My morning routine is so sacred to me. It’s something I look forward to in the morning and makes me start the day on such a better foot. Of course, there are plenty of days that I hit snooze and roll out of bed, throw my hair up, because nobody is perfect and sometimes we need the extra Zs.

With that said, whether it’s first thing in the AM or after I get home from my workout, this is how I love to start my day:

• Meditate using the Headspace app. I love to do this while still laying in bed. I’ll grab my phone and click on this app before scrolling through anything else! It’s become such a good practice to create space in my mind for the day.
• Wash my face and brush my teeth
• Ice roll my face using this ice roller
• Make hot water with lemon and ginger. Lately, I’ve been adding Mānuka Health Mānuka honey MGO 573 because of the amazing benefits it provides, plus the delicious sweetness! The honey makes it taste soo good and adds an amazing pre-workout energy boost.
• Get dressed and ready for the day. Sit, drink, and have a moment with the warm drink elixir. This has become my favorite step!
• Head out for my workout, listening to music on the way to hype me up.

It’s so easy to get caught up in work emails and everything before heading out the door, and I’ve learned that having the moment with the warm mug in my hand really eases me into the morning. Here’s how I make it — adding honey was a serious game changer –and why I choose Mānuka Health Mānuka honey every time :).

1. Heat up water in kettle, but make sure it isn’t too hot! I remove it before the whistle blows!
2. Squeeze 1 half of lemon into mug
3. Grate ginger with dermaplane, I vary up how much I add!
4. Add in the warm water
5. Add 1 tsp of Mānuka Health Mānuka honey. If you dip a swindle into the jar, it should add a perfect amount.
6. Dip the swindle directly into your mug and mix it up!

You can also watch me make it on my Instagram stories!

What is Mānuka honey and why I choose Mānuka Health Mānuka honey

• Mānuka honey is a special type of honey that is made from the nectar of the Mānuka tree that’s only found in New Zealand, which contributes to the unique properties of the honey that makes it so different from other honey.  It’s produced for just a few weeks a year when the Mānukaflower is in bloom and is referred to as a monofloral honey, which means the bees pollinate primarily one plant.
• Mānuka honey is the first honey to be extensively researched and recognized for its bioactive compounds and complex properties, especially antibacterial.
• It’s great to add to your daily routine to aid general wellbeing, boost immunity and energy or as a wholesome natural sweetener in tea, coffee or breakfast foods. It can also be used as a face mask to help plump and hydrate the skin or as a powerful and long-lasting antibacterial when applied to wounds and broken skin.
• Mānuka Health Mānuka honey is measured using the MGO and UMF systems. The product I use with MGO 573 is graded based on the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO) it contains, which is the major compound providing the benefits. Some brands only evaluate pollen content, which is not a reliable certification for authentic Mānuka honey. This is measured using The Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF); the higher the number the more potent the honey. UMF certification helps provide 100% proof of authenticity.

There’s also been research on Manuka honey in the following areas:

• It’s beneficial for gastrointestinal health. It’s anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which helps against gastritis and peptic ulcers
• Good for oral health, too, inhibiting bacteria associated with plaque formation, tooth decay and gum disease
• Inhibits bacteria associated with sore throats and the flu virus
• And, I think it tastes even BETTER than other kinds of honey!

Personally, I deal with a maple allergy, so I choose honey as my natural sweetener often. Choosing Mānuka Health Mānuka honey has aided in my well-being so much as well, and has become my favorite part of my morning routine.Now is the perfect time to add this powerful product to your pantry! It also comes in individual packets as well, perfect for an on-the-go and travel! You can learn more and purchase Mānuka Health Mānuka honey through this link and can get 15% off with code 15UNDONE, limited to one time use valid from Jan. 27 – Feb. 26!

Thanks to Manuka Health for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.