Starting your morning right is extremely important - how you wake up will set the tone for your whole day. Sometimes your mind wakes up at the sound of the alarm, but your body just isn't ready to wiggle its way out of those comfy sheets. Great ways to wake your body and mind up in the morning are meditation and mindfulness. Doing so increases energy, promotes healing, enhances awareness, and sets you up for a successful day. Here are two of our favorite mindful movements to begin your satisfying day.
- Cat/Cow: This movement begins to warm up your spine after a comfortable sleep. Gently bring your knees towards your chest, roll over onto your side, and then move onto all fours. Put your hands on the surface below you, lined up with your shoulders, and have your knees on the ground beneath your hips. Have your head forward and your back straight. On the inhale, drop your stomach towards the ground, lift your chest, and as you look forward, arch your spine slightly. On the exhale, bring your face towards your lower stomach while turning your back into a dome shape, rounding out at the top. Repeat this for 3-5 deep breaths.
- Mindful Mountain: Raise your hands to your sides, stand tall, but don't forget to feel relaxed. Take a moment to enjoy this position and breath. Pay close attention to how this makes your body feel and what you can feel your body doing. Your heart is beating, body temperature may be rising, your hands and feet could be tingling, maybe you're achy or sore? Pay attention to these feelings but don't feel bad for them!
