A few years ago, my life was a whirlwind. When I was on the boat, I was so tied to a routine that once I was on holiday, I wanted nothing to do with it. As soon as I stepped off the boat and into holiday mode, my days were packed with catching up and socialising with friends and family.

After those days flew by, I was off on my next adventure, while back home, life seemed to pause with everyone wrapped up in their own routines. Despite having all this free time away from work, I found myself trying to fill every moment with constant activity.

I used to stay up late, drink heavily while socialising, and then spend half the next day recovering in bed.

But then, one day, I had a wake-up call.

I realised I was wasting my time and opportunities, and it was clear that I needed to change. I cut back on the binge drinking, started going to bed earlier, and made a conscious effort to truly experience and savour each day.

This shift in perspective led me to explore ways to enhance my daily routine further. That's when I discovered the wisdom of Ayurveda.

To start each day with a sense of peace and vitality, I began incorporating Ayurvedic principles into my Dinacharya, (my daily routine.) Dinacharya encompasses a series of daily rituals designed to align your activities with the natural rhythms of your body and the environment.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can promote balance and well-being.

Here are 9 Ayurveda tips for a blissful start to your day:

1. Cultivate Gratitude: The Perfect Morning Mindset

Starting your day with a grateful heart can really set the tone for everything that follows. When you take a moment to appreciate the positives in your life, it helps to create a ripple effect of positivity throughout your day.

·       Begin a Gratitude Journal: Each morning, jot down three things you're grateful for.

·       Express Thanks to Others: Take a moment to send a text or write a note to someone you appreciate.

·       Practice Mindful Appreciation: Before starting your day, take a deep breath and mentally list things you’re thankful for, from small comforts to big blessings.

2. Refresh and Awaken: The Power of Splashing Your Face with Water

Splashing your face with warm water in the morning is more than just a quick refresh—it’s a great way to signal to your body that it’s time to wake up and get moving.

This simple habit offers multiple benefits: it jumpstarts your digestion, boosts alertness, improves circulation for a healthy glow, clears overnight toxins, and aligns your body with its natural rhythms. It’s an easy yet powerful way to invigorate your senses and set a positive tone for the day.

To incorporate this practice into your routine, follow these simple steps:

·       Use Warm Water: Start with warm water that’s comfortable to the touch.

·       Splash Gently: Splash the water onto your face a few times, allowing it to cover your forehead, cheeks, and chin.

·       Take a Deep Breath: As you splash, take a deep breath to fully awaken your senses.

·       Pat Dry: Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel, avoiding harsh rubbing.

·       Follow Up: Proceed with your usual morning skincare routine.

These easy steps will help make this refreshing practice a natural part of your daily start.

3. Cleanse with Purpose: The Art of Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping might sound a bit unusual, but it’s a key part of an Ayurvedic morning routine that can make a big difference. This simple practice helps to remove the build-up of toxins and bacteria from your tongue, promoting better oral hygiene and digestion. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it also stimulates your digestive system, getting it ready for the day.

Choosing a Tongue Scraper

Choose a stainless steel or copper scraper for durability and natural antibacterial properties. Look for one with a comfortable handle, a slightly curved shape, and a size that fits your tongue comfortably without being too long to manoeuvre.

Using a Tongue Scraper

Use the scraper first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to remove the overnight build-up. Place it at the back of your tongue, gently drag it forward, and rinse after each pass. Clean thoroughly with warm water and soap after use, then let it air dry before storing.

Incorporating tongue scraping into your morning routine can significantly enhance your oral health and overall wellness.

4. Detoxify and Revitalise: The Benefits of Oil Pulling

Simply swishing a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes can do wonders for your oral health. This simple ritual helps to detoxify your body, reduce bad breath, and even improve your gum health.

Ready to give it a try?

Just take a spoonful of coconut or sesame oil, swish it around your mouth like mouthwash, and then spit it out. It’s best to do this on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. With just a bit of practice, you’ll be on your way to a fresher, healthier start to your day!

