Cheap Ways to Get Your Morning Energy Flowing (Sans Coffee)

09.16.2022 - This article was originally published on VITA Daily. To read the full version, tap or click here.

Time and time again, morning routines have proven to increase productivity and suspend energy levels throughout the day. As someone who works independently from home, I’ve realized the importance of developing morning rituals, especially since I’m the only one holding myself accountable for my time and how much I accomplish in a day.

Contrary to popular opinion (as the wellness industry would like you to believe), morning routines don’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to attend F45 or Orangetheory classes or chug down an adaptogenic elixir to be able to start the day on the “right foot.” Hence, I decided to compile some methods that have promoted easy flow— and increased energy—in my days.

The best part? These energizing practices don’t have to cost you anything, but if you want to shell out a few bucks once you’re ready to invest some hard-earned dough into your morning routine, there are a few options for you too.

So, here are some cost-effective ways to get your energy flowing—even for the not-so-morning people out there—and none of them involve coffee, if you can believe it!

5 Low-Cost Tactics For Achieving Sparkier Mornings

Say hello to Mr. Sun first thing. Research suggests that exposure to sunlight or very bright artificial light in the morning positively affects serotonin levels. Early exposure to daylight has also proven to be effective against insomnia and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is something many of us will experience soon with fall around the corner. Even more reason to open your curtains!

Ice + massage. In my experience, a shock of cold and a bit of facial manipulation offers a great way to wake up in the morning (and reduce inflammation). Recently re-popularized by the Ice Queen, there are plenty of facial tools to try. Some of my personal favourites include Sacheu Beauty‘s trusty stainless steel facial roller, as well as the brand’s gua sha. When you think about the longevity of these products, they’re more than worth the cost per use.

Dry brush. A historical health and beauty staple across many different cultures, dry brushing might be one of the oldest stimulation techniques around. Besides producing soft, toned, and supple skin, dry brushing invigorates the lymphatic system’s nodes, vessels, and glands to promote the body’s natural detoxification process and blood flow, which is what you want in the AM. Canadian brands Province Apothecary and Midnight Paloma make some of my favourite affordable options (for the face, too!). At the same time, Wildling curates one of the most beautiful (but more expensive) body rituals I use to treat myself.

Switch up your environment. As someone who works from home, I know just how important it can be to spring out the front door some mornings and get inspired in a new setting. Plus, if you hit your local cafe with a mission to get some work done, make it your sole purpose to do just that (and enjoy doing it somewhere other than your house). That way, when you return to your homestead, you can kick back, relax, and pat yourself on the back for a well-done job. I go deeper on this topic in this podcast episode—have a listen.

Make time for movement (outside, if you can). Exercising in the fresh morning air increases alertness, gets the heart pumping, and boosts endorphins, amongst several other things. And I don’t know about you, but a morning workout (or even a walk!) sets the tone for my day—and prevents me from having to work out when drained in the evenings. Check out some of my favourite free yoga and pilates resources and get a running start on life.

There you have it: five budget-friendly ways to get your energy flowing in the AM without the help of an extra large coffee (although if you pair a tasty cup of Joe with these tactics, it will not harm). I hope one of these methods gets you in the groove of being a morning person!

This article was originally published on VITA Daily. To read the full version, tap or click here.