Revamp your wake-up routine


If your morning routine consists of grabbing a cup of joe as you run out the door, you're not giving your body or mind a chance to transition between dreamland and traffic jam. "Eventually your body will break down," says Christine Kuhlman, ND, a naturopath in Concord, New Hampshire. Here, Kuhlman offers three ways to improve your wake-up habits.

Do some early-morning yoga or meditation to help oxygenate your body and brain, making you more alert and energized throughout the day. Stretch gently for 15 minutes, focusing on your body's stiffest areas. Then, if you have a tendency to get anxious during your busy day, sit quietly for ten minutes, breathing deeply and bringing awareness into each body part. Pressed for time? Before getting out of bed, take just two minutes to curl your knees into your chest and stretch out your spine.

In the shower, try this quick scalp and facial massage.With thumbs placed on your temples, run the middle knuckle of each index finger on the eyebrows, across the eyelids, under the eyes, under the cheekbones. Then, release your thumbs and use your index fingers to circle your mouth while opening and closing it, and run fingers around the chin and jaw line. Press firmly and massage each area two or three times. Finally, massage from your hairline to the base of the scalp with firm strokes. This technique stimulates acupressure meridians that help invigorate your entire body.

Before eating breakfast, drink a cup of hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon. This hydrates your body, improves morning digestion, and detoxifies and alkalinizes your blood and tissues, which helps prevent chronic illness.


Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media Inc.


Acceptable Use Policy

blog comments powered by Disqus

Health Centers

Conditions/Treatments

Health Notes

Understand your options to make informed health decisions.

green apple decal

More from Health Notes

Interact with us:

Delicious Living on Facebook Delicious Living on Twitter


Online Resources

Organic Connections
Read the new January/February digital issue of Organic Connections here!




HealtheTimes Digital Edition
Fuel your body and your soul with natural energy boosters, heart-healthy supplements, and top tips for fending off colds and flu. Plus learn to balance your pH, cook for your heart, and make eco-lifestyle changes.


Sponsored Editorial Corner

MAGNESIUM AND YOUR HEALTH
You may already take magnesium to strengthen bones or boost your mood. But did you know it helps keep your ticker healthy too? Find out how get the most cardio benefits from the mineral in this Magnesium for Heart Health Guide. Learn more.

LIVING GLUTEN-FREE
Just because you’re suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious meals—or the nutrients they provide. Whether it’s for you or a friend or family member, check out these simple lifestyle tips and tasty gluten-free recipes. Learn more.