A meaningful morning routine can change the course of your entire day. Don’t underestimate the power of little changes in that first hour! Yogi and plant-based health coach, Claire Grieve, who helps busy little bees like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stay active, healthy and strong specializes in making yoga as accessible as possible. Grieve’s comprehensive routine is full of simple morning rituals will help you to wake up with ease and maintain high energy levels throughout the day. Pick up just a few of these tips or try them all…
Like you, I’ve had days where I woke up feeling heavy and groggy — as though I just did not want to take on the day. These days, though, mornings like this are far and few between. My yoga practice, both on and off the mat, has taught me about how to create energy naturally every morning. Sure, I still have some slower mornings, but incorporating these morning practices into my routine has truly changed the lives of myself and of my clients. Try adding these simple morning rituals to the beginning of your day — one by one so they don’t feel overwhelming — to feel energized and vibrant upon waking.
establish a bedtime routine. | If you could do just one thing to add more energy and vibrancy in your life, it would be to get more sleep. Sleep restores both our bodies and minds. Try to get eight hours of quality sleep each night — this pre-bedtime yoga routine helps you unwind and fall into a deep, restful sleep.
drink lemon water every morning. | Water is another non-negotiable for starting your day on the right foot. Drink a large glass of water when you first wake up, and add lemon to get digestion moving. Carry a large bottle with you throughout the day and make sure to drink it all.
start your day screen-free. | Turn off your devices and screens 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed and wind down the natural way — with a cup of tea, a book or a meditation. In the morning, try to hold off getting on your phone for the first 30 minutes, instead spend the time doing something that makes you happy. Journaling, yoga, meditation and reading are some activities I enjoy during this time.
let the sun wake you. | Open your blinds before you go to bed and try waking with the sunrise. The sun is nature’s alarm clock and will wake you in a gentle rhythm that will feel more natural than a beeping phone.
Meditate for ten minutes. | The benefits of meditation are truly life changing. Try meditating for just ten minutes before you start the day. This practice will help you set the tone of the day from a place of calm clarity. If you are having a hard time getting into that space, try thinking of meditation as a mini-vacation for your mind.
fit in some light movement. | Starting your day with even a brief Sun Salutation practice will help energize your body and mind first thing in the morning. This moving meditation will get your blood pumping and improve your concentration and mood for the day ahead.
create a morning mantra. | Create an empowering mantra, look in the mirror and repeat it back to yourself with confidence. Pick a mantra that will inspire you and motivate you for the day.
learn to make a morning smoothie. | Ditch the coffee and make yourself a healthy morning smoothie instead. Drinking a dose of healthy fruits, vegetables and superfoods in an easy-to-digest form will give you a burst of nutrients and energy first thing in the morning.