Food For Thought 4/5

What’s your morning routine?

Good question…..mine has changed greatly over the years. I have found there to be big benefits from creating small habit(s) for myself first thing in the morning. The Sanskrit word for morning routine is Dinacharya. I first learned this while I was immersed in yoga teacher training. I would get up every morning and drink warm water, then sit for a meditation and yoga practice. I would also leave myself time to eat a simple nourishing meal. This was impactful on how I felt and how I treated others I came into contact with throughout the day. 

I don’t believe there is a specific morning routine that is better than another, I just believe that it is wise to give yourself some time to take in the morning, and experience some peace before the day begins.

Things I have done or still do over the years to start the day

  • Glass of warm water (sometimes with lemon and seas salt)

  • Morning meditation

  • Walk outside

  • Pull oracle cards

  • Morning pages journaling

  • Clear the air with a smudge stick

  • Breath work

  • Yoga or a sweaty workout of some kind

  • Gardening

  • Celery Juice

  • Aloe Vera Juice

  • Joint freeing exercise

  • Dance to music

  • Tongue scraping and oil pulling

  • Scalp and face guasha

  • Cold shower

One of the things I have noticed over the years of perfecting and experimenting with mourning routine is that this time of day is really great for hydrating the body. Drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day is great but the later we chug water the greater chance there is for it to disrupt our sleep when having to pee at night. Priming the body early with hydration is key to give the organs ideal working conditions for the day ahead. Even though our bodies are incredibly smart and intuitive they need support in the form of hydration. When we are hydrated our sugar cravings are under control, inflammation in the body is lower, and the nutrients we take in from our food are assimilated more efficiently.

Before you jump into a hydrating drink mix I recommend drinking a glass of either tepid water or warm water. This will kickstart digestion and help with going to the bathroom.

Here are three options for hydrating under time constraints

  1. (I have no time) Basic morning hydration

-electrolyte mix, I like Pique teas BT Fountain or make your own

-filtered raw coconut water

2. (I have a little more time) Advanced morning hydration

-hand squeezed lemon/lime with homemade electrolyte mix or sea salt  

3. (I have a lot of time) Fancy morning hydration

-Celery juice on it’s own

-Elissa Goodman’s tonic: 4oz Aloe vera juice, 4oz coconut kefir or coconut water, 4oz filtered water, 2- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, lemon or lime juiced

 
 
Wellness, Food & Recipes, Food for thoughtAnna JacksonManeland