![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![Black woman in a hammock drinking tea](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMjAyMDU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3MDQzNTQyNH0.ztUA5pQrYRrfwwFCMDxjJW13ZO1CL3zZP6hkJHCT36o/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C103%2C0%2C251)
The Ayurvedic Practices You Should Consider Adding To Your Morning Routine
I've never been a person who thrives on routines or waking up early, and I know I'm not the only one. But we can do a few things in the morning to help us get a good start to the day. Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is an ancient form of Indian medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years and still plays an integral role in India's traditional healthcare system.
Ayurveda medicine practitioners encourage us to start the day with a set routine. This series of activities, known as Dinacharya, helps to promote balance in the body and mind. The specific activities vary depending on the individual's needs, but they often include dry brushing, tongue scraping, and meditation. While it may take some time to get used to, incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your morning routine can greatly improve your health and well-being.
If you aren't doing these already, here are 10 Ayurvedic practices you can try, in no particular order.
1.Go to bed early.
Getting a good night's rest is essential for good health, but many of us still need to find the time to prioritize rest. Life can be hectic, and it's easy to stay up late and watch TV or scroll through social media while lying in bed to decompress. However, there are many benefits to going to bed early and getting a full eight hours of sleep. For one, you'll wake up feeling more rested and have more energy throughout the day. Getting enough sleep has also been associated with better mental health and a stronger immune system.
2.Wake up with the sun.
The best time to wake up is before the sun, according to Ayurveda.
Andersen Ross Photography Inc/Getty Images
According to the principles of Ayurveda, the best time to wake up is before the sun rises. Waking up with the sun helps balance the body's natural rhythms. Sunlight is also said to be cleansing and purifying, helping to reduce toxins in the body. In addition, waking up before 6 a.m. gives you a chance to start your day with some quiet time for reflection and meditation. If you need help being an early riser, try setting your alarm for a few minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired time. Don't press snooze! Over time it will be easier to rise with the sun.
3.Start oil-pulling.
Oil-pulling or Gandusha is the practice of swishing an herbal oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Sesame oil and coconut oil are two of the best for oil-pulling, as they are highly effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. In addition to whitening teeth and freshening the breath, oil-pulling improves oral health by reducing inflammation, strengthening tooth enamel, and preventing cavities. You should oil-pull on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth and drinking water. But, remember, don’t swallow the oil when you're done! Spit the remaining oil in the toilet.
4.Drink a glass of water.
The best beverage to start your day with is water.
Image Source/Getty Images
Many people begin their day with a cup of tea, coffee, or orange juice, but did you know that water is the best way to start your day? Drinking a glass of room-temperature water before you drink any other beverage in the morning will help you hydrate your organs and improve your energy levels. It also stimulates your metabolism and aids in healthy digestion.
5.Go to the bathroom.
You read that right. Having a bowel movement in the morning is important for your gut health. While sleeping, our gut processes the food we ate the day before. When we wake up, our colon begins to contract so we can have a bowel movement as soon as 30 minutes after we wake up. Five healthy foods that help you poop are apples, leafy greens, avocados, legumes, and sweet potatoes.
6.Try dry brushing.
Dry brush your body once a day for optimal benefits.
Youngoldman/Getty Images
Dry brushing, also known as Garshana, helps improve circulation, exfoliate the skin, reduce cellulite, and encourage lymphatic drainage. To dry brush, purchase a natural-bristle brush and use it to massage your skin in circular motions. Start at your feet and work your way up your body, avoiding any sensitive areas. For optimal use, dry brush once a day, ideally before you bathe or shower.
7.Scrape your tongue.
Tongue scraping has many health benefits. It clears toxins and bacteria from the tongue to prevent bad breath and poor oral health. Ayurveda practitioners believe tongue health is connected to the health of several of the body's vital organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, and stomach. For the best results, scrape your tongue twice a day after brushing your teeth. Check out this list of tongue scrappers.
8.Cleanse your body.
Taking a bath can provide a moment of peace in an otherwise busy day.
Cavan Images/Getty Images
While many enjoy a relaxing evening bath, taking a morning bath improves your well-being. For one thing, it can help to improve your skin health. Soap and water can help to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the surface of your skin, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed. In addition, a morning bath can also help to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. The warm water can help ease muscle tension, and taking a bath can provide a moment of peace on an otherwise busy day.
9.Connect with yourself.
Meditation can help you to focus your thoughts, connect with your innermost feelings, and find calm and peace. You can also use this time to pray, set your intentions for the day, or affirm yourself by saying motivational and encouraging messages. If you are new to meditation, try a guided meditation to start.
10.Eat before 9 a.m.
A healthy meal in your mornings is a major key.
AleksandarNakic/Getty Images
Eating a balanced, nutritious breakfast is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system. When you sleep, your body is fasting, so you break that fast with a healthy meal. Breakfast helps to jump-start your metabolism and get your digestive system moving. People who eat breakfast are less likely to experience indigestion or other gastrointestinal problems later in the day. Studies have also shown that not eating breakfast can lead to poor heart health.
Having a set structure to start the day helps ease us into our daily schedule. It can be challenging to find time for ourselves, but carving out even just a few minutes in the morning to be intentional about how we spend time with ourselves helps us feel more centered, balanced, and prepared for whatever the day may bring.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by xavierarnau/Getty Images
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images