5 Ways To Start Your Day With Zen

I admit it, I am guilty of hitting the snooze button more than once, only to find myself in a panic, late to work with bed head and a not so Yogi attitude for the day.

After realizing no amount of coffee or kombucha could solve my enduring fight against the early morning, I made a rise-n-shine ritual that anyone can do! Here is my daily routine you can use before a busy day, or even on vacation, that will sneak some Zen into your morning and keep you shining throughout the day!

1. Before rising out of bed, find gratitude
As we wake up the body, remember to wake up the mind. Finding gratitude for the little things in our lives will help start our morning on a happier note. Practicing gratitude can also mold a positive perspective on life in the long run!

Find gratitude

2. Do some asana’s in bed
Start a short sequence of warm-up postures in your PJ’s! Beginning with Spinal Twist, possibly Happy Baby and ending with a seated meditation. It may take a couple times but eventually creating a sequence that feels best in your body will come naturally.

3. Drink warm lemon water or tea
Readers may be familiar with the benefits of tea instead of coffee, but what about lemon water? I gave famous Yogi Kathryn Budig’s suggestion a try. She likes to drink warm lemon water before breakfast. The lemon helps wake up the body from the inside and provides aid in digestion.

4. Put some effort into breakfast
Putting extra attention into your breakfast can go a long way. I have found its best to decide on slow burning carbohydrates. I love doing wheat tortilla with organic peanut butter and banana! It’s easy, delicious and provides necessary nutrients to start the day.

5. Don’t leave room for expectations
Life is an adventure, each day unique and exciting! It may take awhile to get used to incorporating any of these tips into your morning routine but know it will get easier. Expectations in any aspect of your life can leave space for disappointment. Instead, have an open mind and know you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Try adding at least one of these tips to your daily routine and set an intention to notice any of benefits you experience. On and off the mat, the biggest challenge can be showing up or even getting started, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s to a daily dose of Zen, Namaste!

Do you have anything to add to this list? Please share your tips for a zen filled day in the comments below.