For many, mornings are a sacred time. The quietness before the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Morning rituals help anchor us, providing stability and a sense of purpose. When we invest our first waking moments in activities that nurture our body and mind, we essentially prepare ourselves and set the tone for the day. For instance, a morning routine that begins with a screen free wakeup, a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation. Add to this a nourishing breakfast, and cap it off with a cup of functional mushroom latte.
Making your own tonic drinks is such an easy and effective way of incorporating functional mushrooms and ingredients into your morning routine. Plus what’s not to love about a comforting, warm latte that's both delicious and packed with health benefits?
Ashwagandha-Reishi Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon Evolution Botanicals Reishi mushroom
• 1/2 teaspoon Evolution Botanicals Ashwagandha
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
2. Add the Reishi mushroom powder and Ashwagandha powder to the milk, whisking constantly to ensure they're fully dissolved.
3. Stir in the maple syrup or honey if you're using it.
4. Remove from heat and whisk vigorously until your latte is frothy.
5. Pour into a mug, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and sea salt, then enjoy!
Note: While Reishi provides a calm, grounding effect, perfect for morning centeredness, Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, helps the body manage stress and balances various physiological functions.
How to Set the Tone for Your Day
1. Stay Unplugged for the First 30 Minutes: Upon waking, resist the urge to immediately check your phone for Instagram or messages. Giving yourself a buffer from digital distractions helps set a more present tone for your day.
2. Gratitude Check: Before getting out of bed, take a moment to reflect on one thing you're genuinely thankful for. It doesn't have to be profound—sometimes the simple things make the most impact.
3. Stretch It Out: Start with a quick stretch or yoga to loosen stiff muscles. This isn't about achieving the perfect pose but more about getting the blood flowing and muscles loosened. Take a few deep belly breaths while doing your stretches.
4. Brew Your Beverage: Prepare and enjoy your Ashwagandha-Reishi latte. Take this time in the kitchen to be present, noticing the smells, the warmth, and the taste.
5. Set Your Daily Intentions: Before the day's chaos begins, jot down three key tasks you'd like to achieve. Be realistic. It's about accomplishment, not overload.
By the time you step out into the world, you're not just physically ready, but mentally prepared too.
Incorporating functional mushrooms and tonic herbs into your morning beverages isn't just a trendy wellness hack; it's an invitation to embrace the day with open arms, a centred spirit, and a body ready to take on the world. So, the next time you're contemplating your morning ritual, remember: your day's tone starts with the morning!
