New Year, New Story

As we come off the last full moon of 2022 (Gemini full moon on December 7), we are reminded that our old stories do not need to be our new stories or even our current ones. We have the opportunity now to open our minds to new vibrations and energy as we step into our full potential and live the life we choose to live, free of judgment toward ourselves and others. The Gemini full moon reminds us to be grateful for everything we have experienced so we can continue to grow, evolve, and share the lessons we’ve learned with the loved ones around us. We are all connected, we are all one. As a community, we lean on each other for support, guidance, and love. Not only love for each other but love for ourselves. Here are six self-love practices you can begin now to carry you into a new year and a new you.

Rise with the Sun
“Early to bed, early to rise” – rising with the sun gives you the opportunity to set your day up for success. Challenge yourself to wake up 30 minutes to one hour earlier than you normally would so you can create healthy habits early in the day. Studies have shown that getting adequate amounts of sleep (6-8 hours a night) can improve your cognitive function, immune support, heart health, balanced mood. and productivity.
Practicing Breath Work (Pranayama)
Prana is your life force energy – regulating your breathing consistently has been shown to decrease illness and increase longevity. You can practice pranayama anywhere, anytime and the point of regulating your breath is to move the body into the parasympathetic nervous system of “rest + digest.” The holiday season can be stressful for most so it is important to take full diaphragm inhales and belly-hallowing exhales to bring more oxygen into the bloodstream and help to calm the nervous system. Try this simple breathing exercise: Inhale for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, and then repeat 3 times until you feel calm, cool, and collected.
Earthing
The scientific benefits of “Earthing”, or electrically reconnecting your body to the Earth, are reducing inflammation/pain, reducing stress, and increasing circulation. Unfortunately, earthing in the Midwest during the winter can be a bit more challenging; however, it is still an attainable practice you can place into your daily rituals. Challenge yourself to go barefoot as often as possible (especially in the comfort of your own home). Bring plants and crystals into your home so you can practice nurturing the plants with soil on your hands. You can even buy grass mats for underneath your desk or bring plants, crystals, or Himalayan salt lamps into your workspace. Anything that will connect you back to the Earth on a daily basis has shown the benefits of improved sleep, greater concentration/focus, and feelings of happiness.
Tongue Scraping + Oil Pulling
Tongue scraping has been a practice I have done for years and honestly cannot go a day without it. First thing in the morning, BEFORE you eat or drink anything, stick your tongue out into the mirror and look at the residue you see. It may be white, yellow, or black and can vary from person to person. This residue on the tongue signifies toxins in your digestive system that must be removed before moving on with your day. Using a metal tongue scraper (or spoon, if you don’t have a scraper available), scrape your tongue as far back as you can go with gentle pressure seven times, rinsing your scraper in between. This practice removes the toxins and bacteria you have accumulated overnight in your mouth. You can then follow tongue scraping with oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic technique for additional cleansing of the mouth. Swish an oil, such as coconut or sesame, around in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes every day. Oil pulling assists in removing the harmful bacteria in your mouth, gums, cheeks, and tongue and can further aid in the prevention of bad breath, and tooth decay and may even increase teeth whitening.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a quick 3–5-minute ritual you can do daily to increase circulation within the body while also exfoliating the skin. Begin at your feet and brush upward towards the heart with a natural-bristle brush using firm pressure. Brush in straight lines over your bones and in circular motions around your joints. Dry brushing should not be used on the face.
Yoga/Body Movement
Mindful movement can be coupled with your pranayama exercises every morning to stimulate the brain and the body simultaneously. Light stretching every day helps to increase your flexibility, circulation, relaxation, and joint health. Yoga movement can be done at any time of day and will assist in decreasing stress and pain within the body.