Morning Rituals
Browns Valley, California
Everyday is a chance for a new beginning, but many of dread the thought of getting out of bed. We begin everyday tired, groggy, hesitant to leave our beds and start the day.
As a western society, we are a sleep deprived, caffeine dependent nation.
We spend our days struggling to stay awake, pumping more and more stimulants into our body. When it comes time to go to sleep, however, we find that we are able to do anything but sleep. "How is this even possible?! I've been exhausted all day!" We say to ourselves. Then we proceed to eventually pass out much later than intended and wake up to the same vicious cycle.
Why does this happen?
We have become so detached from our primal circadian rhythm of wake and sleep cycles and dependent on caffeine that our bodies are in a constant state of Sympathetic Stress (Fight or Flight).
Traditionally, we would wake up with the sun and go to sleep with the stars. With our incredible revolution of technology, we are very out of tune and no longer put priority on sleep.
What can we do?
We must prioritize sleep and start our days out on a good note with strong morning rituals.
Aim to do the following within 20 minutes of waking up.
1) First and foremost we must rehydrate our bodies that have not had a drop of water for the length of our slumber (hopefully 7-10 hours).
Leave a bottle or two of filtered water with a pinch of sea salt to drink.
2) Expose yourself to light, preferably sunlight. Light is a signal to our bodies to wake up.
3) Move. Movement is another way to signal our body for the day. After sleeping for many hours, movement will be a welcomed action for your body.
This is not intended to be a workout straight off the jump, but rather light movement such as yoga or walking outside to warm the engine.
Other options:
The mornings can also be a great, quiet time to do things such as meditating or writing. Whether that writing is journaling or planning, it can help to set the intentions for the day.
Try the first three daily and notice how everything falls into place.
Hydrate. Light. Movement.
Simple. Effective. Primal.
Interested in improving your morning rituals and daily routines? Learn more about Holistic Lifestyle Coaching with Rob.