmented my experience.

When the body, mind and spirit combine – magical things do INDEED occur.

Meditation

Here’s a super easy 5 minute meditation-exercise that allows you to both connect with your breath AND your baby.

Place your hands on your belly, gently cradling the baby. Observe the sensations felt beneath your hands. (Do you feel warmth? Movement? Can you feel the gentle rhythm of your breath? Your heart?) Relax your shoulders down away from your ears and make sure your face is beautifully soft. Breathe slowly, in and out – inhaling and exhaling smoothly and deeply through your nose. (If your mind wanders off, breathe deeper into your belly – right down, deep deep deep.) If a thought arises, let it float away with your exhale. Focus on just your breath, and those subtle sensations going on inside your belly.

Try doing this for five minutes each day, gradually adding more time each week.

About Lou:

Hi there lovely NNAM readers, my name is Louise Mackie, and among other things I am Mum to an energetic 3 & 1/2 year old, a yoga teacher, doula and wholefood cook. I have recently started my business Yogi Tree on the Gold Coast which focuses on a few holistic “branches” of wellbeing (a few being because I have SO many interests & passions I can’t limit it to one).

Basically, my passion is helping women feel empowered to have beautiful, healthy birthing experiences through yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and good food. Preparation and education is key – starting awesome habits during pregnancy sets up your whole family for maintaining a healthy and positive lifestyle. If you live on the Gold Coast, I would love to see you at one of my yoga classes! Check out my shop on Etsy for some lovely treats for mums homemade with love.

Get in touch with Lou: Website Facebook Etsy

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

February 26, 2014 · 14 Comments

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

So, you are all into the natural, new age thing but your kids are not?

One of the best ways to teach is by example. Let them watch you doing things like eating a healthy snack, recycling some paper or taking time out of your day to relax with yoga.

They see. They learn.

I have also found some awesome resources that explore this concept a little further if you need some inspiration.

Kelly Burstow at Be A Fun Mum has a printable list of 100 things you can do with your child to learn how to live in the moment. Enjoying and appreciating the small things is a valuable life lesson.

Caroline at Gardening 4 Kids has some fabulous ideas on how to teach children to connect with nature. She says (and I agree wholeheartedly) that encouraging younger generations to think and act in a more environmentally sustainable manner has to be a good thing.

The beautiful people at Embrace Virtues have an amazing blog post about how to teach children to access their inner joyfulness, even when they are feeling sad. Actually, I want to give this technique a go – it’s sounds just blissful!

Kirri White at Kirri White Coaching shares her tips on teaching meditation to children. I love the ideas of imagining bubbles or taking imaginary trips. All very easy and age appropriate.

Kelly Burch at Transformations with Kelly Burch has some great tips on how to help children with problems, using energy work. Kids can easily learn EFT (tapping) to help them deal with emotions.

Debra Dane at Home Life Simplifed has 30 ways to teach children about kindness and gratitude at her blog.

Author Jennifer Cohen Harper has a beautiful book, Little Flower Yoga for Kids. The book aims at teaching children to pay attention, increase focus, and balance their emotions-all while building physical strength and flexibility.

Do you have any other resources you like for teaching your kids natural, new age stuff?

Click here to check out the Superfoods for Kids range.

10 Apps for Natural, New Age Mums

October 18, 2013 · 26 Comments

Apps allow information and entertainment to be at our fingertips 24/7 in a portable, user-friendly way.

But it’s not all for techno-geeks and game players, apps can be used to enhance your everyday. These ten awesome apps will help you lead a healthy, happy, holistic life.

1. Headspace Meditation. Headspace is a project designed to demystify meditation. Using the wonders of science and technology, they make it easy-to-learn, fun-to-do, and relevant to your everyday life. Featuring how to meditate, daily meditation sessions and reminders. Download it here.

2. The Whole Pantry. A very popular health, wellness and lifestyle app with a vision to restore balance and empower. The Whole Pantry is the new go-to place, filled with a continually updating library of resources, empowering information, lifestyle guides and simple, yet beautiful nourishing recipes. Visit the website here.

