My new feel-good ayurvedic morning routine and other news

A new month and new beginnings! I'm so happy that I finally found some time to share some big news with you: I recently took a leap of faith and signed up for a (life-changing I'm sure) 200-hour yoga teacher training.

Although I've been practicing yoga on and off for more than a decade now, I've only noticed recently that it is actually a big part of my life. Over the years yoga has become something that I just love doing and it has helped me grow in so many ways. Yoga is always there for me when I need it most. In fact, I sometimes joke that as long as I have my yoga mat with me, I'm the happiest person!

So, why yoga teacher training? I've had this thought for many years but I wasn't sure if it's right for me.

For starters, I'm not really blessed with great flexibility. What comes natural to many yogini who practice regularly, it takes me even longer to make some progress. Especially the tightness in my hip area is something I need to work on every single day (here's some advice: if you want to take good care of your hamstrings and hip flexors, avoid spending long hours sitting in front of your desk!)

Also, over the past years yoga has become very commercial and yoga teacher training courses spring up like mushrooms. Especially in the area where I live, there are at least 50 yoga teachers around. So why another one?

I then realized that I want to do this for myself. To just dive deeper into something that I really love doing. Yoga is so much more than practicing the perfect headstand! So, if I can share some of my love for yoga with friends and their friends, I already feel very blessed!

Another reason why I'm doing this particular yoga teacher training is because it focuses on Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda. Aromatherapy and herbal remedies play a big role in Ayurveda, so naturally I want to learn more about this ancient Indian holistic medical system.

And of course I will share some great Ayurvedic remedies & recipes along my yoga teacher training journey! 

Last week I experimented with my "feel-good" morning routine again to find out what suits me best at the moment (yes, it's constantly changing) and I added some Ayurvedic recommendations. And you'll be surprised to know that the following routine only takes me around 25 minutes:

1. Wake up before the sun rises

I know, I know. This is a tough one and I admit it takes a tremendous amount of discipline. But according to Ayurveda, there are special qualities in nature that bring peace of mind and freshness to the senses early in the morning. Give it a try and sleep early tonight!

2. Drink warm or room-temperature lemon water

Pour yourself a glass of warm or room-temperature water with a slice of lemon after you woke up. It cleanses your digestive system, flushes the kidneys and helps to loosen toxins. Save the cup of coffee for later!

3. Yoga Practice

Now it's time for some yoga asanas! Depending on your mood (or sleepiness), you can greet the day either with a few rounds of sun salutations or just take it easy with standing forward bend, hip rotations, cat & cow pose and needle & thread. Or just do some stretching exercises. Whatever wakes up your muscles and mobilizes your spine.

4. Pranayama & Meditation

This is actually my favorite part of starting a new day. I usually burn sandalwood incense or have essential oils in my diffuser while meditating. Meditation really makes a difference on how you approach your new day. Even if you just sit in silence for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing, it will leave you feeling refreshed and focused.

5. Dry Body Brushing

Before you step into the shower, improve your circulation with dry body brushing. You can read more about my daily shower routine here.

6. Warm Oil Body Massage

Nothing nourishes your body & mind more than a gentle massage with warm sesame or coconut oil. Add a few drops of essential oils if you want to really spoil yourself.


And that's how you set yourself up for a great new day! 

What's your favorite daily morning routine?