Its officially spring. A time of rebirth and new beginnings. You step outside and feel the warmth of the sun and you are instantly inspired, motivated and ready to shake off the heaviness of winter.
Nature is giving you a little nudge to move, breathe deeper, and start fresh. It’s the perfect time to adopt new healthy habits. And mornings, before life’s demands start pulling you in different directions, are the perfect time to set and form new habits.
Start your day with a good morning routine
I’ve adopted several habits that help me start my morning. Once my morning routine is complete, anything else I accomplish is icing on the cake!
Meditation
When I first wake up, I like to do a short meditation as I lie in bed. A morning meditation will help boost your mood, enhance your awareness, calm your mind and prepare you for the challenges of the day.
Warm lemon water
Next, I drink a glass of warm lemon water, which provides detoxification and natural weight loss. Warm lemon water also helps jumpstart your digestive system, boost your immune system, reduces inflammation and much more.
Tongue scraping
Next, I head to my bathroom. Using a copper tongue scraper removes toxins, improves digestion, keeps your internal organs healthy and improves your sense of taste.
Facial and body massage
Once my tongue is taken care of, I use castor, jojoba and frankincense oil, along with a gua sha and perform self-massage on my face and body. Not only does facial massage feel great, it’s beneficial for circulation, lymphatic drainage, relaxation and also helps to prevent aging and lines.
For my body, I use a dry brush and apply sesame oil to my body. You can take a warm shower afterwards to gently rinse off the oil. Your skin will thank you for the extra moisture and exfoliation.
Neti Pot
Next, I turn to my neti pot for nasal rinsing. This clears out mucus, pollens and irritants from the nasal passages which can improve breathing and reduce sinus pressure.
Coffee & adaptogens
After all of this, it’s coffee time. I normally add a scoop of ashwaganda to my Rasa coffee. Ashwaganda is an adaptogenic herb known to benefit immune, neurological, endocrine, reproductive systems and more.
Rasa is an herbal adaptogenic coffee alternative and I am an affiliate for the company. If you’re interested in trying Rasa, (I recommend it). Use this link and the discount code: RASARX03431
Exercise
They last habit of my morning routine is exercise. I might do some yoga, Crossfit, a walk, stretching, or another activity. Just get up and move.
The Importance of habits
The word habit has been used in many different ways, however we don’t think of habits as a way to simplify, however, keep reading to find out why habits are essential to have a vibrant healthy life and also help you simplify your life!
What are Habits?
Habits are regular, repeated behaviors that become automatic over time. They’re like the brain’s shortcut to save effort, allowing you to focus your energy on more complex decisions or tasks. Habits can be as simple as brushing your teeth or as profound as practicing daily gratitude.
Why do habits matter?
Habits are foundational because they automate daily actions, conserving energy and creating consistency. Positive habits build physical health, mental clarity and emotional resilience while supporting long term goals and personal growth.
Habits shape your days and your days shape your life, Mindfully creating habits that align with your goals helps you build the life you want.
Reasons why habits are foundational to health
Here’s why habits are foundational to health, wellness and personal success.
- Automate daily actions
- Create structure annd efficiency
- Have a cumulative impact
- Foster identity and confidence
- Good for overall health and wellbeing
How habits can help you
Did you know spring is the best time to reset your metabolism? As the days get longer, your body naturally craves fresh foods, movement, and lighter habits. Working with your body to boost your energy, improve digestion, and feel your best are one of the many benefits.
How to form habits
Starting and staying consistent with habits can be a challenge. Studies have shown that it takes anywhere from 66 to 254 days to form a lasting habit. Starting out with small steps towards that goal is the way to keep and sustain a new habit.
Belonging to a club or group that supports these new habits and provides accountability and mentoring is the best way to change and stick with a new habit.
Let’s go!
Many of my habits are based on the 10 habits of Ayurveda. As I mentioned, habits are not easy to form. It often takes time and community support. Email me if you’d like to learn some tips on forming lasting habits.
Juliet Cullins is a Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and also a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). As a health coach, she focuses on holistic health and healing practices melding the eastern and the western worlds together!