How we start the day can make an impact on how we feel for the rest of the day. Even if you have had a bad night’s sleep you can set your intentions for the day and step back on to the path. Here are 3 start-of-day rituals that will help to energize your body and spirit:
1. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (in your first glass of water)
Lemons are a digestive bitter. A digestive bitter helps to promote digestion by stimulating the production of enzymes that break down your food. So fresh lemon juice helps your body absorb vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients from your meals, releasing all the potential energy they contain!
2. Morning Meditation
Here’s a very simple meditation you can do each morning:
Seat yourself in a comfortable chair, or on a cushion on the floor. Keep your back as straight as possible, without straining. Take a deep breath or two, and then close your eyes.
Notice your breath. Place light attention on it as you breathe naturally, in and out of your nose. You may want to focus on the space just underneath your nose, where the air enters and leaves your body.
Allow your thoughts to flow as they will. Don’t try to control them or to “empty your mind.”
But don’t get too involved with your thoughts either. Don’t chase after them, and don’t push them away. Just let them pass through your mind, while you keep your attention – ever so lightly – on your breath.
If you lose track of your breath, that’s all right too. When you notice you’ve forgotten about your breath, just gently return your relaxed attention back to it.
Try this practice for 5-20 minutes and then see how you feel.
3. Stretch
Basic stretching in the morning can make a huge difference in your day. Very simple moves such as neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, side bends and hip rotations can help get your blood flowing and also stimulate the release of endorphins – happy hormones, in your body.
Try to incorporate these 3 morning practices and see how you feel…hopefully you will feel more energised and ready for the day ahead!
