Your mornings are the basis for the rest of your day. If you feel great in the morning, you will carry that feeling through the day. A great morning routine ensures you feel fresh, energized, and confident - the perfect state of mind that increases your chance of success in all your endeavors. Let us see the 8 habits you should incorporate into your morning routine for that perfect state of mind for success.
Sleep and wake up early
Waking up early, especially during Brahma muhurta (an hour and a half before sunrise), increases longevity and immunity, and decreases the chances of falling ill. The practice also enhances one’s focus and mental well-being. You also have a lot more time to yourself, as you don’t have to go to your office or classes in a rush, which keeps down your stress hormone levels.
When you wake up early, it is also important to go to bed early, to ensure you get eight hours of sleep. “When you sleep, your body repairs itself. It goes into maintenance mode. Enough sleep and you wake up a healthier, perhaps even younger, version of yourself,” says Khurshed Batliwala, author of Sleep Your Way to Success.
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A simple detox drink
Water is a simple detox drink that will help relieve your bowels and make you feel fresh early in the morning. You can also try lemon water instead of plain water. It rejuvenates you instantly. Avoid caffeine early in the morning, as that is the time when your cortisol level (stress hormone) is already high and caffeine just increases it. If you are used to coffee or tea, save a cup for a mid-morning break.
Prepare your to-do list
Prepare a mental to-do list in the initial hours of the morning, as that is when you have a lot more clarity and energy than the rest of the day. A to-do list in the morning charges you with enthusiasm for the day ahead.
Move
Dedicate some time for a short walk or an exercise or yoga routine, or all three. As you move, you release endorphins, a feel-good hormone, improve blood circulation, prepare your body for digestion, and bring a positive frame of mind. Movement is a common routine element among all successful people, including Amitabh Bacchan, Oprah Winfrey, and Tim Cook.
Reset your mind with your breath
Our hectic lives generate a lot of stress in our body-mind complex. Your breath can help you reset your mind for the upcoming day. Sudarshan Kriya is one breathing technique that has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety significantly. International cricketer R Ashwin shares why he has included Sudarshan Kriya in his morning routine. "It is an amazing feeling for the entire day. Similarly, when I meditate in the evening, it gives me the energy to go through the next few hours and engage with my kids," shares the cricketer.
Remember great personalities
Great personalities possess great traits. Take the example of Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and rishis and women of yore. When you remember them, your mind assumes their qualities. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains the practice.
Feel grateful
Numerous studies show the power of gratitude. It makes you happier, improves your health, and strengthens relationships. Adopt the practice of feeling grateful every morning for the little and big things in your life, and to the higher power, you believe in. You will experience a shift in energy and enthusiasm within a few days.
Have breakfast
Don’t miss your breakfast if you don’t want to experience brain fog and irritability in your morning meetings, or the first important task of the day. This is the most important meal of the day. It can be just fruits and soaked nuts or simple oatmeal or a buttery paratha. See what suits your body.
Check out some recipe ideas for a quick and wholesome breakfast, or explore the full recipe archives.
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