What gets you out of bed early in the morning?  

I’m not asking what you are generally passionate about or what keeps you going, although those are certainly important too. I mean, what are the things that get you out of bed earlier than you otherwise would?  

As much as I like to think I am a morning person, I have accepted that I am not. I could roll over and fall back asleep over and over again if I wanted to. When this happens (especially on weekends), I can’t help but feel like the day has been wasted. A lingering feeling of guilt creeps in.  

Recently, I started taking a new medication that has caused coffee to make me nauseous. I stopped drinking it in the morning. I hadn’t even realized that coffee had been getting me out of bed quickly in the mornings. I know that sounds silly, but it’s true.  

I remember being in high school when my mom introduced me to a warm buttered roll dipped in a hot cup of coffee (don’t knock it till you try it). That exact combination lured me from my bed to the kitchen and got my day started on the right note for years. I didn’t understand the impact it had until it was gone. 

I was left in a pickle. About two weeks went by with nothing to get me downstairs quickly. I would sleep in longer than I should have, was scrambling to get out of the door on time and had more chaotic mornings. That is, until my best friend reminded me of matcha. She made me a glass one afternoon, and after I sipped it, I bought the ingredients for myself. I woke up the next morning, and before I rolled over, I remembered that a warm mug of honey matcha was waiting to be made. That’s all it took. Instead of rolling over for five more minutes of sleep, I got out of bed.  

I was not rushed to get out the door; I had time to quietly journal. I even had Jack Johnson playing while I brushed my teeth. It was pretty fabulous.  

It’s funny how such simple things can genuinely improve the quality of your days. Since rediscovering matcha, I have consistently gotten out of bed earlier and had a clearer mind. Matcha sets the tone for me to have a good day. 

Your passions, dreams and people you love should be what drive you but implementing little additions that enhance the journey can improve your days more than you may realize.  

I challenge you to find your version of matcha this week. Maybe it’s coffee, a bowl of fruit or even a song. It will look different for everyone. Find something that makes you excited to get out of bed earlier and run with it. It just might improve the tone of your days.