With one year of the pandemic behind us, we’re probably all going a bit crazy! So many have fought battles to survive, some have fought mental health issues, and some have thrived during this past year finding the joy in family and slowing down.
These changes and challenges are real, and to help face them, we suggest carving out time each morning for your own morning routine if you are able. Creating some time just for you can make all the difference in how your day will go.
Take it from Karen Behnke, Founder of Juice Beauty and a serial wellness entrepreneur and long-time environmentalist:
“For the past several decades, my most important wellness habit is that I get up and exercise for an hour every morning by biking, running, swimming laps or yoga. It helps me alleviate stress and worry and starts my day in a more relaxed manner. Particularly being in the beauty business, I sure don’t want to have stress and worry show on my face! This habit has certainly sustained me during this Covid year” -Karen Behnke, Founder of Juice Beauty
Karen’s 5 Step Morning Routine
1. Drink Water:
I drink a full glass of filtered water every morning when I get up to hydrate my body and skin and then I drink another glass right after my workout. I always keep my re-fillable Juice Beauty Glass Water Bottle (never plastic water bottles!) at arms-length to help remind me to keep hydrated. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is associated with better skin and overall health.1
2. Exercise at a pace that works your body
You’ll get your blood flowing, your brain will clear, thoughts will come together and you’ll feel better all day. Not only does daily exercise help your long term mental and physical health—you’ll feel more relaxed all day. Getting endorphins flowing early in the day, might give you a feeling that you can conquer anything that comes your way! If you can, exercise with a buddy. My husband and I exercise together as often as we can and this practice, over decades, has really become a positive and important part of our relationship. And, if you exercise first thing in the morning, it might become more of a solid habit that you don’t skip.
3. Stretch, breathe and shower.
If I just take even 5 minutes to stretch and breathe, I feel so much better and ready to invigorate my shower with our Green Apple Brightening Cleanser, my morning wake-up Cleanser which I rotate with our Prebiotix Instant Flash Facial. After patting my face dry, I’m ready for our Stem Cellular Moisturizer & Eye Treatment, Vinifera Replenishing Oil and CC Cream SPF 30 in Desert Glow. Since I’m mainly on Video Calls, just a bit of PhytoPigments Liquid Eyeliner, Mascara and Concealer and I’m video call ready!
4. Breakfast:
Breakfast is one of my favorite meals and I tend to eat pretty healthy portions in the morning which gives me the energy and alertness to run Juice Beauty! My all-organic meal consists of either: banana + egg pancakes (yup—just two ingredients whipped together and made with olive oil on a cast iron pan) or oatmeal with Greek low fat yogurt or gluten free granola + almond milk. All three of these meals are always topped with blueberries and walnuts
5. Call one of my kids to say good morning!
There’s nothing better than hearing my son or daughter’s voice and then I’m ready to start the day…..
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