Mar 15, 2024
5 Morning Rituals to Start Your Day in Balance
A note from Sunita Vinod, Ayurvedic Practitioner & Founder of Praana Bloom
Over the years—both as a woman and as an Ayurvedic practitioner—I’ve learned that how we begin our day matters more than we realize.
When I was deep in the corporate world, my mornings were chaotic. Wake up. Scroll. Rush. Eat whatever’s quick. React to the day, instead of consciously stepping into it. It left me drained before the day even began.
Ayurveda gently pulled me back to myself. It taught me that mornings are sacred—they're an invitation to return to balance before the outside world begins to ask things of us. Below are 5 simple morning rituals I follow and recommend to my clients—rituals that have changed the way I live, mother, and serve.
1. Begin with Gratitude & Stillness
As soon as I wake up, I place my hand on my heart and say a simple prayer of thanks. It can be something like:
“Thank you for this breath. Thank you for this day.”
Sometimes, I just sit in silence for a few minutes—no phone, no talking, just presence.
Why this matters: It reconnects you to your center, softens anxiety, and creates a calm entry into your day.
2. Cleanse the Mouth: Tongue Scraping & Oil Pulling
This is non-negotiable in my routine. I use a copper scraper to gently clean my tongue, then swish a tablespoon of warm sesame oil for 5–10 minutes.
Why this matters: This removes overnight toxins, boosts oral and digestive health, and supports mental clarity. You'll feel fresher and lighter instantly.
3. Warm Herbal Water to Awaken Digestion
I boil water with a pinch of cumin, fennel, and ginger—or sometimes just sip warm water with lemon. It feels like a hug to my digestive system.
Why this matters: It gently stimulates agni (your digestive fire), clears sluggishness, and rehydrates your tissues after sleep.
4. Self-Abhyanga: A Loving Oil Massage
I do a warm oil massage at least 3–4 times a week. I warm some sesame oil and massage it into my body—slowly and with intention. I often add herbs if I’m feeling depleted or cold.
Why this matters: This calms the nervous system, nourishes the skin and joints, and brings you back into your body with love.
5. Movement + Breath + Stillness
Even 10–15 minutes of gentle yoga, breathwork, or a short meditation makes a world of difference. Some days it’s a slow sun salutation. Other days it’s just sitting by a window with my tea and letting the morning light touch my face.
Why this matters: This practice moves stagnant energy, balances the doshas, and helps you carry inner peace into your day.
From My Heart to Yours
Please don’t feel like you need to do all of this, all at once. Start with what feels doable. Maybe it's just warm water tomorrow morning. Maybe it's a quiet breath before checking your phone. That's perfect.
Ayurveda isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
And when we start our mornings with care, the rest of the day unfolds with more grace.
If you'd like support in building your own ritual practice, I’d be honored to walk with you.
🌿
With warmth,
Sunita
