Think back to your most stressful day recently. Chances are that something went wrong as soon as you woke up. Certain bad habits, like staying up late and overeating at night, can make your day less than it should be. The key to a great day is starting with a rejuvenating morning routine.
In Ayurveda (traditional Indian system of medicine), the morning is the time to cleanse and warm the body and to circulate lymph fluid after 6-8 hours of rest. This daily routine is called “dinacharya”, which literally means “daily routine”. This practice is great for boosting your yoga routine, building your self-esteem, and protecting you from disease.
Here are 10 ways you can create a yoga-based morning routine that’s sure to get your day going!
Prepare for a healthy morning the night before
Prepare for a healthy morning the night before
The goal of any morning routine is to reduce overall stress in your daily life. Chronic stress has been linked to a number of diseases and disorders, but there are steps you can take to reduce stress in your life. Sometimes it takes some time and effort, but it’s worth it if it helps you live a happier, healthier life.
First, try to keep your home clean. Waking up in the morning to a chaotic environment is a major source of stress for many people. Get in the habit of washing dishes and tidying the bathroom before bed at night. In the kitchen, you can team up with your roommate or romantic partner to do the dishes while the other cooks. The order of these two central spaces can set the tone for relaxing mornings, even when the rest of the home is cluttered.
You can also reduce stress by reducing the number of decisions you have to make in the morning. For example, choosing clothes for work the night before and packing lunches. This way, you can focus on other things that may be more important to you in the morning.
gratitude
gratitude
If you really want to start your day with a special glow, think of all the things you are grateful for before you hit the ground. The process can be very simple – even if you don’t feel like you owe much, there is always something! Maybe you’re thankful for yoga, a healthy body, a loved one, clean water, or your home. Either way, focusing on the right things in life will put you in a positive frame of mind and give you the momentum to start your day in a positive direction.
take your time and get up early
take your time and get up early
Few things are more stressful than the morning rush. Especially in a 9-to-5 job, it’s so important to make time for yourself and your goals in the morning. If you’re always in a rush for work, you might feel like work is becoming your life! Going to bed earlier and waking up an hour or two earlier can help you give yourself the time you need to take care of yourself. If you have trouble getting up early, try planning your sleep cycle with a program like Sleepyti.me. Waking up in the middle of a sleep cycle can be disorienting, but getting out of bed is much easier if you wake up at the end of your sleep cycle.
In Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, each hour of the day corresponds to a different organ function. It is recommended to go to bed before 11:00 in the evening, which is the time for the kidneys, and get up between 5:00-6:00 in the morning, which is the time for the large intestine. Going to bed and waking on this schedule will help your body function most efficiently, and you’ll feel better overall rested, according to these ancient medical practices.
Cleanse the face, mouth, eyes and nose
Cleanse the face, mouth, eyes and nose
In Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, cleansing the face, mouth, eyes and nose is an essential part of daily cleansing. Overnight, environmental toxins in the air and food are released through the pores of the body. Always clean your tongue with a tongue scraper before drinking water, coffee, or tea.
Cleaning your tongue prevents bacteria from building up in your mouth, helping you prevent disease, freshen your breath, and improve your overall oral hygiene. This process also stimulates the digestive organs, which can help you make breakfast.
After brushing your tongue, brush your teeth and follow with an Ayurvedic mouthwash with body-enhancing herbs. Then splash your face and eyes with water. You can even do an Ayurvedic eye wash according to your physique.
Finally, rinse your nasal passages with saline solution using a neti pot. This will remove dust, pollen and other irritants from your first line of defense – your nose! This is where many viruses enter the body, and washing your nose daily can help keep you healthy.
drinking water
drinking water
Hydration is important throughout the day, especially in the morning, since you may not be hydrating all night. Once your mouth and face are clean, slowly drink a glass of room temperature water to lubricate your internal organs and keep your body hydrated. Drinking water in the morning (especially if the water is heated and mixed with lemon juice) can also help you have a better bowel movement in the morning. This prevents stomach cramps and other digestive issues throughout the day.
self massage
self massage
Enjoy a relaxing self-massage before bathing. Massage is the perfect way to practice self-love and self-care, it nourishes the body and mind. Self-massage can improve your overall confidence and can also promote fat loss, relieve pain, and help with anxiety and depression.
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