20 minute Morning Beauty Boost
Waking up in the morning is a time to embrace our bodies with self care and awareness.
As a Kundalini Yoga teacher, I really like to embody some of the suggested morning routine used in the Kundalini practice while mixing in some old and new beauty trends that I have used before and just now. The goal is to get the maximum benefit in the limited time most of us have in the morning.
Here is a 7 step beauty routine for morning. You feel vital and positive along with a good reason to get out of bed--- self care! Add up the minutes and you can see how switching to good morning habits does not take a lot of time.
Make sure you get up early no matter what your schedule. Our bodies like to connect with the cycle of nature so the closer you wake up after dawn, the better.
As soon as you are awake, massage your face gently, massage your arms and legs then run your palms together and the bottoms of your feet together to get the cells active and the nervous system stimulated. Finally hug your knees and roll back and forth up to a sitting position. (2 minutes).
Oil pulling (Ayurvedic practice): 15 minutes is usually recommended but I believe 10 minutes is sufficient and you can do other things while doing this practice. I recommend coconut oil but you can use olive oil as well. It needs to be a good oil that can pull out the toxins that have built up in your mouth that can cause bad breath, gingivitis and tooth decay. While you swoosh the oil in your mouth you can go on to increasing body circulation with dry brushing OR for the diehards, a cold shower. Both will enhance circulation. If you opt for dry brushing always use your body brush towards your torso so the toxins will move toward the bladder and intestine and leave the body as waste. Cold showers are tough to tackle for most people but your body and skin will reap the benefits and you are guaranteed a youthful appearance. Begin by rubbing body oil (Almond, coconut or argan) all over your body, then turn on the cold shower and start putting your limbs in one at a time and rub the oil into the skin. Finally jump in quickly to get the rest of your body, it is exhilarating! After you finish either dry brushing or the cold shower you can spit the oil onto a paper towel or in the toilet as not to clog sink drains then brush your teeth (10 minutes total of oil pulling and body care)
Jade Face gym! This is trending now, Jade rollers are becoming popular in the West as a morning beauty practice. Make sure to use a high quality real Jade roller. Start by applying your facial cream or serum, then roll the jade roller over every part of your neck and face from the middle and outward. This is a great lymphatic drainage and reduces, fine lines, increases circulation and will have your skin glowing! Follow with your (2 minutes)
Add extra enhancement to your glow with a Kundalini Yoga exercise that tones the gut and microbiome: Vatskar Dhouti Kriya. 3 cycles are sufficient which take less than 2 minutes to complete. Click here for specific instructions.
In just 15 to 20 minutes you are ready to start your day with energy and glow! Make sure to heighten your awareness with great clothing and a healthy breakfast. Stay posted about how to create a sustainable wardrobe.
