I know that life can be stressful and sap your energy. I've seen the negative effects that stress can have on the body. Luckily, there are simple tools that can help you regain balance and reduce your resting heart rate.
It's the simple routines in your everyday life that make the difference between a stressed mind and a calm mind. That's why I trained in holistic yoga therapy, yin yoga, restorative yoga, meditation, and breath work. My quest for knowledge has brought me to Bali, Sri Lanka, and India, where I've met brilliant teachers and practitioners. I hope my knowledge and experience can help you gain more peace and wellness in your life.
My Morning Routine
To me, the morning routine is the key to a good and calm start to the day. In the morning you can make more time for a routine as it's easier to set aside time that’s free from distractions, before the busy day-to-day activities begin. The morning also sets the tone for the rest of the day, so make it count!
06:00: Diffuser with Essential Oils
The first thing I do when I wake up is to turn on my beautiful volant diffuser. I usually diffuse organic, pure essential oil of Bergamot or Eucalyptus from volant. Bergamot has a fresh citrusy smell that makes me think of summer and sun, while Eucalyptus reminds me of the spa and wellness. I find my wool yoga mat and set my diffuser near it.
06.05: Juice
The diffuser is turned on and I go to the kitchen to make a healthy green juice in my slow juicer. I always try to use organic ingredients, but I still make sure to clean them well.
Healthy Juice Recipe: Green Wellness
1 stalk of celery
1 lemon
1 handfull spinach
1 handfull kale
5 cm ginger
Run the ingredients through a slow juicer. If you do not have a slow juicer, use a normal blender with 100 ml of water, and strain out the water after blending. I then bring the juice over to my yoga mat.
06:15: Breath Work, Meditation, and Affirmation
I bring my juice and do my breathing exercise. A breathing exercise that works well in the morning is breathing slowly. Count to 4 while breathing in, and count to 5 when breathing out. A couple minutes of this, and you'll feel great
For me, about 5 minutes of meditation is enough in the morning. My favourite form of meditation is affirmations, one sentence starting with "I am..." that you repeat in your head.
My Favourite Affirmations
I am fantastic
I am unique
I am calm
I am happy
I am good enough
Meditation with affirmations:
1. Find a comfortable seated position
2. Close your eyes
3. Breath slowly and calmly through your nose
4. For every inhalation, think of the words "I am..."
5. For every exhalation, think of your chosen word, ie. "...happy"
6. Repeat as many times as you like
7. Open your eyes
8. Notice how you are feeling
06.25: Self-Massage
To end my morning ritual, I use my yoga oil that is scented of rose and lavender. It's organic and gives nutrition to the skin and hair. I inhale the aroma of the oil and give myself a short massage, some days a neck massage, other days a foot massage. It's a nice reminder to be kind to yourself.
I wish you a day filled with gratefulness, and happy moments!
You're very welcome to follow me on Instagram @iamyogachristine. I share daily meditation and wellness tips in my story. I wish to inspire you to lead a life of wellness and balance. Also visit my website www.yogachristine.no; here you can purchase my organic yoga oil and sign up to my newsletter to learn more about my events and workshops.
