Daily Rituals
There a a few rituals that I try and do every day, but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t manage to do them everyday though. Sometimes life gets in the way, and that’s ok.
So I try and wake up around 7.00am each day, by getting up at the same time everyday helps to regulate your circadian rhythm and aids in a restful nights sleep, Its basically setting your body clock. I get some morning sunlight straight away, even if its a bit overcast. It’s beneficial for boosting the cortisol awakening response, where cortisol should be at It’s highest in the morning then go down throughout the day. Cortisol gets a bad rap, but it’s needed at this time to have an anti inflammatory effect, and it gives us our morning boost. Depending on how much time I have, this can be sitting by a sunny window, a potter in the garden or a quick walk.
I then do 5 to 10 mins of Qi Gong and meditation, I must admit this is one of the hardest things for me to slow down and do, and it’s the first to get dropped if I’m busy, and that’s probably when I need it most! I do feel much better when i’m doing this too.
It’s then time for a hot water with lemon juice to cleanse the body before I have any other food or drink, but make sure you use a straw so the acid doesn’t get to your tooth enamel.
In my morning routine I now use some face oil and gua sha my face, dry body brush to move lymph, and then jump in the shower which I have a cold water blast at the end of to help keep my mitochondria healthy.
Depending on what time i’m working I will normally walk to work as I just love to get outside and get some fresh air. This is definitely a ritual that I love to do. I live in the beautiful Slaithwaite countryside and it’s just such a pleasure to be out and about watching the seasons change.
When I get home from work I have some food. ideally before 8.00pm and I try and put my phone and computer away at this time too, it works better for me if I put my phone away in my bag or in a different room, as if it’s making noise and temping me I’m right back on it. If you really can’t live without your phone at this time I recommend blue light blocking glasses, the light from these devices, makes our brain think it’s morning again and produces cortisol, which we don’t want at this time. We should be winding down ready for bed and melatonin should be rising to get us ready for sleep. This is a good time to have a bath, do some relaxing yoga or read a book before bed ideally between 10.00/11.00pm. Night all, sleep tight.
