Our waking moments set the stage for the day ahead. Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing science of life from India, recognizes the potential that early morning has to impact the rest of our day. Start your day with intention using these three Ayurvedic practices:
1. Wake up with the sun (or earlier): A good day starts at sunrise. Our biorhythms tell us that we should wake with light and sleep with darkness. Try to set you alarm for a consistent time – 5 or 6 am – and stick with that waking time. Not only will your body thank you, but you will have more time to yourself to perform early morning rituals and get a jump-start on the things you need to get done
2. Drink warm water with lemon: Before you reach for a cup of coffee, give your body time to wake and nourish itself by drinking warm water with fresh lemon. This practice serves as an act of conscious awareness, allowing you to slow down and practice self-care, while also offering real, physical benefits. After eight hours of inactivity, our physical bodies use cues like light and hydration to know that it’s time to start the day. The lemon helps aid in digestion, balance pH and boost your immune system. For an extra digestive boost, add a packet of our Digestive Cool and Calm.
3. Breathe consciously: Sometimes, your morning is your only period of calm. Take advantage of quiet, early-morning hours to take a moment to breathe consciously. You can use this time to practice a pranayama ritual or just sit quietly, with eyes closed, and focus on your inhale and exhale. Try counting to ten, holding your breath, and then letting it out to a count of ten (very slo-o-owly!)
What do your mornings usually look like? How would you like them to look? Carve out a little time to practice the above rituals and get your days started off right. Your body and mind will thank you.