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From oil pulling to pranayam, 5 wellness rituals to add to your morning routine
With half of 2025 over already, it's safe to say that if there was a theme for this year, wellness would be it. We’ve seen it all over; from influencers and celebrities, everyone is taking a minute to slow down, reflect and focus on their well-being. Whether it's Jacqueline Fernandez moving into a new yoga pose or Samantha Ruth Prabhu being vocal about her wellness choices, mental and physical transformation are top priority this year. If you haven't caught on just yet, you've got the next 6 months to catch up. So take a look as HELLO! has curated a list of wellness rituals that are safe, accessible, and easy, which you can add to your morning routine.
1. Morning shot
A shot of olive oil and lemon juice, particularly on an empty stomach, is believed to offer several potential health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced skin health and boosted immunity, thanks to the combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats present in both ingredients. The lubricating effect of olive oil, combined with lemon's potential to stimulate digestion, also helps with bowel movements. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases while lemon juice has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help protect against infections.
2. Dry brushing
Dry brushing, an ancient Ayurvedic technique known as gharshana, has seen remarkable popularity over the past few years. This centuries-old practice uses a firm-bristled brush on dry skin to gently exfoliate and stimulate various bodily systems. Apart from exfoliation, this practice stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays an essential role in fighting infections and removing toxins from the body. Dry brushing also offers a surprising energy boost many enthusiasts find addictive. The skin contains thousands of nerve endings that respond to touch and pressure, creating a direct pathway to the central nervous system. When brushed gently, these nerve endings spring into action, creating an awakening effect throughout the body.
3. Tongue scraping
Tongue scraping in the morning with a copper tongue cleaner offers several oral and overall health benefits. Copper is naturally anti-microbial, helping to reduce harmful bacteria on the tongue that can cause bad breath and plaque build-up. Regular scraping removes accumulated toxins, dead cells, and food debris, promotes fresher breath and improves taste sensation. This simple Ayurvedic practice also supports better digestion by clearing the tongue’s surface, which is linked to internal organ health. Incorporating this practice into your daily routine can improve oral hygiene and lead to a healthier start to your day.
4. Navel oil pulling
An Ayurvedic remedy with growing popularity, navel pulling with castor oil involves massaging the oil into your belly button and surrounding area. This powerful yet gentle practice supports gut health, hormonal balance, and reproductive wellness. Rich in anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, castor oil helps improve digestion, relieve bloating and constipation, and soothes the nervous system; all of which support a healthy gut. It also promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage in the abdominal and pelvic areas, which can aid in reducing inflammation, supporting liver detoxification, and balancing hormones. This makes it especially beneficial for those managing fibroids, ovarian cysts, or hormonal imbalances.
5. Pranayam
You don’t need a 60-minute meditation session to feel grounded. 2 minutes of pranayam, specifically Anulom Vilom, or alternate nostril breathing can calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. This simple practice calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, improves oxygen flow, and enhances focus, even in a short amount of time. To practice Anulom Vilom, sit comfortably with your spine upright, close your eyes, and use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril. Inhale slowly through the left nostril, then close the left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through the right nostril. Next, inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left. Continue this alternate nostril breathing rhythm for 2 minutes, staying present with each breath.
Edited by Dayle Pereira
