Are you starting to drop some balls yet?  At this time of year there are many who start the juggling act.  Yes, I am super human!  I can observe Advent and wholeheartedly focus on my faith during the Nativity Fast!  I can abstain from certain foods and embrace a completely different diet than what I’m used to!  I can also fulfill all church, work, home, family, social, and secular obligations and expectations!  NO WORRIES! 

Ahem, may I be the voice of reason?  No you can’t. 

Ok that’s blunt…let me rephrase it.  You can, but it will take a toll on your body, your emotional well being, and even your soul.  First let’s look at what studies on multi-tasking say.  Yes you can do several things at once, but your competency goes down, mistakes are made, wrong words are used in conversations, and discipline decreases.  Also, your immune system suffers…and when you’re sick, you can’t do anything well.   When you’re stressed it affects your gut and your brain.  It creates inflammation that leads to decreased health and disease.

But we’re only human, right?  It’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness that we see around us.  So where does green tea come in?  Well, it’s part of a bigger picture called self care.  First, if you haven’t signed up for My Beautiful Advent, now is the time to do it.  It isn’t too late.  The “Daily Ascesis” page in the program can lead you through this new morning routine.

Your New Morning Routine

When you get up, grab a cup of green tea.  Preferably Matcha, which you can find out more about in this past post.  You will experience the benefits of improved brain function and performance due to the amino acids and caffeine working together.  The L-theonine will lower anxiety, promote calm, help you sleep better, and the catachins can help your immune system by inhibiting viruses and bacteria. 

Sit down in a quiet place where you know you won’t be disturbed and practice prayerful meditation for at least 5 minutes.  You can follow it with more purposeful prayer, scripture reading, and journaling.  Do you have time for a 20 minute walk?  Bundle up if you need to and head out into the morning.  Your brain, hormones, and neurotransmitters will respond favorably, creating a more focused day and better night sleep.  Then of course, a high protein breakfast that includes a healthy fat like an avocado.  I always like a protein shake made with pea protein, but quinoa breakfast bowls or avocado toast works also.  You are now ready to be your best self for the rest of the day.

How you start your day is typically how you live your life.  Is it up and at ’em…running wherever you’re being pulled?  Or is it intentional and productive based on what you value most?  I’m guessing your faith and health are somewhere at the top!  Discipline to live out these next few weeks intentionally will pay off in the new year.