10 WAYS TO A GOOD MORNING
1. TURN ON THE MUSICMake your mornings musical.. About a decade ago, Frances Rauscher, a psychologist now and her colleages made waves with the discovery that listening to Mozart improved people's mathematical & spatial reasoning. Some experts think that music boosts brain power simply because it makes listeners feel better, both relaxed and stimulated at the saem time, and that a comparable stimulus might do just as well. Apparentlyl, music helps bring on a more positive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay as well. And morning is a good time to sart positive, before the day can get you down.
2. MEDITATE
It's not just for the spiritually inclined. "Meditating for just a few minutes, especially in the morning, right after you get up, can help clear the mind," says a functional medical practitioner. "It helps in balancing the body channels, replenishes the mind energy and energizes the vital forces of our body, " she claims. Also, "Our minds are in a constant state of thinking, and contrary to what most people think, it is most aggravated when we wake up." If sitting with your eyes closed is not your definition of relaxation, here's a style of meditation no one can complain about. Meditation can also be interpreted as walking, swimming, knitting, painting... basically any activity that helps keep your attention calmly in the present moment.
3. SET THE CLOCK BACK
Just set your alarm clock 15 minutes early. This way, you won't have to jump out of bed and rush through the morning. It also gives you the time to fit in important activities such as planning out the day ahead or making a To-Do list.
4. COLOR YOUR CUPPA GREEN
Green is already very popular because it has one-third the caffeine of regular tea and does not bring on caffeine dependency. But there's another benefit - its calming effect. Several studies have shown that the amino acid L-theanine in green tea improves memory, cognitive functions and learning and counters stress responses, both psychologically and physiologically.
5. NOTE TO SELF : READ
Why not read something positive or uplifting in the morning for a while? Read something inspirational, motivational or spiritual. Those few minutes early in your day, used for feeding your mind with positive thoughts will pay dividends all day long - indeed, all life long. To add a memory boosting bonus for your brain, also eat a braekfast of high-fibre whole grains, low-fat dairy items, whole fruit and lean protein.
6. FIRST, DRINK WATER
The fact is that you've been fasting all night, so you wake up dehydrated. This is why drinking water first thing in the morning is a very good idea. Not only does it cleanse your system, but also improves bowel movements and helps remove toxins from the body. Plus, it keeps you energetic throughout the day.
7. COAX A CUDDLE
Right in the morning, jumpstart the relaxation response of your body by cuddling your pet, giving a huge hug to a family member or snuggling with your spouse. This way you can show tension the door and keep your stress levels low all day. Studies have also shown physical contact may actually help lower blood pressure and decrease your stress hormones.
8. GET EXERCISE
A good reason to work out in the morning is that it gets your metabolism going and jumpstarts your body and mind for the day ahead. There is nothing like getting your heart rate and sweat going for an immediate sense of wellness. When you exercise in the morning, the endorphins produced last all day, adding to your sense of well-being and happiness. This endorphin hit is addictive and you will continue to feel good for 24 hours after that. Plus, when you work out in the morning, you are more likely to adhere to the exercise regimen.
9. ROLL YOUR EYES
Working continuously for umpteen hours, staring like a zombie at the computer screen, trying to finish that presentation before starting on the next... Is this what you foresee in the hours ahead?Then you are probably also dreading t ired, swollen eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity and headaches later in the day. Eye fatigue is a common problem, so take steps to sort it out right in the morning. It is advisable to try out yoga mudras for the eyes such as the Sambhavi mudra - Look up to try and see your eyebrows, and then down to try and focus on the tip of your nose. Repeat 10 times to the extent comfortable every morning.
10. THINGS TO AVOID
Equally important are things to exclude during the golden hour of your morning - Television news - If at all you must, get it in small dozesSnooze Button - Start waking up when you have decided to. You won't sleep well once the alarm's clanged and clamoured, so you may as well get up and get on with it. Coffee Refills - Give that second cup a miss. Avoid drinking too much caffeine during this time of purposeful planning and preparation.
