My Poor Hypothalamus

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WHY did I ever think it could be a good idea to roll out of bed, turn on my computer, and start my work day 5 seconds after my alarm clock went off?  My poor hypothalamus! (If I remember science class correctly, that’s the part of your brain that wakes you up.)

 

I think I’ve picked up a completely new habit in the last three days:

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Starting my morning off with 15 minutes of yoga and mediation in my darkened living room is SO MUCH BETTER.   I stretched, I breathed, I did about 6 Sun Salutations… If yoga scares you, check out this link for the easiest series of moves you can do.  In the privacy of your living room, you can’t do it "wrong" anyway.  🙂

 

Funny moment:  I always wake up at least 1 hour (but sometimes 2) before the Husband, so I have no idea what his morning routine is.   I was raving about my new yoga idea, and he replies, "It’s amazing!  Why do you think I mediate or do qigong every morning?  🙂 I learn something new about my own Husband everyday.

 

After my relaxation session, I made breakfast:

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Which included frothy coffee (French presses are amazing):

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And a lovely bowl of banana oatmeal:

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My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings: coconut, brown sugar, pecans (forgot the flax!)

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Operation Beautiful

 

Here are two of the stories that are up on Operation Beautiful today.  I love them both. 🙂

 

Here is a wonderful story of a note that was FOUND!  Charlene wrote, "I found a note in the washroom at work. I had to do a double take, and when I did, my eyes welled up with tears. All my life, I have been insecure in the sense  that I did not think I was pretty enough, even though I have been told by many that I am. This note made me feel above the whole world, and I will be paying it forward every chance I get. What a fabulous gift to give!"

 

Joyce wrote, "I’m 12 and from Canada and I think that Operation Beautiful is well… to put it simply, BEAUTIFUL! Today I went to the mall and posted these on a phone, the mirror in the dressing room at Urban Planet, and on the inside of a bathroom stall. I hope they make someone feel really beautiful, just like the notes posted on the Operation Beautiful website that made ME feel beautiful."

9-2-2009 (3)

9-2-2009

Check out Operation Beautiful for the rest of the notes, including another great story of a note that was found…. those stories make me so happy!

{ 33 comments }

 

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City) September 2, 2009, 4:24 am

    That is so funny! I can't believe you had no idea that your hubby was meditating. I agree, jumping right into work isn't the best thing for our brains.

  • One Year No Diets! September 2, 2009, 4:25 am

    So lovely. I am going to check out the website on the easy yoga moves, because I am definitely a little intimidated by it all! I know you blogged about not comparing ourselves to others a day or two ago – but man,when I see all the amazing yoga moves on the blogs, I think, I can't do that! I'm going to try a little 🙂

  • Shannon September 2, 2009, 4:42 am

    I love that you ease into your day in such a relaxing way…even though it's early!

    I had no idea what my husband's morning routine was either because I got up so much earlier. But now my schedule has changed and I enjoy reading blogs while he turns on the Today show.

  • Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) September 2, 2009, 4:59 am

    Love mornings with yoga…I need to do it way more often then I actually do!!!

    Oh, and I really need to learn how to use my French press. I have one, but never use it, because it always comes out *awful*. I know I'm doing something horribly wrong, since yours looks wonderfully frothy and delicious!

  • Eve September 2, 2009, 5:04 am

    I love my french press too – I make it everyday 🙂 It's amazing what yoga and meditation can do for you. I've been trying to incorporate it into my weekly routine.

  • megan September 2, 2009, 5:25 am

    My goal is always to spend the first part of my morning praying and reading the bible. you're right – it really is a much better way to wake up and start the day than just jumping into your work!

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat) September 2, 2009, 5:31 am

    I've always wanted to try yoga; I'll have to check out those moves!

  • meg September 2, 2009, 5:56 am

    I was just thinking yesterday that I should do some yoga to start my day…tomorrow I will start that routine.

    Yummy breakfast. I love coffee made with a French Press.

  • Rose September 2, 2009, 5:57 am

    Sounds like the perfect way to wake up in the morning.

  • Sarah September 2, 2009, 6:13 am

    so I seriously need to get a french press…your and kath's coffee makes me drool!

  • Jenna September 2, 2009, 6:22 am

    yummy oats!

  • Lizzy September 2, 2009, 6:28 am

    beginning the day out calm should only end the day calm too right? Good for you girl!

    the oats look yumm!

