Morning Rituals
As part of my "Year of Healing" (yes, I guess I am calling it that), I've started to add some rituals into my mornings. To be honest, Jason and I are night owls. We just are. Unless I have an exact place to be early, we stay up late. I don't know how it happens but it does. I could have the best intentions of going to bed before midnight, and the next thing I know...it's 2am. AGAIN. That's just the way it is. One of our plans for the year is going to bed earlier, and rising earlier. Instead of dragging myself out of bed, pouring a cup of strong coffee (coffee is still part of my ritual, lets be real) and sitting back down to get sucked into damn Instagram; I've begun adding the following to my mornings. I can't always do all of them but I try...I try.
1. Oil Pulling- The very first thing I do in the morning. Even before I put in my contacts, I put a spoon of coconut oil into my mouth and swish for 20 minutes. While I'm swishing I heat up hot water for my lemon-cayenne drink and make a french press of coffee, clean up the house, etc. Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that is supposed to detoxify teeth and gums. It increases oral heath, whitens teeth, and freshens breath. Some claim it increase energy, clears skin, and helps with hangovers but I just like the way it makes my mouth feel after.
2. Warm lemon-cayenne water- After I've oil pulled, brushed my teeth and drank a large glass of water...I have a cup of warm lemon and cayenne water. Another detoxifier, this mix stimulates the liver, gets your digestive system and metabolism going and alkalines the body.
3. Break a sweat- Instead of jumping on the computer and checking emails right away, I try to workout at least for 30 minutes. If I have enough time I will get a really good hour/hour and a half workout in but if I'm rushed I try to run for 30 minutes. I really like to get a run in if I have a shoot or casting, not only does it wake me up but it's get the blood going and I feel like my complexion looks so much better. I look alive! Add some stretching or a few yoga moves after and I'm good to go.
4. Meditation- I mentioned this in my 'New year, New rules' post. I don't know why it's so hard for me to sit and be still for 10 minutes in the morning but it is. Probably because I have so many things on my mind, so sometimes I wait to meditate later in the day. But if I do manage to do it it first thing, I feel like it really clears my head and gets me centered and prepared for the rest of the day.
5. Green juice- Before I eat breakfast I make a green juice with cucumber, celery, parsley, apple, kale or spinach and lemon. I like knowing that I'm giving my body and healthy dose of vitamins and a few servings of vegetables. Plus, it also helps gets my pH back on the alkaline side.
6. Dry Brushing- Right before I jump into the shower I dry brush. Dry brushing increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and exfoliates the skin...and it's supposed to help diminish the appearance of cellulite. Good enough reason for me. You simply use a body brush and make strokes up the body (always toward the heart) starting at your feet. It probably takes me 2 minutes max. Then I jump in the shower and am ready to face the day.
And that's what I've been doing. Ideally, I'd like my rituals to take an hour, but if I have extra time in the morning it's nice to stretch everything out and really enjoy preparing myself for the rest of the day.