Awaken with Intention - The ancient Ritual of Body Brushing

Awaken with Intention - The ancient Ritual of Body Brushing

Awaken with Intention – From Stillness to Glow

A 10-Minute Morning Ritual of Dry Brushing for Glowing Skin and Wellness

Dry brushing has been a cherished Scandinavian self-care ritual for centuries, rooted in the practice of nurturing both body and mind. Beyond its natural exfoliating benefits, it helps stimulate blood circulation, support the lymphatic system, promote detoxification, and boost the body’s natural defenses for overall wellbeing.

For me, growing up in Denmark, rituals like these — along with sauna sessions and often a cold plunge into the sea — were always part of life.

Using a natural bristle body brush to awaken the skin and invigorate the senses has become a personal daily practice that combines self-care, mindfulness, and a moment of meditation. It’s a simple ritual that can be done quickly when you’re in a rush, or more slowly and deliberately when you want to feel fully present and grounded.

Here’s my personal 10-minute dry brushing morning ritual:

Wake with Presence (2 minutes)

Before getting out of bed, take a few deep breaths and stretch your body gently. Roll your shoulders, stretch your arms and legs, and invite energy into your muscles. Drink a glass of water to hydrate, and greet yourself with a warm “good morning.”

Mirror Moment (1 minute)

Step into your bathroom and meet your eyes in the mirror. Whisper something kind to yourself — a simple but powerful act of self-love that sets the tone for your day.

Body Brushing (5 minutes — or 3 if you’re short on time)

Start at your feet and brush upwards with slow, clockwise strokes toward the heart.

  • Legs – Brush from the front and back of your right foot toward your thigh and bottom, then repeat on the left leg.

  • Arms – Begin with your right hand, moving along your forearm to the lower and upper arm, then switch sides.

  • Stomach – Massage in gentle circular strokes, starting from the bottom right side and working upward toward the ribs.

Focus on areas that feel heavy or sluggish. I usually dry brush 2–3 times per week, and each session leaves me buzzing with energy, clarity, and body awareness.


Pulse & Energy Boost (1–2 minutes)

Stand still, close your eyes, and feel the energy radiating through your body. For an extra awakening boost, roll our AWAKEN MY MIND Pulse Roll-On across your wrists, neck, or temples. The uplifting scent of citrus combined with energizing rosemary instantly lifts your spirits and sharpens focus.

Nourishing Oil Stage (Last Step)

Finish your ritual by applying a nourishing body oil, such as Award winning HARMONY ROSE Botanical Body + Massage Oil or our new AWAKENING MY MIND Mini Body Oil-mini (full size launching this spring). Massage it gently into your arms, legs, torso, and back. This final step locks in moisture, enhances the glow of freshly brushed skin, and completes the ritual with a deeply grounding, self-loving moment.

Benefits of Dry Brushing

This practice is perfect for anyone looking to:

  • Boost blood circulation and lymphatic flow, helping remove toxins

  • Support a healthy nervous system and promote calm alertness

  • Gently exfoliate and remove dry or flaky skin

  • Increase overall energy, vitality, and body awareness

Important: Avoid using the brush on areas with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, and skip any irritated patches.

Ten minutes each morning can completely shift your day. Dry brushing isn’t just for your skin — it’s a ritual for your body, mind, and soul.

What You Need

At your bedside table

  • A glass of water

  • AWAKEN MY MIND Pulse Roll-On

In your personal spa room

HAPPY DRY BRUSHING!
Tina @ ZEN SOUL STUDIO

Back to blog