  • Therese September 2, 2009, 6:51 am

    That's too funny. My husband and I are the complete opposite. He wakes right up and is on the computer looking at the financial markets and reading charts. I could hardly make out the colors on the screen let along comprehend what I was looking at!

    Me on the other hand, I need to shower, eat breakfast, make my lunch, etc. Mindless things to wake me up 😉

  • brandi September 2, 2009, 6:56 am

    I love that you guys are finding out each other's morning routines 🙂 my husband probably doesn't know everything I do in the am, but I'm only up about an hour before him when I get up on time.

    french presses ARE the best!

  • Anne Marie September 2, 2009, 6:57 am

    Your living room looks so relaxing! I really like the way you get into your morning routine. Mine is so rushed. I think it's time for a change!

  • Denita September 2, 2009, 7:01 am

    Ok, I need some help here. I have a French Press, and it makes good coffee…but HOW do you get that frothy coffee? I just make black coffee and then add all the bad stuff after. I apparently need to learn how to use my French Press to it's fullest capacity.

    Also, I posted an Operation Beautiful note in a matchbook at a bar I was at…they had a glass full of matchbooks that were begging to be written in.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 2, 2009, 7:02 am

    Denita. Hmmmm this is how I make French press coffee:

    Two scoops of coffee in bottom of French press.

    Boil water.

    Pour water into French press. Let stand for errrrr like 9 minutes. I like it BLACK. This is too intense for husband, he lets it sit for like 3.

    In mug, pour half and half (organic) and stevia.

    Add coffee on top. Froth produces.

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life September 2, 2009, 7:13 am

    That is soo funny that you had no idea your husband did that every morning.. You actually inspired me to do 10 minutes of yoga this morning and it was o so nice!

  • Sally September 2, 2009, 7:43 am

    Your new morning routine sounds nice. I tend to wake up, splash water on my face, and apply sunscreen. Doesn't sound quite as relaxing! Although my husband and I have started doing yoga together after work (we do yogadownloads.com sessions) and it is a really nice way to unwind after work.

    PS The hypothalamus doesn't really wake you up, per se, but it (well, part of it, the suprachiasmatic nucleus) is involved with controlling your circadian rhythm.

  • Trish September 2, 2009, 8:12 am

    I love the yoga in the morning idea. First thing I do is turn on the computer – stretching and relaxing a bit seems a much nicer way to begin the day. 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) September 2, 2009, 8:20 am

    I love learning new things about my husband. It's always fun!

  • Courtney W. September 2, 2009, 8:53 am

    I think that is so awesome that your hubs does that, too! 😀 I also find it intriguing that you just found out 😉

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings September 2, 2009, 9:22 am

    Your French Press coffee looks so good! I have GOT to master the art of the French Press. I swear I think I'm the only person who finds making coffee that way hard!

  • Jenna September 2, 2009, 9:28 am

    I started my day with yoga yesterday and I absolutely loved it!

    My arms are dying this morning though… its a fabulous way to get in some upper body strength 🙂

  • Pam (Highway to Health) September 2, 2009, 9:48 am

    What a great way to wake up! I bet doing it in the dark makes waking up a lot easier!

  • Always Running September 2, 2009, 10:11 am

    I just bought a french press today! Do you use course ground coffee? If so, where do you get it?
    thanks!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 2, 2009, 10:14 am

    always – i just use regular ground coffee you get from the grocery store 🙂

  • Low September 2, 2009, 11:28 am

    You and your husband are alike in ways you don't even know about yet, I love that!

  • seesaraheat September 2, 2009, 11:53 am

    I did a 20 minute yoga program in a dim room this morning as soon as I got out of bed. It was a great way to start the day, I felt so awake yet relaxed afterwards 😉

  • Denita September 2, 2009, 12:11 pm

    Thank you!
    I will try reversing the order of stuffs into my mug.

  • Kath September 2, 2009, 7:07 pm

    Did you just get a french press!!? Love the froth!

  • TinaGirl September 2, 2009, 10:52 pm

    can you dance to hippy music or do you just stand and sway. Maybe not a run but perhaps a good cardio workout? Your doggies are pretty darn cute.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 3, 2009, 3:52 am

    kath – we've had it for about a month. it's awesome.

    tinagirl – naw its like music that would be played in a yoga studio or massage place.

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