wellness
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Suzy’s mindful morning rituals
Suzy’s routine begins with a mindful
appreciation. “As you wake, before you take
any other action, reflect on one thing you are
happily anticipating in your day, even if it is
hopping back into bed at the end of it! It can
be as simple as thankfulness for another day,
for this body, for this breath,” she says.
“Gratitude is a powerful mood alchemist
so invoking a feeling of appreciation lifts us
energetically and sets the tone for our whole
day. If there is time, listen out for sounds of
nature around you. Tuning in to the dawn
chorus can help us feel part of something
bigger than ourselves. See if you can identify
who belongs to each call and keep a look
out for them when you head out later –
this a great distractor from worry or your
neverending ‘to do’ list.”
Next, select a scent: “Choose a product
with a scent you love – a spritz of room
spray, or tenderly apply some hand balm or
body lotion. Scent has the power to
transform your mood in an instant, whether
it be via the opportunity to pause and take
a moment to enjoy a pleasurable aroma,
by encouraging us to soften and take a few
restorative breaths, or the scent itself
harnessing different energetic effects.”
Suzy’s favourite scents are peppermint or
pine for focus; citrus, basil, white neroli and
mimosa for energy and lavender or myrrh
for calm and relaxation. “Memory playsa significant part too, where particular
scents can connect us with treasured times,
special people or transport us to precious
places,” she explains. “Think about how you
want to feel and choose a scent that helps
you tap into that.”
Starting the day with a good stretch can
also help you to prepare for what’s to come.
Suzy suggests standing tall and taking some
yoga ‘mountain breaths’. She says: “Stand
upright with your feet hip width apart. Place
your arms down by your sides and gaze
forwards. Notice how it feels to be standing
upright, feeling the strength of your legs and
the support from the earth beneath you.
“As you breathe in, raise your arms out
to your sides and reach them overhead. Gaze
up and press your palms together. As you
breathe out, lower your arms down by your
sides, reaching through the crown of your
head and look forwards. Focus all your“Scents can connect
us with treasured
times or transport us
to precious places”