5 Ways to Start Your Day Off Right
When I found yoga, the only time I would ever be up at 5:30a or 6a would have been because I was still up partying from the night before. It’s still bizarre to me that in just a few short months, I would rather go to bed early so that I could get up to hit a yoga class… I didn’t quit being the party girl overnight, or entirely if I’m being honest, but there are a few things that have helped me stay balanced over the years.
Of all I have learned from the countless classes, workshops, courses and trainings I’ve attended, these are the first 5 things, that no matter what, I do my best to practice. I’d be lying if I said I practiced this routine every morning, but it’s the routine that if I do, I know I will be able to greet the coming day with ease.
Lemon water, then some more water. Did you know while sleeping, the processes our bodies go through naturally dehydrate us? Not only does a glass of lemon water upon waking rehydrate your body, it helps promote healthy weight loss and aids in digestion. I enjoy this Vitamin C rich bevie either at room temperature or hot for those colder mornings. Then, for good measure, I have another glass. It doesn’t have to have lemon, but I’m always looking for it to add to my water! Funny fact: when I was living in Nicaragua, the first thing I would want when visiting the US was yellow lemon water (we only had limes) then, Pho, duh! <3
“Rise. Pee. Meditate.” Meditation helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as, increase one’s concentration and self-awareness. This is one tool I strayed away from for the longest time because it seemed so obscure to me at first. This is also the one I’ve found the most growth from sticking with. One of my first teachers on this journey, Frank Markowski, taught us to RPM everyday and it would be an invaluable part of our health care routine before we knew it. He said to take a seat and then to ask ourselves these three questions: Am I comfortable? Am I relaxed? Is my spine straight? If you’re like me and meditation seems very foreign to you, don’t be intimidated and don’t forget we all have to begin somewhere! There are many different forms of meditation. I invite you to start small and try as many styles as it takes until one fits. Then, slowly start to add on time. Let go of your excuses, sit the f*&k down and just do it.
Then, it’s time for my asana practice. Yoga increases strength, flexibility, awareness, lung capacity and the flow of energy within the body. It also decreases the body’s muscle tension, risk of injury, blood pressure and heart rate. My practice varies depending on what else is going on in my life. Now that I’m living on a farm, my lifestyle is very physically demanding. To bring my body back to equanimity, I’ve mostly been practicing restorative and yin yoga. That’s much more passive than say when I was living teaching full-time on the beach. I needed a more athletic practice like ashtanga to stay balanced. After sitting in meditation, you’ll usually have a pretty clear idea of what your body needs. GIVE IT THAT. Remember it doesn’t matter what it looks like, it matters what it feels like. There are a ton of resources online and studios across the country. Carve out 5 mins, 30 mins, 2 hours, whatever you can! Then allow yourself to be fully immersed in mindful breath and movement.
Next, it’s smoothie time. FINALLY, some damn food! (I try to leave at least 12 hours between my last meal the night before and my first meal of the day for intermittent fasting.) You know how some people are cranky if they don’t get their coffee in the morning? I’m the same way about my smoothie! I load it with vitamin, nutrient and protein rich fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. This helps to kick start my metabolism and begin my day with a full cup (Mahalo, Moorey-Margaret <3.) The seasonal fruits and veggies varies depending on where I am in the world, but the recipe stays pretty much the same. 1-2 bananas, cup of berries/other fruit, handful of spinach/kale, scoop of Vega 1 vegan protein powder (If I’m out or I don’t have access to some: I’ll add almond/peanut butter, chia/hemp seeds and cashews,) all blended with some coconut water or almond milk. YUMMM! I challenge you to get creative, add some ginger or mint! Experiment with different concoctions and ENJOY!
To tie it all together, I journal. I have found it very valuable to write down any awarenesses I have come to throughout the morning. This allows for me to detach emotionally to the realization. I can then decide if it’s worthy of exploration, if not yet, it’s always there to come back to. To keep a light heart, I ALWAYS write down at least ten things I’m grateful for. Sometimes my entries feature goals and To-Do Lists, others it’s doodles and pictures. Whatever is in your head and lies on your heart, this is a safe place to get it out.
I invite you to implement these into your morning routine. Get up a little earlier if you’re pressed for time or don’t turn on your TV as soon as you get up. Some days it’ll flow naturally, other days you’ll have to fight yourself to get through it. Know that there is power in ritual. As life has its’ ups and downs, you’ll be able to watch how you react and respond to its’ ebbs and flows. Somedays this will take 20 mins, others it will last 3 hours. Let go of expectations and have compassion for yourself. Simply, show up and watch how these five ways to Live Your Yoga will help your flourish off of your mat.