I’ve recently started doing 100 little jumps every morning, just a bit of bouncing around before my first cup of tea, and honestly, it’s surprisingly brilliant for the lymphatic system. Unlike the heart, your lymph system doesn’t have its own pump, so it relies on movement to shift all the fluid and clear out waste. Those little jumps give it exactly that rhythm it needs.
It helps with puffiness, hello ankles and lower legs, keeps things moving along, and gives a proper little circulation boost. I do struggle with my circulation, this time of year I’m always getting chilblains, and even though my geranium oil really does help, I’m hoping this will prevent it even more. There’s also the added bonus of feeling energised and a bit more awake, and if I’m honest, the endorphin hit is rather addictive. Plus, a well-drained lymph system is a tiny nod to your immune system, helping you flush out the rubbish your body doesn’t need.
I always combine it with a bit of massage oil, giving myself a gentle massage as I go. It’s a lovely ritual: I sweep it upwards and outwards, little movements to help nudge everything along, and it somehow makes the whole morning feel just that bit more luxurious, like a mini spa before anyone else is awake.
A few tips if you fancy trying it. Keep the jumps gentle and your core engaged, you don’t need to launch into orbit. Land softly to save your knees and ankles. Add in deep breaths, inhale as you rise, exhale as you land, it really wakes everything up. Doing it first thing, when your body is upright and fresh, seems to make the biggest difference.
Honestly, it takes barely two minutes, but somehow makes you feel like you’ve done something very grown-up and healthy before breakfast.
