Hi to everyone!
In the words of the Dalai Lama,
"An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful..."
The first hour after you wake up is an opportunity to reclaim a commitment to robust health, good thoughts, and vibrant energy. Even if you've had a poor night's sleep, or you consumed too much of the wrong food (or drink) the night before, you can reset your intentions each morning, and step back onto the path.
With that in mind, 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 is an herb, vegetable, or in this case, a fruit that promotes 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!
Squeezing a lemon wedge into your first glass of water in the morning has been shown to be a mood booster too! That sour punch has a sweet psychological aftertaste. So if you're prone to anxiety or depression (clinical or seasonal), I would definitely recommend adding this dose of nature's cheer to your morning drink.
2. Morning Meditation
I talk about meditation a lot because it's an invaluable resource, and it's free and easy. It's changed my life and the lives of millions of people all over the world.
If you don't have a meditation practice yet, I guarantee it will be a game-changer if you start one.
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
Now, you don't need to do advanced yoga poses first thing in the morning (though kudos to you if you do!). Some basic stretches can make a huge difference in your day.
Roll your neck around for half a minute, clockwise and then counterclockwise (or vice versa). Extend your arms straight outward and hold for 20 seconds, to relieve tension in your sides. Put your hands on your hips and do a little side twist in both directions.
These incredibly simple movements help to get your blood flowing and prepare your cells to absorb the nutrients from your breakfast. They also stimulate the release of endorphins -- happy hormones -- in your body!
I hope the 3 practices above help you create a little extra self-care time for yourself!
Stay curious,
Nick Polizzi
Host of Remedy: Ancient Medicine For Modern Illnesses
