The early morning hours are a special time, and practicing mindful morning habits during this time can do wonders to de-stress your body and mind and improve your well-being. While exercise, meditation, and proper nutrition are known to help manage stress, there are also great yoga practices.
Director of Dr. Hansaji Yoga Institute, Yogendra, shared with IANSlife some morning practices that you can incorporate into your personal daily routine to recharge your batteries and set a positive course for the next day.
Up early
In India, the auspicious time about an hour and a half before sunrise is known as Brahma Muhurta or the time of the Creator. It should be noted that our creative potential is currently at its peak. If you want to gain new knowledge, improve your skills, or even improve your health, you should do it during this creative period. At that magical moment when the day begins, the universe is like a belly full of cosmic energy. This energy can be easily absorbed if you are awake during this time. If you get up early, you can start the day calmly and spend the morning without stress.
loneliness
A quiet morning provides a space to cultivate solitude, a zone where introspection and self-discovery come together. Self-talk through a meditation practice or scripture reading builds emotional resilience and faith. The Sanctuary of Solitude nourishes the soul and strengthens it against the cacophony of stress from the outside world. A meditative start to the day sets the stage for a calm state of mind that can relieve stress. Being still, even for a few moments, allows the mind to connect with the present moment.
the psalmody
Chanting mantras, or sacred sounds, is a powerful yoga technique that resonates with the energy centers or chakras of the body. By pronouncing certain sounds, you can ease tension and promote a sense of harmony. For example, the Om mantra is known for its vibrational qualities that calm the mind and reduce stress. Chanting this mantra during your morning routine can create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
come on neti
Jal Neti cleanses the nostrils with water. Stimulates nerve endings and cools the brain. Jal Neti should be accompanied by Kapalabhati. Do 30 rounds of Kapalabhati to open your energy channels. This practice not only helps clear sinuses and improve respiratory health, but it also has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves stress, and promotes mental clarity.
Movement
Incorporating physical activity into your morning routine is a great way to reduce stress. When you practice yoga, brisk walking, swimming or team games, endorphins are released, which naturally improve the body's mood. Any exercise in the morning is known to improve cognitive function and regulate cortisol, the main stress hormone. Balances your body's complex chemistry and induces a state of euphoric well-being.
Keep a diary
Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful morning habit. Take a few minutes each morning to write down three things you are grateful for. This exercise diverts your attention from stressors, promotes a positive mood, and sets a harmonious tone for the rest of the day. Cultivating gratitude turns stress into peace. As the morning light bathes the world in its soft glow, a positive attitude creates a moment to recognize the good that surrounds your life. Keeping a gratitude journal or doing daily affirmations evokes a feeling of fulfillment.
Digital detox
In the age of constant connectivity, the quiet hours of the morning are the perfect time to disconnect from the digital world. This digital detox window allows for authentic interaction with yourself and your physical environment. By staying away from the deluge of emails, messages, and notifications, you can give your mind the luxury of endless repetition. This will help you regain your mental space and avoid the stress that comes from constantly interacting with digital media.
Careful planning
Stress-related chaos can be avoided with a structured daily schedule. Keep a journal to outline tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and set realistic goals to gain a sense of control and organization. Thanks to this habit you will be able to balance your tasks better, reducing the risk of unnecessary stress.
These practices have important benefits that go beyond simply reducing stress. If you adopt these practices with an open heart and a willingness to explore, you are guaranteed to achieve a calmer, more centered, and stress-free life. Along with these good morning habits, it is also a good idea to have a good breakfast and then go to work. Remember not to waste time daydreaming, eating, or engaging in stressful activities during those early morning hours. These things will only save you energy.
As the morning sun rises and invites you to discover possibilities, let the wisdom of yoga precepts and mindfulness practices guide you toward a balanced life.