Flaura | Daily Wellness Habits
Tracee Stanley is an author and radiance advocate on a mission to help people explore their birthright to deep rest and awakened clarity that comes from the spiritual practice of Yoga Nidra. Here she shares her daily wellness habits.
1. Sunrise Wake-Up. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the power of waking up every day just before sunrise. There is a peacefulness to that time of day that is undisturbed and full of potential. The mind is clear, and it is a perfect time to journal, meditate or sit quietly and create intentions for the day ahead. Waking up at sunrise will also help you tune into the natural cycle of the day and your circadian rhythms, helping you stay balanced throughout the day and have a more restful sleep.
2. Warm Lemon Water. I drink a warm mug of lemon water within the first 15 minutes of waking up. During the night, toxins build up in the body. This purifying drink helps to help flush them out. Drinking warm lemon water will also help to stimulate your digestive fire. Lately, I've been adding Dr. Seeta's Immunity Tea mix that contains turmeric, ginger, and tulsi to give my immune system a boost while also getting hydrated first thing in the morning.
3. Warm Oil Massage. The Ayurvedic practice of daily warm oil self-massage is a game-changer. It can take anywhere from 5- 15 minutes, depending on how much time you have. This self-massage's power is that it removes toxins, helps with lymphatic drainage, and increases blood flow. The key is to heat the oil. You can use a rice cooker, baby bottle warmer to keep the water warm. Use almond, sesame, or coconut oil, depending on the season and your constitution. As you massage your body with warm oil, use long strokes on your arms and legs and circular strokes on your joints. In Ayurveda, this self-massage is called Abhyanga, and it's one of the most loving things you can give yourself. You can even repeat an affirmation or prayer while you are doing your self-massage. After your massage is complete, take a hot shower followed by a quick cold rinse. Your body will be more supple and your skin radiant.
4. 5 Minute Dance Party. Your dance party is spontaneous and fun. We shouldn't need permission to dance. This is my go-to for long days of writing, working with clients, or working at the computer. Set a timer to remind you a few times a day to just hit your playlist and dance freely for 5 minutes. Moving your body intuitively will immediately change your mood, help to release emotions, creative blocks, and bring a sense of joy into your day.
5. Conscious Rest. Committing to prioritizing rest is one of the most profound and potentially transformational gifts you can offer yourself. To begin, try scheduling rest just like you would any other important event in your life. 5-10 minute rest appointments are great to start. You may want to listen to meditative audio practices like deep relaxation or yoga nidra so you can be guided by a teacher's voice to relax the body systematically. Alternatively, you can lay down, relax, and do nothing at all. Remember that true rest is the absence of doing, so it is not time to plan or chat on the phone. Rest is being content with yourself, in your most relaxed state of being, needing nothing outside of you to prove your worthiness. Let go of trying to be productive and enjoy resting.