What do Michelle Obama, Anna Wintour and Arianna Huffington have in common?
They’re all early risers!
And it looks like they’re onto something… A good morning routine may be the secret to success and happiness.
If you’d like to be a morning person – but need a little help getting out of bed – try these 5 easy steps:
- THANK YOUR BED
While the science is out on the effectiveness of the daily affirmations that have made self-help gurus like Louise Hay famous, there is one morning mantra that the studies support: gratitude. Start by saying thanks to your pillow for the zzz’s, and list off a few other things that you are grateful for.
RELATED: How Tired Is Too Tired?
- SORT OUT YOUR INSIDES
Before you ingest your preferred heart-starter, take a moment to alkalise your system. Some naturopaths believe that our modern diet and lifestyle creates too much acidity in our system. Fresh lemon juice in warm water or raw apple cider vinegar (taken as a shot or mixed in warm water) will set you up for the day.
- WORK UP A SWEAT
No time to exercise? Sorry, but you have seven minutes. Interval training is the excuse proof sweat-fest that can be done in your bedroom; studies show that you don’t even need to crack the 10-minute mark to bring more benefits to your lymphatic system than a lifetime of dry body brushing.
RELATED: “I Worked Out Like A Supermodel For A Week”
- PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER
Your Nespresso might be calling, but we have an additional cure for that vague pinot pain. Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes. Anecdotally (from 5000 years or so of Ayurvedic practice), you can expect whiter teeth, better breath, and healthier gums, plus it’s meant to cure a hangover. Choose sesame or coconut oil for their antibacterial properties. Do it after waking – even for five minutes while you shower.
- DO A LITTLE SWEEPING
Writer/filmmaker Julia Cameron came up with a brilliant brain sweeper called “Morning Pages”. As soon as you wake, take three A4 pieces of paper and a pen, then just write until you’ve filled the pages. Be it banal, repetitive, juvenile, whatever. It’s like throwing the doors open on the mind, tossing out niggling thoughts and – maybe – finding some lost nugget of gold. Repeat each morning for as long as you find a benefit.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
