Morning rituals: how to start the day on purpose

How we begin the day often decides how the rest of it feels. If the first thing we do is reach for the phone, the day starts in someone else's hands. If we take even five minutes to breathe, ground ourselves and set an intention, the day starts in ours.

These are the morning practices I use and share. None of them needs special equipment. You can do all of them, or choose the one or two that suit you.

Which foot to put down first

This one comes from swar vigyan, the old yogic science of the breath. Yoga describes two main energy channels, or nadis, that run alongside the spine:

• Ida nadi, linked with the Moon, the left nostril and the left side of the body. It is cooling, receptive and connected with emotions, rest and reflection.
• Pingala nadi, linked with the Sun, the right nostril and the right side. It is warming, active and connected with action, work and effort.

Through the day, one nostril usually flows a little more freely than the other, and the dominant side shifts every so often.

When you wake, before getting out of bed, close one nostril and breathe through the other, then swap. Notice which side feels more open. Then:

1. If the left side (Moon, Ida) is active: tap your left foot twice on the floor, then put your right foot down, stand up and start your day.
2. If the right side (Sun, Pingala) is active: put your right foot down first, then your left, stand up and start your day.

You can also use it to plan: an Ida morning suits reflective, creative and caring tasks, while a Pingala morning suits action, decisions and physical work.

A chakra affirmation as you step out of bed

This is a very short practice, and one of my favourites. As you step out of bed, visualise your energy rising through your chakras in pairs, and say:

• "I am grounded": for the root and sacral chakras.
• "I am connected": for the solar plexus and heart chakras.
• "I am aware": for the throat and third eye chakras.

Repeat the three lines three times. It takes less than a minute and leaves you feeling steady and awake.

Breathwork: connect with yourself first

There is a common myth that breathwork has to be long, complicated or intense to work. It doesn't. A few minutes of deep, steady breathing opens the lungs and brings you back to yourself before you connect with the world.

Sit upright, relax your shoulders and breathe in slowly through the nose, filling the belly and then the chest. Breathe out fully. Continue for two to five minutes. If you feel dizzy, stop and breathe normally, and if you have a heart or lung condition or are pregnant, check with your doctor before trying stronger breathing practices.

Grounding for better decisions

When we feel scattered, our decisions tend to be rushed or driven by worry. Grounding brings energy down into the body and the root chakra, so we can think and choose clearly.

A simple way: stand barefoot on the floor or on grass, feel the weight of your feet, and imagine roots growing from your soles deep into the earth. Breathe slowly for a minute or two. Then ask yourself the decision you are facing, and notice what feels calm and right.

A 10-minute daily practice for success

If you have a little more time, a short daily practice done consistently can shift your energy and focus towards what you want to create. Follow along with the video below for a full 10-minute morning routine.

The secret is not intensity but repetition. Ten minutes every day does more than an hour once a month. If you want to go further with goal setting, my post on how to amplify your goals pairs well with this.

Breathe and choose your path

Here is a small practice for a weekend, or any day when you are unsure how to spend your energy. Breathe deeply for two minutes, then choose intuitively between two paths:

• Adventure and action: say yes to new plans, take initiative, try something bold, move your body.
• Rest and reflection: slow down, journal, meditate, spend time in nature, nurture your soul.

Trust the one that calls you. Try it the night before and see how it feels the next day.

What these rituals are not

These practices are for calm, focus and a sense of purpose. They don't replace sleep, a healthy routine or medical care, and they can't guarantee success. If you are struggling with low energy, anxiety or sleep, please speak to a doctor as well.

If you'd like support

If your mornings feel heavy, or you want help building a routine that supports you, you can book a Reiki healing session, or send me a message first.