It’s winter in Toronto which means very little sunlight and some very dreary mornings…

To help make my mornings a little sunnier, I’ve been experimenting with ways to start my days off more intentionally, and I’ve found that a peaceful morning ritual makes for more productive and creative days.

Waking up before the sun will probably never feel quite right, but the good news is that I’ve put together this list of 4 gentle morning rituals that are sure to help you brighten your days.

1. Read something inspiring

   Whether it be a book, blog post, or poem, it’s never a bad idea to give yourself a daily dose of inspiration right from the get-go.

   And while you’re prepping your mind for the day ahead, why not take this quiet time to hydrate with a glass of lemon water or your favourite tea.

2. Set Your intentions

What positive intentions do you have for your day? Write them down.

Or, take a few moments to simply write freely in a journal. If you’re feeling stuck, try writing about what your ideal day looks like.

3. Gentle movement.

Try just 5 minutes of yoga, stretching, or deep breathing to show your body some love. Sometimes I put on a face mask while I do this. You’ll be glowing from the inside out.

4. Aromatherapy

Lastly, light a candle or use a diffuser to really set the tone for your day. Citrus-y scents are perfect if you need something to help get you going in those early hours.