DEVELOP A HEALTHY MORNING ROUTINE

I've been trying to focus on improving my morning routine as I feel having a good morning routine can really help set you up to tackle the day ahead. Those mornings when everything feels rushed and manic can create a really stressful environment, leaving you feeling depleted and dishevelled before your day has even started! 

I've adopted a few simple tips that have really helped me to start the day with a calm, relaxed approach which keeps me in good spirits throughout the day. Give them a go and see if you feel the difference! 

1. Avoid technology first thing

This one has been a big one for me. My usual routine when my alarm goes off is to grab my phone and start strolling through messages, emails and social media. I often look at my screen when my eyes have barely opened and then a million things start popping into my head. This instantly creates a sense of panic and I start worrying about all the things I need to do that day.

It's often way too early to be thinking about chores and getting involved in other people's business, so I've been leaving my phone untouched until I'm fully awake - usually about 30 minutes. It's really calmed down my thought process in the morning and allows the start of my day to unfold organically, so I don't feel so overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. 

2. Have a morning stretch and a few deep breaths

I can't recommend this enough. I've replaced strolling through my phone with a few big stretches and deep breaths whilst lying in bed. My body definitely thanks me for it and it really helps me relax before hopping out of bed. If you have time, try incorporating some yoga or meditation into your morning routine. Incorporating just 5 - 10 minutes per day can have huge impact on your mental state. It's really helped me settle back into London time and routine after travelling.

3. Hydrate

Dehydration can result in low, sluggish energy levels, so I always try to drink hot lemon water as soon as I get up to rehydrate before eating breakfast. I've recently included a dash of apple cider vinegar into my lemon tea to give me an extra energy boost in the morning. It's also great for firing up the digestion system and kick starting your metabolism.

4. Affirmation and Gratitude

Starting the day with a few kind words to yourself and the things you are grateful for can have a really positive impact on your day. Look in the mirror and tell yourself 3 things that you like about yourself and then list 3 things that you are grateful for in your life. Changing your mindset from negative to positive first thing in the morning can instantly create a happier, healthier mind set which you can carry on throughout the day.

I love to hear your tips on how to improve morning routines. Leave a message below or tag me in @headoverhealing on Instagram.

VEGAN SWEET POTATO AND CARROT SOUP

Over the last month I've been travelling around Australia and my diet consisted of ice cold almond milk lattes, smoothie and acai bowls for breakfast and big salads for lunch and dinner. Which was perfect to help cool down in the 30 - 40 degree heat we experienced.

I absolutely love the Aussie diet and way of living, my body adapted to it really well. However since being back in the UK all I've been craving is warming, home-cooked food.

It's crazy how a change in climate and temperature can completely change your cravings. I'm a great believer in listening to you body and giving it what it wants and needs, so the first thing I wanted make when I got back in the kitchen was a thick, creamy, nourishing soup. This one definitely hit the spot!

It's gluten and dairy free and packed with antioxidants and a number of important vitamins and minerals to help fight off that winter flu!

I hope you enjoy it!


Ingredients: Serves 3 - 4 

2 sweet potatoes 

5 carrots

2 onions 

5 mugs of boiling water
2 tbsp fresh ginger - finely chopped
2 tbsp almond butter 

2 tbp ground cumin 

1 tsp paprika
1 tbp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp coconut yogurt
50g coconut cream
Handful of flaked almonds or walnuts
Small bunch of coriander
Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 

Dice the onions and chop the sweet potatoes and carrots into small chunks.

Add the onions, chilli and ginger into a large pan and stir in the coconut cream. Sauté for 5 - 6 minutes.

Mix in the cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, mustard seeds, salt & pepper and stir for 1 minute.

Add in the almond butter and 1 mug of boiling water and stir until creamy sauce forms. Simmer for approx 2 minutes, before adding in the additional 4 mugs of boiling water.

Then add the sweet potato and carrots into the pan and boil on medium / low heat for 20 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until a liquid soup forms.

Serve into bowls, add a dollop of yogurt to top and a sprinkle of almonds and coriander to finish.