If you spring to life and bound from bed full of cheer every morning, well then maybe this post isn’t for you. If you struggle, in particular during the dark winter months, to wake for the day and get going, then we’ve got some tips that will help you get out of bed on the “right side.” Here are 5 things you should do each morning to set a positive tone for the happy, healthy day ahead.
1. It starts the night before.
I don’t want to harp on you about the importance of sleep, but frankly I want to harp on you about the importance of sleep! Your health depends on you getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, more if your personal constitution requires it. This means you need to go to bed at a good hour each night, and make it a consistent hour. If you go to sleep, and rise, at the same time each day, this will become your body’s natural rhythm. If it feels natural to rise at 6am each morning, doing so even on dark days will become much easier. Try adjusting your sleep schedule in 15 minute increments. Take a peek at our blog about sleep and breast health for more tips on good sleep hygiene.
2. Invigorate the body, set the mind. Try yoga.
A short morning yoga routine will invigorate the body and set the mind on positive for the rest of the day. Try Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, a vibrant routine meant for saluting the rising sun that combines poses that wake up the muscles of the body. Here is a You-Tube video that goes through the various poses to complete one cycle: Try to complete 5 cycles every morning. If this practice feels too vigorous, try a few resting poses, like those found in this infographic from our Facebook page.
3. Incorporate dry brushing.
After you bring heat into the body with your yoga routine, move into the bathroom, take off your night clothes, and grab a dry brush. Now you can invigorate the skin from the outside in. Move your brush over areas of your body in short circular motions. Avoid areas of tender skin, like the face and nipples. Not only is dry brushing a great way to promote healthy skin, it can be very soothing and meditative first thing in the morning. If possible, complete this practice in front of a mirror. Look at your body, really look at it, and practice your self-healing mantras.
4. A warm shower or bath.
A warm shower or bath will ease you into the day, and it is a great opportunity to utilize essential oils, natural soaps and creams that have an energizing effect. Try peppermint, eucalyptus or grapefruit. Following your bath or shower, generously apply an oil like sesame oil, coconut oil or sweet almond oil to your skin. This is a good time to take a few minutes and enjoy a healthy breast massage.
5. Drink warm water and lemon.
Your body has been on a long fast all night, and your digestive system has taken a much-needed break. Stoke the fire and re-start the juices with warm water and freshly squeezed lemon. If you feel a cold coming on, or tummy upset, add some freshly grated ginger to your cup. Cayenne and/or cinnamon, which boost your metabolism, are other helpful additions.
It is easy to feel rushed and overwhelmed first thing in the morning, with our schedules to keep to and even other (little) people to manage. If you can’t fit in all of these considerations, try getting up a few minutes earlier. It may seem hard at first, but as you start to reap the rewards of this gentle, self-care routine, you will be thankful you did.
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