4 Morning Rituals For Wellness

December 9, 2020

There are many ways to stay grounded and be well during times of uncertainty – practicing yoga, getting enough sleep, and spending time outdoors – but one strategy that takes little effort and is highly effective is to create and follow daily routines. Morning rituals, in particular, are a good way to start the day on a positive note.

A consistent morning routine can re-energize you, help you focus, and minimize the stress that comes from rushing to get the day started. Morning rituals can be as simple as having an alarm set, a healthy breakfast, and a few quiet moments before starting with work (or childcare, or whatever typically comprises your day). Here are a few specific rituals you might incorporate into your morning to set a peaceful baseline for your day:

4 Morning Rituals

1. Meditation

Meditation doesn’t have to be a long process, and there’s really no wrong way to do it. It is simply sitting and counting out slow, even breaths, with a goal of watching – not controlling or stopping – your thoughts. Take a short amount of time every morning, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and create the mental space you need to tackle your day.

2. Morning Yoga Practice

You may already have an exercise routine in the morning that helps kickstart your physical body. Practicing yoga in the morning offers not only physical benefits but helps you begin your day both rejuvenated and relaxed at the same time. At Uptown Yoga, we offer 6 a.m. classes on weekday mornings for our true early risers. If you prefer to complete your morning rituals at home, our online studio includes a library of recorded classes to choose from, including everything from meditation to deep stretch to flow classes.

3. Take a Walk

Dog owners aren’t the only people who can spend time outside in the morning. Even without a pet to pull or a stroller to push, taking a few minutes to get outside, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the quiet before the daily rush is another way to set a healthy tone for your day.

4. Journal

Journaling practice allows you to express your internal thoughts and feelings and can be cathartic and lend focus to your day. Like meditation, there’s no wrong way to journal – you could write down your thoughts, your goals for the day, or even one simple intention you’d like to set and follow in the hours ahead.

Practice Daily

As with any new routine, morning rituals should be practiced until they become part of the lifestyle. You might observe subtle changes in the cadence of your day that eventually become much greater, positive shifts that impact your life. Our classes at Uptown Yoga, both in-person and online, are available to you as part of a healthy start to your morning. If you have questions about our studio or our practice, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].