3. Healthy Home. Is your home making you sick? With the increase in asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities and other illnesses related to indoor pollutants a healthy home has never been more important. Take a walk through your home and complete the quiz to identify health assets and challenges. Discover tips and resources to help you create a healthy home for your family. Find out more here.

4. GS1 Go Scan. By either browsing the database or scanning products in store, Go Scan gives you information about food to help you make the right choices for your family. It includes information on allergens, ingredients, nutrition, storage and preparation, dietary and basics like country of origin and company website. Check out the website here.

5. EFT Clinic. This free app allows you to tap into (see what I did there) the amazing healing power of EFT (emotional freedom technique) with a combination of text, diagrams and video. Free yourself from difficult emotions wherever you are, be it stress or anxiety, depression, low self esteem, weight loss and much much more. EFT Clinic is presented by Sue Beer, one of the first certified EFT Masters. Check it out here.

6. Safe Runner. Aussie mum, Rebecca has come up with app to not only be a personal tracker for running, walking or pushing the pram, it comes with inbuilt security. Safe Runner will track your distance, calories burnt and if required will automatically notify your emergency contact that assistance is needed as well as your GPS location. For more information go here.

7. Inspire Me Quotes. With quality images and designs, get inspired and uplifted by beautiful quotes. Inspire Me Quotes offers users the chance to browse through a variety of inspirational quotes to reveal wisdom from great minds such as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Abraham Lincoln and many, many more. Find out more here.

8. Shop Ethical. A quick and easy way to avoid companies with a negative track record and support those making a positive impact. With 10 years of research as a basis, this app have everything you need to start shopping ethically. With information on animal testing, factory farming, food miles, labour exploitation, GMOs, overfishing, palm oil and more, you can find products that fit with your values. Get it here.

9.Yoga Studio. This app is like your own yoga studio on call. It features detailed info and advice on 280 poses and 16 hours of yoga classes in a clean, easy to see format. Ideal for beginners up to advanced, it’s an affordable way to bring yoga into your life. Check out the website here.

10. The Chemical Maze. The very popular book by Bill Statham is also available in app form. With ten years of research and a huge database, you have access to information about food additives and cosmetic ingredients. Identify the risk level and possible reactions and problems of each. Invaluable in navigating the world of chemicals! Go here for more details.

Want more? My friend Alexx Stuart shares her top apps here.

What is your favourite app? Link us up!

Natural Headache Remedies

May 20, 2013 · 36 Comments

Natural Headache Remedies

I have been trying to cut out paracetamol for some time.

I have been trying lots of different natural headache remedies and I think I have cracked it.

Even though it’s an over the counter drug, paracetamol used long term can result in liver and kidney damage. Overdosing can be fatal. It can also be hard on the gut and nervous systems.

Of course, you have to try different things to see what will work for you, but here are some things you can try:

♥ Homeopathy. What really made the difference for me (and the decision not to hang onto that spare pack just in case) was Puraforce Headache drops. They work brilliantly!! You can also use them in conjunction with any other medication. They are easy to take and easy to keep in your handbag.

Like Chocoloate for Women Essential Oils

♥ Aromatherapy. Peppermint or lavender oil will both help a headache. Kim at Like Chocolate for Women says:

“Compresses on the back of the neck or across the forehead can be very helpful. Simply place 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Peppermint into a stainless steel bowl or sink of warm water, then using a cloth simply immerse and squeeze until excess water is removed. Compress onto most effected areas. A massage will always help to relieve tight neck muscles again using oils like lavender and peppermint – 1-2 drops of each into 10mls Carrier Oil. Or 2 drops of Instant Calm would be ideal too.”

Using a quality aromatherapy oil like Twenty 8 will have better results. You can get them here.

♥ Hydrate. Often headaches are caused from your body being dehydrated. Drink some water – not just one glass, several glasses. If you find water a bit hard to drink, jazz it up or drink some peppermint tea.

