My morning routine

Seeing as my life tends to be a busy one, I really profit from routine and structure. I like to set aside a moment each day to get a handle on things. For me, the early morning tends to be a time to carry out my rituals, though sometimes I start prepping my breakfast the night before. I notice that when I’m disciplined about this, I feel the happiest. I look forward to getting up every morning and enjoying my routine. It’s my favorite moment of the day!

1. Meditation
   In both New York and Amsterdam, I created a little bit of space for myself in which I can meditate. I started in November and I’m still getting used to it. Normally I do it for about 10 to 15 minutes, but sometimes I can only manage five. On occasion, it doesn’t work out at all and I skip it altogether. I’m trying to build up the amount of time I spend meditating; who knows, maybe I’ll work my way up to a half an hour of time spend with a quiet mind, not thinking of all the things I have on my list that day. It really de-stresses me and makes me more able to live in the moment.

2. Lemon water
   Every morning, I drink about 300 ml warm water with the juice of one lemon, using a stainless steel or bamboo straw (not plastic). I don’t know if it really helps anything, but I’ve been doing it and enjoying it for years. It’s hydrating, in any event, helps alkalize the body and freshens your breath. I love it!

3. Dry brushing
   After drinking my lemon water, I head to the bathroom, undress and brush the skin on my entire body, in clockwise circles. Have a look here to see how it’s done. I use a special dry brushing brush for this. I’ve noticed that it makes my skin soft and increases its elasticity. They say it also helps move lymph through the body, which aids detoxification. The brush I use has bristles that are 100% natural and not too stiff so it doesn’t damage my skin. I don’t brush my face, but if you do want to do this, make sure you get a softer brush.

4. Cold shower
   Then, I jump into a cold shower. It definitely took some getting used to when I started doing this two years ago, but now I can’t do without. It has lots of benefits: improved circulation, strengthened immune system, improved skin tone… Say whaat? And, because the cold shower makes me breathe more deeply, I feel my blood circulate and my heart beat and I feel totally ALIVE!

5. Tongue scraping
   Ok, now you’ll probably think I’m crazy, but YES, I scrape my tongue ; ) In addition to brushing my teeth, this is also a component of my oral hygiene routine. I think it’s just as important. I remove the layer on the tongue using a special device for this purpose. It’s a v-shaped, thin, metal instrument. I use a copper one (just try to avoid plastic, for environmental reasons) that’s available online. You can also assess a person’s health based on how their tongue looks. Super interesting, right? If you’re interested, I will tell you more about it soon.

6. Breakfast
   After all those crazy rituals, I sit down to my tasty power-breakfast. Sometimes I prep it the day before, but I prefer to make my breakfast fresh. Here are some of my favorite breakfast recipes:
   – oatmeal (see carrot brekkie) or kickstart
   – green smoothie with spinach, banana, ashwagandha, spirulina, lemon and oat milk.
   – coconut yogurt bowl with fresh and dried fruit and homemade granola.
   And I wash it down with a cup of my Bulletproof coffee. So yummy!

7. Supplements
   During or just after my breakfast, I take supplements like vitamin D3 (which is not actually a vitamin, but a pro-hormone), vitamin C, MSM powder and sometimes I also take a probiotic. In the winter, I tend to take a bit more than in the summer.

8. “Work”
   Then, I get down to work or my hobby ; ) After 12:00, I tend to head outside to get some fresh air and run errands.

Overall, I have a pretty positive attitude in the morning. I enjoy life, work hard, try to live as consciously as possible and am really good to my body! I’m super curious to know whether or not you have certain morning rituals you do every day… If so, let me know in the comments below!

Love,

Rens Kroes