The morning is usually viewed with two different attitudes – one of energy and enthusiasm OR one of heaviness and despair.

I know these descriptions are a tad extreme BUT honestly – are you a morning person?

If the answer is yes, then get on with yo badass self, keep doing what you doing!

If the answer is no (I fall into this category), then this blog post is here to create change and motivate a new morning routine!

Below are 5 Ways to Invigorate Your Morning based on the ancient study of Ayurveda (the sister science of yoga).

We don’t have time to explain what that foreign sounding word means BUT you can read about it here!

You will learn how to perform each step, the benefits, and what is needed. Each step can be researched in-depth so please, keep researching and just let this be an inspiration to learn more & try something new!

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1. Drink Warm Lemon Water

This is the first step and for a smart reason. Lukewarm water will set the body in motion by awakening the gastrointestinal tract while lemons help loosen the toxins in the digestive tract. It is believed this first action of digestion will set the tone for the entire day, so don’t skip this step!

What To Do –

• Use 1/2 a lemon every morning for this ritual.
• Boil water on the stove top or microwave a coffee mugs worth of water. The goal is for the water to be lukewarm, not too hot or cold.
• Squeeze 1/2 a lemon into the prepared water.
• Only put the lemon rind in the water if it’s organic or has been thoroughly cleaned.
• Drink up and enjoy this natural boost of energy!

Benefits –

• Improves digestion
• Boosts the immune system
• Hydrates the body
• Reduces inflammation
• Alkalizes the body
• Freshens the breath
• Boosts brain power &  energy
• An alternative to caffeine in the morning

What You Need –

• Anywhere that lemons are sold (that one was easy)!

2. Hydrate & Awaken Your Senses

We all know that feeling – dry mouth, oily face, and puffy eyes. Yup, it’s not pretty and it’s never enjoyable. Here’s how to quickly bounce back from that morning fog and awaken the senses.

What To Do –

• Splash cold water on the face, rinse out the mouth, gently rub and rinse the eyeballs, then wet the ears and rub with thumb and pointer finger. This is a simple to-do and yet incredibly beneficial. Trust me and just try it (pretty please)!

Benefits –

• Disperses stale morning heat
• Cleanses and removes Pitta energy (read about this here).
• Hydrates the skin.
• Awakens the senses.
• Balances all of the Doshas (read about this here).

What You Need –

• Water. And a sink to splash around in!

3. Use a Tongue Scraper

This is a more well-known step with many people already doing it on a daily basis. It seems as though – we were either taught to do this from a young age, listened to the dentist very well, learned from another source (Ayurveda and Yoga), or it’s completely unheard of. As usual, I fell into the latter option with having never heard of it and then learning from another source down the road. It’s all good though, my tongue is now a happy, clean camper.

This is a very invigorating step that removes the build up of toxins, balances the taste buds, and creates a clear path to connect the mind and body. **In Ayurveda, the oral cavity is considered the main gateway between the mind/ body connection.

What To Do –

• Do this before brushing the teeth or before having breakfast.
• Gently scrape the cleaner from back to front – 7 to 14 strokes.
• Do this daily to remove toxins and help detoxify the body. (**The digestive tract works overnight to detoxify itself which can cause a leftover residue/ coating on the tongue. This helps to rid them and make sure they’re not reabsorbed.)

Benefits –

• Removes toxins and aids in detoxifying the body.
•  Improves the ability to taste which eliminates the need for sugar, salt, and excessive spices.
• Freshens the breath.
• Can aid in eating smaller portions due to heightened sense of taste.

What You Need –

• Ayurveda practitioners recommend a tongue scraper made from gold, silver, tin, copper, or brass.

4. Dry Brush the Entire Body

This step is my favorite to-do in the morning, mmmmm it just feels absolutely amazing! It’s one of those habits that once it’s incorporated into “the routine”, you won’t ever turn back. Trust me.

Many women do this because it can aid in diminishing cellulite and create a smoother appearance. But, it’s important to keep in mind that every person’s body makeup is different and we all respond to different methods. I lead with this because it’s not a “get rid of cellulite” gimmick. It truly has health benefits beyond vanity purposes.

What To Do –

• Strip down to just your skin and find a comfortable place to brush the entire body. (**I do this in my bathroom, using the toilet as a step stool.)
• Start at the feet and work your way towards the heart. Always brushing towards the heart is very important.
• Create circular motions when brushing over joints – ankles, knees, and elbows.
• Use long strokes for the rest of the body – legs, belly, chest, arms, back, and neck.
  • Do both legs, the entire stomach and chest, the arms towards the heart, and then the back.
  • The back will require a bit of shoulder mobility. Feel free to do upwards strokes for the lower back and downwards strokes for the upper back.
• Once you get the motions down, this can easily take only 5 minutes!
• Looking for a more in-depth tutorial on the where, when, why & how? Check out my ultimate how-to!

Benefits –

• Exfoliates and tightens the skin.
• Improves digestion and circulation.
• Cleanses the lymph system.
• Soothes the mind.
• Can reduce cellulite.
• Reduces the need for body lotion.

What You Need –

• These can usually be found at TJ Maxx, Ross, Bed, Bath and Beyond, or any health food type store.

5. Do a Self-Massage with Oil

And lastly, it’s time for some serious self-love. Ayurveda practitioners recommend using an oil that compliments your Dosha. There are three Dosha’s that makeup our mental and physical characteristics and people can be a mix of one, two, or all three.

Learning the Dosha’s is really interesting and sheds a lot of light on our tendencies. It’s an eye opener to say the least!

Anyway, here’s the recommendations for each Dosha type:

1. Vata Dosha – sesame or almond oil
2. Pitta Dosha – coconut or sunflower oil
3. Kapha Dosha – safflower oil

* Jojoba Oil is good for all three doshas.

What To Do –

• Research which oil matches your Dosha.
• Warm the oil to a comfortable temperature, not too hot. Do this step before stripping down and have it ready to go. Do this after dry brushing and before showering.
• Apply warm oil  to the entire body, choosing whether to include the scalp and face. (**I have both sensitive skin and thin hair so I skip that option.)
• Massage the entire body with oil using the same technique as dry brushing: start from the feet, always work towards the heart, use circular motions on joints, and long strokes for everything else.
• If time permits, wait 5 – 10 minutes before showering to let the oil permeate into the skin.
• Take a warm bath or shower, taking extra care that it’s not too hot or too cold.
• Use mild soap on “strategic” areas only, it’s not necessary to vigorously scrub the entire body. Just the nooks and crannies!
• Towel dry off by blotting the skin and being gentle.

Benefits –

• Encourages stability, warmth, and self-love.
• Nourishes the body.
• Lubricates joints.
• Increases circulation.
• Stimulates internal organs.
• Eliminates impurities in the body.
• Moves the lymph and aids in detox.
• Calms the nerves.

What You Need –

• For Vatta – Sesame or Almond Oil
• For Pitta  – Coconut or Sunflower Oil
• For Kapha – Safflower Oil
• For all Doshas – Jojoba Oil

What are your morning rituals?

What inspires & motivates you to get out of bed and greet the day?

Please comment below with your favorite morning to-dos so we can all know and share one another’s best practices.

Until next time – xoxo.