It can be difficult to keep up a routine sometimes. It takes true effort to create ritual. At least in the beginning. And sometimes it can all seem so overwhelming. For example, I set a goal for myself every week to meditate in the mornings. But the truth is that I don’t always have the time. I may wake up late, I might take an early gym class, I might have work to do. It is frustrating nonetheless. But it’s important to remember the small differences you can make and incorporate into your routine, that in turn will create big changes in your everyday life. So how do we create effortless effort?

Well lets start with three basic changes you can incorporate into your morning routine. 

1. Tongue Scraper

The ancient Ayurvedic healing philosophy of India has recommended tongue scraping for centuries as an aid to digestion and for the health of the teeth and the sinuses. When the salivary glands are cleaned, it activates them and enhances digestion (yes, digestion beings in the mouth as saliva mixes with food and begins to break it down). While you sleep at night your body is busy clearing out toxins. Some of those toxins are deposited on your tongue as a coating. By gently scaling this coating off first thing in the morning you avoid reabsorbing these toxins.

Where to buy: Local pharmacy

$: Under $5

2. Dry Skin Body Brush

The practice of dry skin brushing may be old news to those who practice the daily routine, but with all the skin care products and hypes out there, it’s important to remember this low maintenance and economic technique that offers a great way to maintain not only healthy skin but a healthy body. The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is of paramount importance to you. Some benefits of this old practice are:

• Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.

• Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.

• Dry skin brushing also helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.

• Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material in your stools.

• Dry skin brushing helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.

• Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

• Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health

Where to buy: Wellness stores, markets like Whole Foods

$: Under $10

3. Glass of water with lemon

A glass of water with lemon right at least 15 minutes before you start your first meal is such an easy way to start your day right. The first thing I do every morning is pour a large glass of water and squeeze in half a lemon.  It balances PH and  kick starts your digestive system. Lemon is also a natural energizer, it hydrates and oxygenates the body so it feels revitalized and refreshed!