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/ January 4, 2018

A more mindful way to start your day

As of today, my coffee maker is officially put away (well, at least in the pantry where I can’t see it).  Our relationship was getting out of hand, and we both needed a break.  You see over the past few months, I had overworked my poor little coffee maker.  So I’m taking a break.

I am not a huge believer in cutting things you love out of your life (and I love coffee).  But I am a big believer in balance.  And I needed to find a better balance.

Balance for me is all about being mindful.  Aware of what you put in your body.  Coffee, for me, had gone from something that I was mindfully doing, to well let’s just say, autopilot.  So I’m making the choice to take a short break from caffeine and instead will be starting my days with something that I feel serves me better.

For the month of January, I’ll be staring my days off with a warm cup of lemon water.  Lemon water has a host of benefits (which I share below), but most importantly for me, it gives me an opportunity to make a more conscious choice of how I’m starting my day.  I notice that the more aware I can be as I begin my day, the better choices I make throughout the day.  And during this winter season, that can at times feel overwhelming and stressful, I can use all the help I can get in making better, more mindful, choices.

There are a whole array of benefits that this little citrus food provides, but here are just a few that stuck out for me….

1. It jump starts your digestive system

Lemon juice aids in cleaning out unwanted toxins and material from your body by stimulating your digestive tract.  It can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating.  And let’s be honest, after the holidays who couldn’t use a little extra help?

2. Boosts your immune system

Lemons are very high in Vitamin C making it great at helping fight off colds. When we’re stressed our levels of Vitamin C are one of the first things to plummet, so it’s extra important to double up on this nutrient during this wintery (and often times stressful) season.

3.  Keeps you glowing

Vitamin C, and other antioxidants, found in lemons are known to not only reduce blemishes, but wrinkles too!  Not a bad side benefit for a cup of water.

4.  Cleanses your system

The citric acid found in lemons helps increase enzyme production in your liver, aiding in removing unwanted toxins.  After many months of having maybe a little too much fun, I’m sure my liver is happily accepting the extra help.

5.  Boosts your mood

Just the scent of lemon alone has been known to have mood enhancing properties.  Lemons are also known to help decrease anxiety and depression.  During these colder and darker days I think it’s safe to say that we cold all use a little help boosting our moods.

If you’re thinking about joining me, and making this change in your morning routine, here’s what you need to know.  Lemon water is most beneficial first thing in the morning, before you’ve had anything else to eat.  Squeeze the juice of half of a lemon in your mug and then fill your glass with warm (not scalding) filtered water.  You can also add in a small teaspoon of honey to help mellow out the tart flavor.  Then curl up in your favorite spot, and enjoy!

However even if lemon water doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I hope that you’ll join me this January in trying to be more mindful of how you start your day.  It’s these small little choices, that add up to create a more mindful, and joyful, life.

 

 

 

 

XO,

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