Optimizing Our Wellness – Part 1: Mindful Morning Movement

August 16, 2025

Simple Morning Habits to Energize Your Body, Focus Your Mind, and Lift Your Mood

Are you beginning your day in a way that truly supports your health?


What we do in those first few minutes after waking can set the tone for the entire day—and, over time, can significantly impact our overall wellness.


This is the first in a series where I’ll be sharing simple, practical tips to help you optimize your health and well-being. Let’s start with a few mindful morning habits that can transform your energy, focus, and mood.


Just Breathe

Before you even get out of bed, take a moment to fill your lungs completely, then release all the air.


One of my favorite techniques is to match the length of your inhale and exhale—try inhaling for a count of 4–5, pausing briefly at the top, then exhaling for the same count.


As you breathe, notice any areas that feel tight, sticky, or resistant. After a few gentle morning stretches, check again. If certain areas still feel restricted, a little targeted release work can help create happier tissue.


Sometimes, I also imagine the morning sun’s rays warming and brightening my body with each inhale—it’s amazing how just that thought can expand the breath.


Move Your Body

We’ve likely been in the same position for hours while sleeping. Gentle movement in the morning warms and hydrates muscles and connective tissue, helping us feel more mobile and energized.


These small movements also help wake up key body systems like digestion, circulation, and the nervous system—getting everything in sync before your day takes off.



Aromatherapy for Energy  & Focus

Inhaling quality essential oils stimulates nerve cells in the nose, sending signals to the brain’s limbic system—the part that influences emotion and memory.


In the morning, certain oils can invigorate your body, lift your mood, and sharpen your mind.

  • For awakening the breath and concentration:

       Peppermint is my go-to.



  • For mental focus and clarity:

       I love Cedarwood or Rosemary.


Hydrate First Thing

After 7–8 hours of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water right away helps:


  • Kickstart digestion
  • Flush toxins
  • Stimulate bowel movement
  • Support metabolism
  • Balance the immune system


And because our brain is about 70% water, hydration also fuels mental focus.


Extra boost: Try warm water with fresh lemon, pinch of sea salt and a little local honey for digestion and immune health, or room-temp water with a pinch of Redmonds real salt and a drop of Lemon Vitality essential oil for minerals, antioxidants, and circulatory support.


Get Morning Sunlight


Early morning sun signals your circadian rhythm, helping regulate hormones like melatonin (for better sleep) and serotonin (for more energy and less anxiety).


Morning light is also when your body can produce the most beneficial Vitamin D—and bonus—the early rays are the safest for skin and can even support eye health.



So, grab that water and step outside. Let the sun touch your skin and set your day in motion.

6. Roll Out or Ground Your Feet

Walking barefoot outside, especially on dew-covered grass, can increase energy and connect you to the earth’s natural rhythms—a practice known as earthing.

Fifteen minutes is enough to notice a difference. If that’s not practical, try rolling your feet over a spiky massage ball or a mat sprinkled with smooth river rocks. You’ll not only wake up your feet, but you might also feel changes in the rest of your body through reflexology points.

Start Small

Don’t try to add everything at once—pick one habit and let it become a natural part of your morning. You’ll know it’s working when you notice how much better you feel. Then add another.

Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Love & Blessings,
Patti

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