8 DAILY MORNING RITUALS TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD
EASY FAIL PROOF RITUALS TO GET THE BEST KICK START FOR YOUR DAY
TEXT JULIA RESTOIN ROITFELDPHOTOS Julia Restoin Roitfeld AND CAROLINA PALMGREN
“THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE IS IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO THE QUALITY OF YOUR HABITS AND RITUALS.”
The morning is when we set the tone for the rest of our day. It’s crucial to establish healthy morning rituals, as it sets the tone for the day. It also helps re-energize, builds focus and eliminates stress caused by the chaotic morning rush. So set the alarm before everyone else in the house wakes up, make this time just for yourself, and follow some of my favorite morning rituals to start the day in the best mood as possible!
1- MAKE YOUR BED
When your mood disorder gets the best of you, it can be hard to do those things that keep your home feeling “homey.” A depressed person can easily create a depressed home. When you don’t make your bed in the morning, slowly the untidiness accumulates. Clothes carpet the floor, dishes fill the sink, and soon your mood “sinks,” too. Keep in mind it takes less than one minute to make your bed, and this simple act may help ward off hours of lowered mood.
That said, sometimes I have to wait until my boyfriend is awake!
2 -SMILE MEDITATION
For 5 minutes, sit on your sofa, or a chair, with your eyes shut. Focus on your breathing with a slight smile on your face. Sit in a chair where you won’t be disturbed, and close your eyes. Focus your attention on nothing more than the inhale and exhale of your breath, and smile. It’s as simple as that. Vary this exercise by moving your attention from your breath to the physical sensation of smiling.
I love to make this even more of a ritual by burning some incense or Palo Alto wood to really feel submerged into a relaxing space.
3-START A JOURNAL
Writing everyday what you are grateful for will set your intentions for the rest of the day.
4-EXERCISE 20 MINUTES EACH MORNING
Exercise for at least 20 minutes. Make it enjoyable, and do something you like. I love going for a walk or a run and then getting my coffee, and plugged into my favorite Spotify playlist or podcast..
If indoor, I am obsessed by The Class by Taryn Tooney, or a Just Dance competition with my daughter.
The benefits of exercise are enormous; it’ll get those “feel good” chemicals pumping in your brain.
5-END YOUR SHOWER WITH COLD WATER
Cold showers increases your endorphins, (or the feel-good hormones in your brain. )Endorphins can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cold water may also decrease cortisol, a stress-inducing hormone.
And lastly, it increases your blood circulation, and tone your skin!
6-GET DRESSED UP!
7-HAVE PROTEIN FOR BREAKFAST
For breakfast, include protein and keep sugar intake low. Your brain needs amino acids, because neurotransmitters are made up of protein. (Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that motivate or sedate, focus or frustrate. Their complex interaction is what shifts your mood and literally “changes your mind.”) Eating the right breakfast gives your brain nutrients it needs to jump-start a good day.
When I have a bit more time, I like to indulge in fried eggs, and a side of avocado, with some Mexican hot sauce. I even sometimes go the extra mile recreating one of my favorite recipes, Jack’s Wife Freda’s Shakshuka.
When less time ahead, I make myself a smoothie, with spinach, half a banana, ginger, Puori Vegan protein, Workshop Essential Greens, and the beauty Chef body Glow.
8-clean up your desk(top)
Many studies show that an organised space allows us to focus on doing our job more effectively as clutter causes stress.
