I think overall wellness encompasses a lot of different aspects, from mental health to being physically active and all the above. I spend a lot of time throughly looking into different health & wellness practices before actually implementing them into my routine. Since I have done the heavy lifting on researching the most efficient wellness practices I figured I would share them with you!
Tongue Scrapping – This one sounds a little weird at first glance, but it makes a world of difference. Tongue scrapping removes bad bacteria from one of the hardest places to throughly reach with a toothbrush. This also activates saliva production and promotes agni (the body’s digestive fire) to help with digestion throughout the day. I personally use this one because it is surgical grade stainless steel and you can get it in 2 days – thanks Amazon prime. Make this a part of your morning routine and I promise you will see the benefits.
Warm Lemon Water – Drinking lemon juice with warm water every morning helps in maintaining the pH balance of the body. It also aids in quick weight loss as it promotes digestion and increases the metabolic rate while cleansing the liver by flushing out toxins. I just warm up a glass of filtered water in the microwave, squeeze in half of a fresh lemon, and drink up while doing my devotional. This takes only a couple of minutes and makes a world of a difference in the body over time.
Inulin – This is a form of fiber that typically comes from artichoke or chicory root. Inulin is classified as a prebiotic because of its ability to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria. This aids in problems with inflammation and reduced nutrient absorption. From a weight loss perspective, inulin can also control your appetite by increasing feelings of fullness. I am currently using this Fiber Choice Inulin product, but I am looking into powder versions that you can mix in with your coffee – I will keep you updated!
Coconut Oil Pulling – I have been doing this on and off for years. As we all know, coconut oil is the holy grail of all things wellness. Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. Not talking for 10-20 minutes is not for everyone’s morning schedules, I recommend doing this while in the shower and spitting it down the drain to make it easy. This process keeps the gums healthy, reduces bad bacteria, and naturally whitens teeth over time.
Hot Cold Showers – This takes some guts if you love a steaming hot shower like me, but is extremely beneficial for the circulatory system. This is a shower where you alternate from the hottest and coldest temperatures you can tolerate. Hot water has relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress and soothe muscles. Cold water helps relieve inflammation and stimulates the removal of toxins from elimination organs like the skin and lymph. By alternating these you are increasing your blood flow and the natural detoxification your body produces. Pro tip – always start with hot and end with cold, it will be tough at first but power through!
Dry Brushing – Dry brushing is the process of using a brush with stiff bristles against the skin to help exfoliate dead cells from the skin surface and enhance blood flow. This enhances lymphatic drainage and can also reduce the appearance of cellulite over time. Use your brush (I use this one) in a swirling motion from bottom to top always moving towards the heart. I try to do about ten strokes in each spot and then hop in the shower for a quick rinse since you are exfoliating the skin.
Jade Rolling – A jade roller straight from the freezer is a great way to wake up your face in the morning! This is how you can reduce puffiness, soothe the skin tone, and reduce any tension in the face. I use this jade roller with a mixture of vitamin A & C oil. Start by rolling the jade roller on the lower part of the face and work upwards from the chin. Roll in both up and down and sidewards directions, being careful around the delicate under-eye area. Talk about a cold wake up call to start your day!
Lympatic Drainage Massage – Draining your lymphatic system is so important as it is crucial to your immune system. It can also improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and eye bags. Using your fingertips start at your forehead, applying gentle pressure to slowly stretch the skin down toward the lymph nodes in your neck. Keep going, moving all the way down your face. I use this video each morning to guide my hands – I promise she explains it better than I ever could lol.
Cupping – Cupping therapy is believed to aid relaxation, promote good sleep patterns, and improve general health and wellbeing. It can even benefit muscle and joint pain by tightening the skin, breaking down fat tissue, and improving lymphatic circulation. I use this set of cups and oil and focus on cellulite problem spots. You start by applying the oil, suctioning the cup to the skin, and moving the cup around in circular motions. You may be left with temporary red marks, but it is worth it in the end!
I have integrated these practices into my daily routines and am loving what they have done for my body so far. If you have any personal wellness routines you utilize, leave them in the comment section below and I would love to try them out!
-oxox Danielle
Daily Danielle 