3 Morning Power Rituals To Start Your Day

Starting the morning off right is absolutely vital - it sets the tone for your entire day.

The first hour after you wake up is an opportunity to reclaim a commitment to robust health, good thoughts, and vibrant energy. Even if you've had a poor night's sleep, or you consumed too much of the wrong food (or drink) the night before, you can reset your intentions each morning, and step back onto the path.

Like most things in life, it's good to have a plan thought out ahead of time for your personal health regime. With that in mind, here are 3 start-of-day rituals that will help to energize your body and spirit.

1. Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemons are a fruit that promotes digestion by stimulating the production of enzymes that break food down. So fresh lemon juice helps your body absorb vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients from your meals, smoothies, juices, and supplements, releasing all the potential energy they contain!

Squeezing a lemon wedge into your first glass of water in the a.m. is shown to be a mood booster too. That sour punch has a sweet psychological aftertaste. So if you're prone to anxiety or depression (clinical or seasonal), I would definitely recommend adding this dose of nature's cheer to your morning drink. Pro tip: instead of icy water add hot water and make warm lemonade. This is friendlier for your digestion.

2. Meditation

I talk about meditation a lot because it's an invaluable resource, and it's free and easy. It's changed my life and the lives of millions of people all over the world.

Meditation is, quite simply, a phenomenal personal wellness tool. Don't look this gift horse in the mouth! If you don't have meditation practice yet, I guarantee it will be a game-changer if you start one.

Here's a very simple meditation practice you can do each morning:

Seat yourself in a comfortable chair, or on a cushion on the floor. Keep your back as straight as possible without straining. Take a deep breath or two, and then close your eyes.

Notice your breath. Place light attention on it as you breathe naturally, in and out of your nose. Allow your thoughts to flow as they will. Don't try to control them or to "empty your mind."

But don't get too involved with your thoughts either. Don't chase after them, and don't push them away. Just let them pass through your mind, while you keep your attention ever so lightly on your breath.

If you lose track of your breath, that's all right too. When you notice you've forgotten about your breath, just gently return your relaxed attention back to it.

Try this practice for just 5-20 minutes and then see how you feel.

3. Stretch

You don't need to do advanced yoga poses first thing in the morning (though kudos to you if you do!) -- even easy basic stretches can make a huge difference in your day.

Roll your neck around for half a minute, clockwise and then counterclockwise (or vice versa). Extend your arms to relieve tension in your sides. Do a little side twist in both directions.

These incredibly simple movements help to get your blood moving and your cells ready to absorb nutrients from your breakfast. They also stimulate the release of endorphins -- happy hormones! -- in your body.

Give these practices a try for week and let me know what you experience!

Stay curious,

Vesna