5 Morning Restorative Wellness Rituals
Baby, it’s cold outside. It’s January, and we’re all feeling the effects of winter making us move a little slower. If you are anything like me then you loathe getting out of bed first thing in the morning. According to a recent study conducted by a U.S. bedding company, the average American will spend 36 years or approximately half his or her life lying in bed. Well, that makes me feel not so alone with my love of being between the sheets.
And with all that we’ve overcome over the last several years, I think we’ve earned a little extra rest time. Even superwomen cherish a little snooze. Well, the good news is that you can get your daily transformation hacks going from in between the sheets. We’re showing you the wellness rituals that will get you restored and in a high-vibrancy mood. It’s all happening, and you don’t even have to leave your bed.
Meditate with a Mantra
Meditation is the most obvious choice to get the ultimate zen vibes going. And you don’t even have to open your eyes. Set your phone timer for 15 minutes while staying horizontal. Throw on an eye mask and a few drops of essential oils anywhere you fancy to get even more in the mood. Working with repeating a mantra in your head is like riding a bike with training wheels. There’s no heavy lifting involved. Om is one of my favorites and the most universal mantra. It means ‘It Is, Will Be or To Become’. What better way to start the day than allowing all possibilities to enter? Another beautiful option is Lumen De Lumine which is the chant of the light. It is intended to fill you with brightness and energy making you feel more awake and revitalized.
Write it Down
Getting deep into journaling alongside a lovely, warm matcha latte is my favorite way of starting the morning off right. The positives are endless and include increased self-reflection, greater clarity on goals and dreams, stress reduction, and a deeper gratitude practice resulting in enhanced positivity. You can always start small and build upon your practice as you get more comfortable with writing. Begin with three things you’re grateful for. It can be as simple as the lovely matcha you’re holding in your hand, the sun shining, or the cozy blankets you’re wrapped under. Or you can write about how you’d like your day to unfold and the manifestations you’re currently calling into your life. Go even further and, for each manifestation, write a few reasons down as to why you know you’ll get what your heart desires.
Breathe in Deep
There is a ton of evidence out there that breathwork really does make the dream work. It can be an especially powerful tool for connecting to your body, tapping into your emotions, promoting self-awareness, and increasing mental focus. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a style of intentional breathwork based on pranayama breathing exercises that work to bring a state of calm to your mind and body. Lie on your back, place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise, for a count of four. Hold your breath for another count of seven. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose for a count of eight. Focus on making your breaths slow and controlled. Repeat as many times as desired.
Boost your Brain
Starting your morning with a positive and constructive activity like reading can set a great tone for the rest of the day. Exposure to diverse ideas, perspectives, and stories through reading can stimulate your creativity. It opens your mind to new possibilities and encourages innovative thinking. It's also an excellent way to acquire new knowledge. Whether you're reading fiction or non-fiction, you can gain insights into different subjects, cultures, and experiences. I always keep both a fiction and self-improvement book on tap on my Kindle so I can dive straight into whatever’s calling to me in the morning. Side note, if you don’t already know this hack make sure to check out your local library’s online collection. I joined the New York Public E-Library years ago and get 95% of the books I read from there. It’s a book lover’s goldmine.
Stretch it Out
Morning stretches in bed provide a perfect opportunity for mindful movement as a slow reconnection and gentle engagement of your body. Stretching stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones as well as a sense of greater presence and awareness. This can lead to an increased sense of energy and alertness in the morning. Your muscles and joints can become stiff during sleep, especially as you age. Stretching helps ease this stiffness and prepares your body for daily activities. It helps maintain and improve joint flexibility, allowing you to move more freely while also preventing and alleviating common aches and pains associated with muscle tightness. You can set a timer and move your body intuitively for about 10 minutes. Or find a video on YouTube if you want someone to follow along.