♥ Rest. A headache is your body’s way of telling you something is up. You might be stressed or getting sick. If you can, lie down in a dark,cool room and try to have a nap.

♥ Reflexology. There are several acupressure points on your body that you can apply pressure to, to ease a headache. Take a look here for more information.

♥ Adjustments. Persistent headaches might mean you need an adjustment from a chiropractor, osetopath or bowen therapist.

♥ Yoga. There are several yoga poses that can help relieve a headache. Take a look at these.

♥ Acupuncture. Needles can freak some people out, but acupuncture is well known as a cure for migraines. For some more information go here.

♥ Techno detox. One thing that sets me off is too much screen time and too much exposure to electro-magnetic radiation. Go outside and go for a walk in the fresh air. Allow your body to rebalance.

♥ Herbs. Herbs such as feverfew and willow bark may help. Consult a herbalist or naturopath to get a remedy and check if they are suitable for you. There are some conditions they are not recommended for.

♥ Apple Cider Vinegar. Have a glass of water with a tablespoon of raw honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Is there anything ACV can’t do?

♥ Ginger. Slice up some fresh ginger and make a tea. Ginger seems to help prevent blood vessels from getting inflamed.

♥ Magnesium. I was surprised at how quick this worked! You can take magnesium tablets or hop in a magnesium chloride bath.

Do you have any natural headache remedies?

Five Favourite Things – August

August 31, 2012 · 10 Comments

August. Where did you go?

I loved the early onset of Spring.

Here are some other things that I loved this month.

Pana Chocolate

Chocolate. Raw, organic, hand-made, Australian chocolate. I felt so virtuous eating this. I did not share. With anyone. Check it out here. Prepare to become addicted.

Eco.Kid

I was lucky enough to win these from The Lice Fairy! This range will prevent and treat head lice, naturally. My daughter is in love. She has been using the shampoo and conditioner regularly and we haven’t even had to use the natural lice bomb yet. Check it out here.

Nature and Health

The best magazine in Australia. I think so, anyway. It’s a lovely treat to sit down with the latest copy and a cuppa throughout the month. I learn, I am inspired, I am uplifted. Check it out here.

Yoga Woman

This month, I was lucky enough to join a studio full of fabulous women to watch this great documentary about yoga. Incredible. Everyone (and I mean, everyone) needs to do yoga. It is life-changing. Try and catch a screening of this fabulous movie or buy a copy for yourself.

Spreading the Word

Our local paper interviewed me this month about the blog. I was really excited to spread the word about a healthy lifestyle in my home town. It feels like a drop in the ocean, but hopefully at least one family was inspired to make some changes.

So, that’s my top five for August.

What have you been loving this month?

Five Favourite Things – July

July 30, 2012 · 8 Comments

July. Winter. Snuggling. Comfort food. Hibernating. Trying to find the sun.

Here are some things that I have been in love with this month. ♥

Wendy Blume’s amazing “Breakfast on the go biscuits” recipe from the Vegie Smugglers 2 cookbook. This recipe has two ingredients – cereal and egg white (I don’t use the sugar). It is super quick and easy to make and it doubles as a great kid’s snacks or breakfast in the car for those mental mornings! I use Freedom Foods Ancient Grains Super Muesli gluten-free cereal and organic eggs. Seriously yummy.

Be Gorgeous rosehip oil from Naturlea. Rosehip oil has become my new best friend. It is nature’s best kept beauty secret! I have been using rosehip oil for some time and then got the opportunity to try this brand after winning it in a Facebook competition! I adore it. Jacqui from Naturlea has combined beautiful rose geranium essential oil with the organic rosehip oil so it smells heavenly (and not earthy like plain rosehip oil). Rosehip oil is good for promoting collagen, reducing scarring and stretch marks, fighting skin ageing, lightening pigmentation and rehydrating. If you are over 30, you need to get into this stuff – it has made my skin glow!

