Daily Rituals

Daily rituals. We all have them. They are those things that have become so ingrained in our routine that they are second nature. Daily rituals is a topic that I have started to discuss with my clients. I reached out to a few friends and their interest was peaked as well.

What are your daily rituals? In a time where technology is king and busyness is a sign of success, we get caught up in the rituals that seem productive and outwardly successful, but maybe leave you wanting.

Rituals shouldn't be actions that we check of a list. Daily Rituals should be actions you do to benefit your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These are the legs of a well balanced table. When one leg becomes unbalanced, the whole table topples over.

Here are Daily Rituals that I have or have had in my life that promote my idea of optimal health:

1. Drink Lemon Water first thing in the morning.

The Vitamin C in lemons are great for boosting your immune system. Starting your day with a hydrating immune booster is never a bad idea. In addition to boosting immunity, lemon water can benefit your heart and brain. Lemon water is great for digestion, your skin, balancing your body's pH, and even aid in weight loss.

2. Get outside everyday and see the sun.

Getting outside can be so beneficial to your physical and emotional health. Spending time outside has been proven to decrease stress, restore your mental energy, improve your concentration, and even reduce inflammation. Getting a little bit of Vitamin D, and taking the time to appreciate the gifts of nature can greatly improve your mood.

3. Move and elevate your heart rate for at least 30 minutes every day.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can improve your heart health, reduce stress, boost energy, improve memory, increase productivity, and lead to weight loss. The benefits of exercise are endless. 30 minutes of exercise a day could mean briskly walking around the neighborhood, going for a run, using an elliptical, cross-training, or even playing tag in the park with your kids. As long as you're moving, you're serving yourself.

4. Drink Green Tea in the afternoon

Green tea is full of antioxidants that can improve your overall health and cognition. It's great for your metabolism. And taking in green tea in the afternoon can really push you through that afternoon slump.

5. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces

There's a great meme going around that says if you are drinking enough water you can avoid all the drama in your life because you'll be running to the bathroom. This is kind of true! Staying hydrated can really decrease the drama in your life. But not just because you will be locked away in the bathroom. Staying hydrated not only maximizes your physical performance, but it also increases brain function and energy levels. Even mild dehydration can limit parts of your brain function. If you aren't getting enough water you aren't able to maximize your potential. Staying hydrated can aid in body elimination, and flushing toxins out of your body by keeping fluids running through your kidneys. This can prevent build-up and kidney stones.

6. Write down 5 things you are grateful for

If you are not into meditation, or simply feel like you don't have the time for it. A gratitude journal can be a great way to really put life into perspective. Starting your morning with a gratitude journal (preferably while sipping on lemon water, of course) is a great way to promote positivity into your day. By focusing on the things in your life that you are grateful for, first thing in the morning, you are more likely to continue thinking of them throughout the day; bringing joy and focus into your day.

Try incorporating these rituals into your day for a week and see how you feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually.