Morning Magic

As we usher in the new year, I’m going to take it as an opportunity to set some new routines for myself to power up my day. Here’s a short 10-15 minute routine you can do right when you wake up to invigorate your mind and body, and center you for the rest of the day.

After waking up:

  • 3 rounds of 30 pumps, kapalabhati breathing, gradually over time working up to 200 pumps in total
  • Seated side stretches
  • Seated twists
  • Seated forward fold
  • Cat-cow (5-10 rounds)
  • Surya Namaskar A (5 rounds)

I’ve also found a lot of calmness from taking a few minutes in the morning to verbalise gratitudes. You can think it, say it out loud to yourself, or write it in a journal if that helps you. A guiding question I keep in mind is, “What are 5 things I’m grateful for today?“. This can be anything from being grateful for health, being grateful for a person, being grateful for waking up etc. Think small, think big, be grateful for any little thing that makes you feel contentment 🙂

Finally, I end off with some affirmations or mantras I repeat to myself. They may sound silly to you but often times, we don’t repeat kind words to ourselves as much as we do to our friends and family. You can close your eyes and be still, or look at yourself in the mirror, and repeat, “I am safe, I am healthy, and I am enough.” These words move me and may not move you, so you may need to reflect on yourself and look for an affirmation that works for you.

I hope this little guide to morning magic helps someone out there, and let’s have a great 2021! Namaste ✌️