Time change got anyone else today?
This morning was a rough one around here getting everyone up and out the door after a birthday filled weekend and the time change. After years of kids not sleeping well over here, it pained me a little bit to have to wake my kids up this morning. I sat down to write my email this morning and thought to myself, what can I do to motivate myself and inspire myself to send out this email. It made me think that I should take my own advice, that I give often in class, "start where you are with what you've got today." So today, and this week, in an effort to help myself along with you, my theme for the week will be finding your motivation when you're not feeling it. In a lull? How can yoga help us lighten that?
Here's 3 things I'm going to do right now to turn my day around and help get me motivated:
1. Start with the breath.
This morning I'm going to start with right nostril breathing. When we breathe through the right side of the body it has an energizing effect. If you want to try this practice, you can start by taking left hand to your face. You'll use your left thumb to close the left nostril and inhale through the right. Release the thumb and use the left pointer to close the right nostril and exhale out the left side. Repeat 5 times inhaling through right side and exhaling through left side.
2. Drink extra water
Keeping ourselves hydrated has a great impact on our physical and mental health. A study done by the Health and Fitness journal concluded, "Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1–3%) can impair energy levels, impair mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance." We often grab the caffeine when we need to boost our productivity but I found it interesting that water can also help motivate us.
3. Do a few yoga stretches
As I have a kid home with me today, I don't have time for a full yoga practice. I'm going to try to practice what I preach and get out my mat and just do one or two sun salutations. Even a few stretches can change the way our body feels and change our mood. Small steps lead to big changes my friends!
What strategies do you use to get yourself over a tired morning (or afternoon) when you're trying to find your motivation? Email me back and let me know, I'd love to hear your ideas!
love, light, and motivation from me to you,
Molly