Morning drainage and detox

Feelings: Feel grounded, feel refreshed.

Time required: 5 to 10 morning minutes.

What you’ll need: Retreat Yourself Dry Body Brush.

ABOUT THE RITUAL

Self care is about nourishing, nurturing and caring for every bit of you. Everyone has different rituals and ways of showing themselves some love; how many of your rituals involve massage and touch?

Touching your body — whether in daily ways like applying moisturiser after a bath, or in more meaningful ways, like massaging a tight spot — is a physical act of self care. In these moments, you are dedicating your whole being to loving yourself and feeling wonderful, because when your hands are occupied, you can’t do much else.

As you slowly massage in your moisturiser, or focus on dry brushing your body, you are actively honouring yourself and following your right to feel good. These moments of self care immerse your mind and body in the thought: I am worth it.

Try this lymphatic drainage routine as your next full-body self care ritual.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Set aside an extra ten minutes for your morning routine tomorrow. When you wake, grab your Dry Body Brush and head to your bathroom or peaceful space. This ritual is best completed before your morning shower.

2. This activity will create lymphatic drainage through the body, which will improve circulation, remove dry skin and stimulate your lymph nodes. For proper drainage, there are a few guidelines to consider. First, be sure to begin at your feet and move upwards towards the heart, following the direction your lymphatic fluid flows. Use long, firm strokes, rather than circular or back-and-forth motions. Be gentle when you reach your stomach and armpits, as these areas with more lymph nodes can be sensitive.

3. Continue to gently sweep the body brush across your skin. Stay present and aware of how you stimulate the surface of your entire body. Mindfully feel every tickle and jolt. Consider: how can you bring this body self-love into the rest of your day?

[AFFIRMATION]

“I respect myself and my body.”