5 nurturing ways to start your morning

For the past years I have dedicated some time to find a good balance in the mornings so that the rest of the day can be joyful and full of motivation all along. If the body feels good and in tune, the day will be too.

There are three key points that I think of when it comes to balance: the body, the mind and the soul. If you nurture the body with a clear mind and place an intention for the soul, your day might bring you more joy than you can think of. 

For this, I picked the five things that have worked great for me and for the people that I have shared this with. 

1. LEGS UP

   • “Legs up” is the best way to stretch the body gently after you wake up. This is something that you can do on the floor, on the mat or even on your bed if your the kind that snoozes the alarm a few times.

   • Putting your legs up against the wall releases tension from the lumbar and creates a stretch to the spinal cord, bringing space between the disc bones. Some numbness may occur on the feet the first few times because your body isn’t accustomed to being inverted. This means that the blood from the feet is flowing back to the brain; refreshing your circulatory system. This can be done in 15 min.

2. BREATHING

   • “Breathing” is what keeps us alive and reminding ourselves to breathe has become a task. The more we breathe, the more oxygen goes to the brain and more neural pathways are being created; which means more synapses and highways for clearer information flow. While you have your legs up you can do breathing exercises that will connect the body with the mind and bring conscious feelings to the surface. 

   • You can place a hand over your stomach or chest and feel it rising when you inhale, that can show you how deep your inhales are and how much your lungs are expanding. Look for holding the breaths for 4 seconds and then exhale slowly, repeat this 5 to 10 times or as long as you want. You can also extend the amount of time you hold the breaths; that will bring other great sensations to the body. The more you connect to your breath, the more engaged your brain is and the greater the health benefits.

3. SOAKED ALMONDS

   • “Soaked almonds” was also life changing for me and especially my digestive system. I adopted this great morning habit around 6 years ago and now I take my almonds with me wherever I go. Almonds have a great nutritive content and if soaked in water overnight, they are more effective to the body. 

   • In a few words, the almond skin is an enzyme inhibitor, as you soak them it activates the nut for the body to absorb the protein, vitamins and minerals. The almond sets the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach making it a great digestive booster.

   • In a cup, place 1 almond per 10lbs of your ideal weight. 130lbs = 13 almonds. Cover with water and leave standing for 8 hours minimum, you can add up to 3 days of almonds, 72 hours of soaking max. After you wake up, grab your almonds and bring them to join your legs up morning routine. 

4. WARM WATER WITH LEMON

   • “Warm water with lemon” is also a great option if you choose not to eat the almonds or don't have any with you that day.

   • Lemon is a magical fruit that cleanses the organs in the morning preparing your body to be in a clean state. Not only is it great for digestion as well, but they boost your immune system by increasing white blood cells. Which in return allows the pH to be alkalized and those defenders (white blood cells) inhibit the bacteria to grow in the body. Get some warm water, splash a lemon and drink it as you wake up. Also, this is great for having before lunch. As it prepares the body for digesting what you eat. 

5. WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?

   • “What are you grateful for ?” is a simple question to remind yourself for the gift of being alive and waking up another day. The practice of being grateful, in the world that we live in today, constantly lowers the greed and brings more appreciation for what we have. Humanity is facing a radical change in history and the more awareness we bring, the more gratitude we find.
     
     When you finish with your morning routine of legs up, breathing exercises, eating the soaked almonds or warm water with lemon; take a second to close your eyes and be grateful for something. Maybe place an intention that will intensify the drive to have a joyful day and the thrive for having a clearer soul-purpose.