As the days get warmer we are chasing the summer sun, but our schedules are not slowing down! We fill our days to the brim without stopping to recharge + refuel.

So we enlisted the help of our friends at MISFITSTUDIO for some mental + physical pick-me-up practices for your day, as well as a delicious Matcha Chia Pudding recipe from Matcha Ninja.

THE MAGIC OF MATCHA

Our first tip to boost your energy level is swap your coffee (or your second coffee) for Matcha Green Tea (hot or iced, but we’re reaching for iced).

Matcha contains a unique form of caffeine, which is known as theophylline. This form of caffeine slowly boosts your energy levels throughout the day, without adverse side effects such as nervousness, and hypertension.

We love Matcha Ninja because it's organic and water-soluble, making it easy to use in a variety of ways.

Here’s a great recipe for a Matcha Ninja Chia Pudding parfait that is a great way to start your day:

Matcha Ninja Chia Pudding

1 cup almond milk
2.5 tbs chia seeds
1-2 tsp Matcha
1 tsp vanilla

Mix and set in fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight!

ENERGY REJUVENATION FOR YOUR DAY

The amazing team at Toronto's MISFITSTUDIO share their tips to keep your body + mind focused and energized throughout the day.

MORNING by Robyn

Good Mmmorning! Start your day with mmmovement by mmmobilizing THE SPINE (our very centre, our true core, and the pathway for our feelings). By taking our spinal column through ALL of it’s possible movements, we increase blood flow, decrease tension and invite healing into our bodies.

The basic: flex and extend The forgotten: lateral flexion The detangler: rotation

*Knees not happy with this shape? Try the same movements sitting or standing!

MIDDAY by Rachel

Setting space aside to reconnect with your physical self mid-day can be a powerful way to ground. We get so wrapped up in our work that we can physically and mentally get trapped in patterns that bind us over time. Here are 2 simple habits I have added into my daily routine as a 9-5 desk dweller that have greatly helped me to catch myself in these physical and mental patterns.

1 - Apps that remind you to look away from your screen. I use "Time Out", which I have set to put the screen to sleep for 30 seconds every 10 minutes. This gives my eyes a break from staring and also acts as a postural reset! I have it set for a 5-10 minute break every hour, which I take to walk around the office and move my body. This time should ideally be spent not looking at your phone instead... because that defeats the purpose. :) Try a few simple side-bend circles or spinal twists. Yum!

2 - A mid-day reset. Taking time to go outside and move, where I like to focus on trees and things far in the distance to reset the ocular (eye) muscles. Whether you suffer from headaches, neck pain and/or eye strain OR just want to prevent this, this is a very simple way to practice relief for these muscles. Walking will help to loosen up the connective tissue in the body and release built up tension. Hanging is also a nice way to decompress the spine if you have a park nearby... Don't be embarrassed about looking weird. Chances are, if someone notices what you're doing they might just join in!

Other times this may look more like taking my lunch outside, sitting on the ground, and listening to a mindful meditation using an app on my phone. I like to use Insight Timer, Buddhify or just listen to the breeze and the birds. Soaking in Vitamin D from the sun and reconnecting with nature can be a great way to reset and put everything into perspective.

NIGHT by Amber

When the sun sets, there is an energetic shift that occurs in the body and mind
A winding down from the day.
If you are looking to create connection and clarity whether your evening continues or you are beginning the journey towards sleep BREATHING can be so magnificent

I’m a big supporter of deep//full//expansive breath, it helps to clear out the old (thoughts/energy/vibes), synchronizes cardiovascular rhythms, oxygenates your cells, increases parasympathetic activity and releases serotonin* through the body cultivating a real sense of inner calm. A beautiful way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress.

A Ritual
**********
Sit comfortably, Close your eyes
Left hand on heart, Right hand on low abdomen
Count to 4 as you slowly breathe in
Count to 4 as you slowly breathe out
Both in and out through the nose
Gradually increase to 6, then 8 counts (in your mind of course)
Repeat at least 10 of each
Allow the arms to drape off the body
Soak in the profound energetic shift
Clarity
Re-set
and fall gracefully into sleep
Or on to whatever is calling you

*Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin is associated with mood. Research shows that high serotonin results in happiness, and low serotonin results in major depression.

THE POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Uplift Therapeutic Roll-On

Sometimes you need a boost to help you take on the challenges of the day. This blend will enhance your mood and make you feel invigorated. Bergamot and Geranium relaxes the mind, opening it up to joy and laughter. Frankincense composes thoughts, easing worry, and creates a sense of harmony. Ylang Ylang and Jasmine enhance confidence and encourage a sense of ease.

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