Love this. It mirrors so much of the opening of Qigong and Tai Chi practices. Intention followed by a cultivation of stillness, breathwork and presence before movement.
I feel like the universe is reaching out to me to do just this. I had already incorporated a quiet time in the morning, and sun light, and then I discovered “ Breath as Prayer”. And now. Your suggestion to focus on just 5 morning practices. This is the start of healing and off the vicious diet cycle. Instead an understanding of the why. TY!
Very few doctors talk about these things anymore. Most visits are filled with routine labs, follow-ups, and reminders of what’s not working. But this—this is something meaningful. A habit that, if practiced regularly, can truly shift the way we move through the day. Thank you Dr. Marbas, for thinking outside the box and bringing us back to what actually helps.
For persons of faith, the intention can be, for example, what Roman Catholics call the daily offering. There are longer variations, but this is what I pray before getting out of bed, the daily offering for kids: Oh Jesus, I offer you all my thoughts, words, and actions today. Please bless me, Jesus, and help me to be good today. I usually follow it with an Our Father (Lord’s Prayer) and a Hail Mary.
Your plan is so profound and doable. I graduated as a Nurse from Cornell in 1974 and left Nursing in 1979 because all I experienced from medical field was treating illness no focus by patient on wellness. Bravo for you insight and leadership giving the patient power to heal thyself.
I’m finding it incredibly fascinating to observe my reaction to this advice! Even though I have done many of the practices on this list off and on for decades, always finding them helpful and even enjoyable, I find myself balking or even almost shuddering at the idea of committing to doing all five every day. Even though I’m retired and have all the necessary time. And they require little physical effort and take little time. And I totally believe in their efficacy.
What in the world causes this resistance? Is it just sheer laziness??? 🤔🤔🤔
Totally get this, and no, it’s not laziness. That resistance is actually really normal. Even tiny habits like The First Five can stir up big feelings because they signal a shift: I’m taking care of me first. That can feel weirdly vulnerable, especially if you’re used to putting others first or staying busy.
I enjoyed reading this and I check my morning ritual to see if I’m already completing the task above, good to know that I am. Mineral water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is good for the nervous system. Just a pinch of mineral sea salt in glass of water.
I think most people are running on a treadmill to insanity due to capitalism and societal pressures. Curving out personal me time when the body wakes up is crucial to longevity.
This is So Helpful! Thank you for helping us build a foundation while addressing causes rather than symptoms, one small yet very significant step at a time.
Great advice and simple!
Love this. It mirrors so much of the opening of Qigong and Tai Chi practices. Intention followed by a cultivation of stillness, breathwork and presence before movement.
:)
I feel like the universe is reaching out to me to do just this. I had already incorporated a quiet time in the morning, and sun light, and then I discovered “ Breath as Prayer”. And now. Your suggestion to focus on just 5 morning practices. This is the start of healing and off the vicious diet cycle. Instead an understanding of the why. TY!
There are no coincidences! Please let me know how it goes @atlantalynn.
Very few doctors talk about these things anymore. Most visits are filled with routine labs, follow-ups, and reminders of what’s not working. But this—this is something meaningful. A habit that, if practiced regularly, can truly shift the way we move through the day. Thank you Dr. Marbas, for thinking outside the box and bringing us back to what actually helps.
You are most welcome, Saima!
Wow. I really needed0 this. Thank u for sharing. I did sent this forward to several close family members. I am ready to set this in place for myself.
Wonderful Judy! Please let me know how it goes!
Thank you, Laurie. I have a morning reset that contains elements of the First Five, but I want to use your post to refine my reset.
Awesome! Let me know how it goes!
LOVE this - thank you. Starting tomorrow
Excellent! Please let us know how it goes and welcome to The Habit Healers community!
For persons of faith, the intention can be, for example, what Roman Catholics call the daily offering. There are longer variations, but this is what I pray before getting out of bed, the daily offering for kids: Oh Jesus, I offer you all my thoughts, words, and actions today. Please bless me, Jesus, and help me to be good today. I usually follow it with an Our Father (Lord’s Prayer) and a Hail Mary.
Beautiful
Dr. Maria's,
Your plan is so profound and doable. I graduated as a Nurse from Cornell in 1974 and left Nursing in 1979 because all I experienced from medical field was treating illness no focus by patient on wellness. Bravo for you insight and leadership giving the patient power to heal thyself.
Thank you!
I love this so much. Thank you 🩷
You are so welcome!
Love this. Great reminders to do simple things that can be so powerful. Thank you.
:)
I’m finding it incredibly fascinating to observe my reaction to this advice! Even though I have done many of the practices on this list off and on for decades, always finding them helpful and even enjoyable, I find myself balking or even almost shuddering at the idea of committing to doing all five every day. Even though I’m retired and have all the necessary time. And they require little physical effort and take little time. And I totally believe in their efficacy.
What in the world causes this resistance? Is it just sheer laziness??? 🤔🤔🤔
Totally get this, and no, it’s not laziness. That resistance is actually really normal. Even tiny habits like The First Five can stir up big feelings because they signal a shift: I’m taking care of me first. That can feel weirdly vulnerable, especially if you’re used to putting others first or staying busy.
Very helpful
:)
I enjoyed reading this and I check my morning ritual to see if I’m already completing the task above, good to know that I am. Mineral water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is good for the nervous system. Just a pinch of mineral sea salt in glass of water.
I think most people are running on a treadmill to insanity due to capitalism and societal pressures. Curving out personal me time when the body wakes up is crucial to longevity.
Absolutely!
I like this, it’s simple enough to adapt to and become habit-forming. Thanks 🙏
You are welcome.
This is So Helpful! Thank you for helping us build a foundation while addressing causes rather than symptoms, one small yet very significant step at a time.
You are so welcome! Thank you for being part of the Habit Healers community.