Mornings are my time to ignite energy and creativity, and as a watercolor artist painting vibrant floral and landscape scenes, I’ve started a biohacking morning routine to do just that. Biohacking uses science-backed habits to optimize your body and mind, and my five go-to tips supercharge my day, leaving me ready to create art that bursts with color and life. From grounding in the grass to soaking in sunrise, these tips are for everyone looking to start their day with intention. Here’s how I biohack my mornings to fuel my art and spark inspiration.

5 Biohacking Tips for a Vibrant Morning

These powerful habits blend nature, movement, and mindfulness to kickstart your day. Add them to your routine to feel energized and inspired, just like I do before painting my next floral masterpiece.

•  Get Outside in the Sunshine Right After Waking
Step outside first thing to soak up natural sunlight. Morning sun regulates your circadian rhythm, boosts serotonin for a happier mood, and supports vitamin D production. In Richmond, I spend 10-15 minutes in my backyard, letting the sunrise’s glow inspire the vivid hues in my landscape paintings. Even 5 minutes makes a difference—try it with your morning coffee!
Pro Tip: Face the sun without sunglasses to let your eyes absorb light, enhancing alertness and focus.

•  Drink a Glass of Salt Water for Hydration & Minerals
Start with a glass of filtered water mixed with a pinch (1/8 tsp) of high-quality sea salt, like Baja Gold Mineral Sea Salt. This rehydrates you after sleep, replenishes electrolytes, and delivers trace minerals like magnesium for better focus. I drink mine while stepping outside, feeling refreshed and ready. It’s a small tweak with big results.
Pro Tip: Use a tiny pinch to avoid over-salting, and consult a doctor if you have health concerns.

•  Ground Barefoot in the Grass
Stand barefoot on grass for 15-30 minutes to practice grounding (aka earthing), connecting to the earth’s energy to reduce stress and inflammation while boosting mood. In my Richmond backyard, the cool grass underfoot sparks the same calm I channel into my paintings. More about Grounding in the Grass here. Want to try grounding on a beach? Check out my post on Grounding Barefoot in the Sand for more tips!
Pro Tip: Find a grassy spot in your yard or park, and breathe deeply to enhance the calming effect.

•  Take a Short Walk for Movement
A 10-15 minute walk gets your blood flowing, releases endorphins, and clears your mind. I stroll through my Richmond neighborhood, letting the sights inspire the bold colors in my floral art. This low-impact movement boosts energy and creativity, making it perfect for any morning.
Pro Tip: Walk briskly and swing your arms naturally to maximize circulation and mood lift.

•  Practice Deep Breathing for Focus
Finish with 2-3 minutes of deep breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. This oxygenates your brain, lowers cortisol, and sharpens focus for the day. I do this while picturing vibrant blooms, fueling my floral paintings with clarity. It’s a quick reset that primes you for creativity.
Pro Tip: Try this outdoors or by a window to connect with nature’s energy.

How These Tips Inspire My Art

This biohacking routine is the heartbeat of my creativity. Sunshine and grounding anchor me in nature, salt water and walking energize my body, and deep breathing clears my mind for painting. From my Richmond home, these habits bring the vibrancy of floral and landscape scenes to life in my watercolors. Here are a few pieces sparked by my morning rituals:

•  “Citrus Surprise” (Print): Its vivid colors reflect the energy of sunrise and grounding. Shop the 16"x20" Print

•  “Garden Delight” (Original): 11"x15" Vibrant floral (unframed) from the Garden. Shop the painting.

•  “Backyard Oasis” (Print): Inspired by my love for backyard living, it features a brick patio with vibrant hydrangeas and container gardens. Shop the 20"x20" Print

These artworks bring the energy of my morning routine into your space. Explore my collection, including acrylic trays and coasters.

Make It Your Own

You don’t need a specific place to biohack your morning—any sunny spot or grassy patch works. Start with one tip, like grounding or a short walk, and build from there. For me, these habits are a daily spark, fueling my art from my Richmond studio. Try them, and let nature ignite your own creativity.

Want more inspiration? Shop my coastal art prints and original paintings, and subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips on living vibrantly.

 

Keep the creative vibes flowing!