For any ritual to become habitual, it has to be something
you look forward to and consistently enjoy. Experiment until you find your
groove and switch it up with the seasons, weather, and how much time you have.
Here’s a buffet of 19 steps for morning and evening bliss
that will drastically change your life. Remember, take what you like, and leave
the rest!
The
Morning Buffet:
1.
Practice gratitude.
Starting the day with gratitude and intention will make your
entire morning better and seep into the rest of your day. (This works great in
the evening, too.) Write down five things for which you are grateful. It seems
simple, but it’s a game changer. Focus on the good; abundance breeds abundance.
2. Try
oil pulling.
Sometimes I oil pull, sometimes I don’t. I used to be real
dogmatic about this, beating myself up if I didn’t do it for one day. I try to
make sure I do it at least a few times a week, but I don’t stress if I’m
traveling or have to be up super early.
3.
Drink warm lemon water.
Hydration first thing in the morning will drastically change
your day. We all know we should drink water, but we’re busy and we forget. So
at least hydrate in the morning—that way if all else fails later in the day, at
least you’ll have done that.
4.
Meditate.
Taking a few moments to cleanse the mind can be as
beneficial as taking a shower. Perhaps just listen to a favorite song, close
your eyes, and breathe in the morning. Maybe it’s one minute, maybe it’s 20,
just do it.
5. Get
moving!
Moving your body first thing in the morning will be
energizing and signal to your body it’s time to be awake. This doesn’t need to
be a tough workout each day; it could be as simple as a few yoga poses, some
stretching or twists, a brisk walk outside acquainting yourself to the
temperature of the air, or just dancing to your favorite song.
6. Eat
breakfast.
Make breakfast a mindful practice regardless of what you’re
eating. Eat whatever you feel like, but take the time to sit and enjoy it,
because nourishing yourself for a successful day is key. Eating on-the-go is
unavoidable sometimes, but as much as possible take time to be present and
enjoy.
7. Get
dressed.
Sounds simple, but for me putting on real clothes (not just
yoga clothes), even if you’re working from home will automatically make you
feel more put together and help you be more productive.
8. Make
your bed like you're Martha Stewart.
Really get into it with the throw-pillows and enjoying every
little part of it. I do this every morning and this practice reminds me
everyday to approach everything with a “beginner’s mind.” The sets the tone for
the rest of my day and I try to infuse that same intention into every act.
9.
Journal.
Getting the thoughts you wake up with out of your mind
clears space so you have room for new creative ones. Whether it’s fears you
woke up with, an abundance of ideas, or a funky dream, getting it out on paper
is simple yet revolutionary. The Artist’s Way suggests three pages every
morning, just write and see what comes out.
10.
Make your first task a creative one.
When you begin your work day, try to start with the task
that you’re looking forward to the most. Perhaps sending an email to someone
you’re mentoring or answering comments on your blog.
The
Evening Buffet:
1.
Prepare.
By getting ahead, packing your lunch, setting out your
clothes or creating a to-do list, you’ll set yourself up for success and not
have to rush in the morning, leaving time for other things (ie. from the above
list).
2.
Light candles.
There is something really soothing and relaxing about
candles that can really calm us down, and by dimming the lights, it signals to your
body that it's bedtime.
3. Give
yourself an electronic curfew.
Set a time a few hours before bed when you won’t check
email, Instagram, or even TV. In addition to the blue light from those gadgets
being stimulating and messing with your sleep patterns, it’s so easy to get
sucked into work or emails if you’re on your phone, which can cause extra
stress or keep you up late.
4.
Treat yourself to a late night snack.
This can be a good idea, especially if you had an early
dinner and it’s a few hours before bed. Going to bed starving is never fun.
Just have something that digests super easily; chia pudding is the perfect
evening snack and I’ve even read that chia has been known to induce lucid
dreaming. (Nice!)
5.
Listen to music.
Music can calm you down or amp you up. Choose the right
tunes, something relaxing that you love and that will wind you down. I listen
to the same album nightly and it's a signal to my body that it’s evening and
time to chill-out.
6. Read.
While watching TV can be super-stimulating and may
negatively affect your dreams, reading a book is an ideal way to fill the hours
before bed. Preferably something so you’re not thinking too hard, but able to
mindlessly enjoy the writing and get lost in a good story.
7. Make
washing up like a spa date.
I used to dread getting ready for bed and I'd put it off
until the last moment, until I changed my mind and decided to enjoy this
routine. Now I brush my teeth with intention, cleanse my face in a soothing,
massaging way with beautiful smelling natural products, and put a warm towel
over my skin, which simultaneously pulls out toxins and calms the mind. On some
nights, taking a warm bath or shower will really do the trick.
8. Make
a nourishing nightcap.
End the evening with a bedtime tonic sans alcohol and
caffeine, perhaps right in your bed. Enjoy some warm water with lemon, ginger
(helps with digestion) and cayenne, chamomile tea, or warm almond milk with
vanilla, cinnamon, and stevia. Something you like that will warm you up and calm
you down.
9.
Write a To-Feel list rather than a To-Do list.
Post a Comment