5. Nourish Your Skin: The Joy of Self-Massage

Let’s talk about Abhyanga—an ancient Ayurveda practice that’s like giving your skin a daily spa treatment. This self-massage isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a fantastic way to nourish your skin and boost your overall well-being.

To get started, pick oil that suits your Dosha—coconut oil for a lighter feel, or sesame oil for something more grounding. Warm the oil a bit, and then gently massage it into your skin in circular motions. Focus on areas that feel tense or dry. Not only does this practice help with circulation and lymphatic drainage, but it also leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and rejuvenated.

6. Start Fresh: The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Starting your day with a glass of lemon water can make a world of difference. It’s a simple yet powerful ritual that kick-starts your metabolism, aids digestion, and gives your body a much-needed dose of vitamin C. Plus, it’s a refreshing way to hydrate after a night’s sleep.

Just squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning. It’s that easy! Incorporating this into your daily routine, you will feel more energised.

7. Find Your Centre: The Importance of Morning Meditation

Taking just a few minutes in the morning to meditate can work wonders for your mental clarity and stress levels. It helps you start your day with a clear mind, making it easier to tackle whatever comes your way. By setting aside this quiet time, you create a space to centre yourself, reduce anxiety, and boost your overall mood. All you need is a comfortable spot, a few minutes, and a focus on your breath.

Tips for Success:

·       Start Small: Begin with just 5-10 minutes if you’re new to meditation, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.

·       Be Patient: Meditation is a practice, and it takes time to get used to. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing regularly.

·       Create a Routine: Try to meditate at the same time each day to build a consistent habit.

Enjoy your meditation journey!

8. Energise Your Body: Incorporating Movement and Yoga

Incorporating a bit of exercise in the morning wakes up your body, boosts your energy levels, and helps clear your mind for the day ahead. Whether it’s a few sun salutations, a gentle stretch, or a short walk, morning movement helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and set a positive tone for the day. It’s also a great way to get in touch with your body and build a healthy routine.

·       Cat-Cow Pose: On hands and knees, alternate arching your back (Cow Pose) and rounding it (Cat Pose) to warm up your spine.

·       Downward-Facing Dog: From all fours, lift your hips to form an inverted V, pressing your heels down to stretch your hamstrings and back.

·       Warrior I: Step one foot forward into a lunge, raise your arms overhead, and hold to build strength and stretch your chest and hips.

·       Seated Forward Bend: Sit with legs extended, lengthen your spine, and reach for your toes to stretch your hamstrings and lower back.

·       Child’s Pose: Kneel, touch your toes together, sit back on your heels, extend your arms forward, and rest your forehead on the ground to relax and stretch your back.

9. Fuel Your Day: Choosing a Nourishing Breakfast

In Ayurveda, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day because it sets the tone for your energy and digestion. Eating a nourishing breakfast helps balance your Doshas and keeps you feeling satisfied and focused throughout the morning.

If you’re Vata, try warm, grounding foods like oatmeal with nuts and fruit. For Pitta, cooling and hydrating options like chia pudding with fresh berries work well. And if you’re Kapha, opt for lighter, energising choices like a smoothie with greens and a bit of ginger. By choosing the right breakfast for your Dosha, you can start your day with balance and vitality.

Conclusion: Embrace a Blissful Morning Routine

There you have it—your guide to starting the day on the right foot with Ayurvedic wisdom!

Each tip we've covered—from cultivating gratitude and practicing mindful self-care to nourishing your body with the right breakfast—offers a unique way to enhance your morning.

By integrating these simple practices into your daily life, you’ll not only balance your Doshas but also set a positive, energised tone for your day. Embrace these routines, experiment with what feels best for you, and enjoy the benefits of a more centred, vibrant start to each day.

Here's to a blissful morning routine that brings balance and joy into your life!

Love and light,

Samantha x

PS: Curious about how Ayurveda can transform your daily routine? Book a FREE discovery call with me to explore how we can embark on this journey together.

PPS: For more tips and insights on health and well-being, follow me on Instagram: HERE