My Morning Routine For A Great Day

Do you have a morning routine that you really enjoy or do you just jump out of bed and rush to work having brekkie and coffee on the go?

For me, my morning routine has a huge impact on how I feel the rest of the day.
I have only started doing this during the last year and it's been great what it difference it has made. I have shorter versions of my routine, for days where I have to start work super early, which helps to keep it up even when there is less time. Below is my current Winter routine.
There are so many other great things to incorporate into your routine, like Dry Skin Brushing, Cold Water Therapy, Journaling etc. Experiment with what works for you.

I feel more mindful and focused, less stressed and calmer in general. It has also improved my overall health in many ways.

So, here is how I start my day:
Alarm rings, I stretch out roll out bed and get into the kitchen.

1. Oil Pulling
I use organic coconut oil, about 1 spoonful and swish around in my mouth for up to 15min.
If you haven't heard about it before, it's worth looking into. It's very good for your gums and teeth and has numerous other benefits. Once I am done I spit the oil in the bin (it can clog up drains otherwise!) and clean my tongue with a tongue scraper and toothbrush. In the yogic tradition, it's said to clean out the mucus from the back of the throat, so don't be afraid to brush all the way to the root of your tongue to bring it all up and out. (I know, it sounds a little gross, but that's why it's good to get it all out, instead of swallowing it!)

2. Lemon Water
While swishing the oil around in my mouth, I boil some water and squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a cup, I add some filtered room temperature water and some of the hot water, so it has a comfortable drinking temperature. I sip on this while preparing some things for breakfast and setting up my space for yoga. Drinking lemon water in the morning is very good to support and detoxify your liver, it helps digestion, boosts your immune system, is great for the skin and collagen production, helps your metabolism....I could go on and on, it really is something SO simple and inexpensive that has such a great impact your health.

3. Yoga & Meditation
I personally love to practice Kundalini Yoga, I usually stick to the same routine for 40days and then change it up, however, I have a shorter version that just consists of a quick warm up for days where I have to start work super early. This really wakes me up and energises me. After the exercise, I do a deep relaxation followed by a meditation. If you are very new to Yoga, it can be a great idea to have a video guiding you. I have a subscription in Gaia and often use this when I practice together with my husband. Depending on how much time I have I shorten or lengthen my exercise and meditation time.

4. Shower
I only use organic & toxin-free shower gels, Shampoo & Conditioner.
( I might do a separate post about my favourites)
I use coconut oil or any beautiful natural oil blend on the damp skin and massage it in before towelling off, this way the oil is able to lock in the moisture and absorbs better into the skin.

5. Breakfast
Our everyday breakfast in porridge made from Organic Rolled Oats and Rice Milk. I love to add some goji berries and soaked chia seeds to it. We then top it with seasonal fruit, mostly apple, banana & pears and drizzle with maple syrup.
Dave has a coffee with organic (non-gmo) soy milk and I have a Dandy Chai with soy milk.
We both take a wholefoods multivitamin ( I love the MyKind Organics best, all their supplements are sourced from whole foods, they have no nasty additives and are vegan) in the morning and a teaspoon of Maca powder. Our dog, Dalston, gets a few pieces of apple as a treat while we eat our breakfast and then a bowl of his fresh organic food from Sassy Treats.

6. Getting Dressed, putting makeup on and getting ready for the day ahead. One of us walks Dalston to the park for some puppy playtime (usually me, when I work from home and on days when I am off early to a shoot or wedding it's David) and then my work day starts.
I try to not check my phone/emails until then.

How do you like to start your day? Do you do any of the above?