Natural Calm Drink. The lovely ladies at Natural Vitality sent me some of this to try out. It is a great way to make sure you are getting enough magnesium and calcium in your diet, in the right combination. Did you know that magnesium deficiency can cause stress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiousness, irritability, muscle cramps, headaches, PMS and hormonal imbalance? I pretty much had all of those things! Together with taking regular epsom salts baths, my symptoms have eased right off. If you think you might be magnesium deficient, get it checked out with your medical practitioner or naturopath!

source

Kundalini Yoga Fire Breath. We have been doing lots of the fire breath in my yoga class. It feels a bit weird to do at first, but I love how it makes me feel. It is so energizing and really gets your blood pumping with all the extra oxygen. Some of the benefits include releasing anxiety, nervousness and emotions, flushing toxins out of the blood stream, massaging internal organs and expanding your lung capacity! It’s a great remedy for those mid-afternoon energy slumps. Don’t do the fire breath if you are pregnant or menstruating though! See how to do it here. Give it a go and tell me what you think.

My husband (aka Natural New Age Dad). I actually love him every month of the year! However, this month we have been really focusing on our relationship. Life, kids, work and ill-health can all get in the way of making our marriage a priority. We have had some hiccups. As our kids head into teen years though, we find things are changing. We finally have more time for ourselves, my son is old enough to babysit his sister and we have been hanging out together a lot! Date nights, yoga classes, romantic walks, dinner, movies, holding hands ….. it’s been blissful. I feel like I am falling in love with my husband all over again. I highly recommend it. ♥

So, that is my favourite five, what are some things you have been loving this month?

You might like to read some of my other favourite things.

10 ways to wake up in the morning (without coffee)

May 17, 2012 · 19 Comments

Are you caught up in the cycle of using caffeine to wake you up?

If you find it really hard to get going in the morning without coffee, then consider some of these natural ways to wake up, to ease the reliance on caffeine!

10 ways to wake up in the morning (without coffee)

1. You woke up – hallelujah! Spend a moment giving thanks and gratitude that you are here on this earth. One of my favourite sayings is “every day above ground is a good day”. That should put a very big smile on your face and get your happy hormones working!

2. Do not touch the snooze button! It’s actually better for you to have the alarm clock way across the other side of the room. When you have it near your head at night, the electro-magnetic radiation can make you wake up feeling hung over.

3. Open the curtains, turn on the lights, get out in the sun. This gets your natural body clock switched on and the cue for your hormones to wake you up!

4. Hot lemon water. A glass of warm filtered water with a good squeeze of lemon juice every morning is fabulous! It’s good for digestion and it gets the bowels moving. Read more benefits here.

5. Salute to the sun. This yoga sequence is incredibly invigorating and refreshing. See how to do it here.

6. Massage your ears. All over. When you get to the rolled over bit of your ear at the top, flip it gently inside out as you massage. When you rub your ears, you stimulate lots of energy points that run through the ears and then into your body.

7. Green smoothie. A green smoothie is made with whole fresh fruit and some greenery like kale, spinach or asian greens. Whizz it all up with some ice and a dash of water. In this state, the goodness from the fruit and veges are absorbed into your body in a very short time. Try my very yummy Pineapple Mint Green-Tea Green Smoothie!

8. Dry skin brush. Guaranteed to leave you feeling very alive and zingy! It gets your circulation pumping and the blood flowing! See my blog post on how to do it here.

9. Peppermint steam. Before you turn the water on, put one or two drops of peppermint oil on the base of your shower. The beautiful aroma will waft up as you shower and give you a really refreshing blast!

10. Set your intentions for the day. While you are in the shower, visualize what you want to get done for the day. It’s also useful to affirm that today will be a good day, that you will have a good run in the traffic, that every interaction at work will be pleasant or that the kids are going to be really well behaved. It really does make a difference to your day when you send out into the universe what you want. A positive attitude first thing will put a spring in your step!

So, there you have it. Ten ways to wake up, get invigorated and energized in the mornings – all without coffee.

Will you give one or more of these ideas a go?