My Morning On A Plate

How do you start your day? Hitting snooze on your alarm, or leaping energetically out of bed? Journaling or gulping a cold smoothie on the way out of the door? Modern living and digital distractions can leave us feeling depleted each morning. Creating a self-care routine can be pretty transformative.  My morning routine helps me stay grounded, energized and also helps my skin look fresh.

7 am - MEDITATION & HOT WATER

I wake up at around 7.am; I have 250 ml of hot water to help jumpstart the digestion. I then do a 30-45 minute cosmic meditation, in which I envision light entering my chakras and recite a sacred mantra, which was given to me by my guru. The sounds from the mantras create vibrations which help heal the body, clear pathways and enhance manifestation abilities. Just 20 minutes twice daily has the potential to regulate cortisol—the stress hormone—and increase serotonin, reducing stress and feelings of anxiety.
 

I do a 20-minute anti-ageing exercise sequence called the 5 Tibetan Rites (also often referred to the fountain of youth!) Our glandular system governs youth and vitality. The Tibetan five rites are said to normalize hormonal imbalances in the body by stimulating the energy flow in our glandular system. I then do 12 sets of salutations, followed by a 5-minute kundalini breathing sequence.  I rarely skip them, but when I do, I feel a dip in my energy levels, and my skin doesn't look as fresh. 

9 am  - FILL UP WITH FIBRE

I have one tablespoon of ground flax seeds with a cup of hot water. Flax seeds are with a lot of fibre which helps get rid of toxins in the system. I also have a bowl of papaya. Papayas contain the digestive enzyme papain, which breaks down proteins into building blocks, including amino acids.


10 am - ENERGIZE WITH AYURVEDIC VITALITY TONIC

Four to five times a week, I have a warm almond and date tonic. Both almonds and dates are considered ojas-building. Ojas is the term used in Ayurveda for vitality. If a person has healthy skin, strong immunity, and "juiciness," Ayurveda says they have good ojas.  In the summers I sometimes alternate the tonic with a spiced room temperature green smoothie and in the winters with a warm oats porridge. However, if weight loss is your primary goals, I would only recommend the almond and date tonic as a special treat or when your feeling depleted.

Liquids and fruits until lunch! I  usually recommend consuming warm herbal teas or water, porridge, fruits and nourishing tonics in the morning hours. It's easy on the digestive system and doesn't interfere with the body's cleansing process which goes on until noon. The benefits include cellular repair, longevity, mental clarity and weight loss. 

Do you have a morning routine? does it help you feel energized and productive?