A Quiet Minute
Start the morning with a few belly breaths to activate your diaphragm. You might notice how shallow your lungs feel after a restless sleep, or how deep the air flows after a satisfying slumber. Connect with the vast universe of breath within, and then greet the world with calm and clarity.
Stretching Without Releasing
While stretching a tight muscle may feel good, in a painful kind of way, it could be creating unwanted laxity/looseness in an adjacent joint, which can, in turn, cause further tightness. Acupuncture is effective at undoing the knots, flushing out the sore spot with oxygen and nutrients, and stimulating endorphins / pain relief chemicals in the brain.
Vagus Nerve Exercises
The long vagus nerve controls the relaxation response of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Activating this nerve can reduce systemic inflammation, lower blood pressure and stress hormones, fight depression, and improve cognitive function. Stimulate the vagus nerve with belly breathing, singing, chanting, gargling, cold-water face washing, salivating, and manual therapy.
Skin Care Does Not Need to Be Complicated
No matter the current condition of your skin, proper nutrition, absorption, hydration, circulation, and protection are key elements in obtaining and maintaining a vibrant complexion. Start with these basics and experience lasting results.