Four tips for a stress-free start to your morning
PRACTISE EASY GRATITUDE
RATHER than rushing into the shower when your alarm goes off, pause and ease yourself into the day. Happiness consultant Samantha Clarke, speaking on behalf of Dorset Cereals (dorsetcereals.com) suggests trying a 10 to 20 minute meditation.
Samantha recommends using an app like Calm (calm.com) or Headspace (headspace.com) to guide you through the process. If you’re really short of time, just listening to a soothing playlist on your commute can help relaxation.
HAVE A DIGITAL DETOX
MANAGING your use of technology can be a real time-maximiser in the morning. Life coach Danielle North recommends switching your phone for an alarm clock, so you can keep your devices turned off overnight.
She explains: “Once the phone is off, it’s easier to not grab it first thing.
“Perhaps you’ll even wait until you leave the house to switch it on? Either way, this habit can really help to ease stress and anxiety as well as lower your daily phone usage.”
FUEL THE BODY
NUTRITIONIST Rosie Mullen says: “The body is fasting as we sleep so when we wake we need to fuel it correctly to give you energy for the morning.”
Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, energy levels and reduced risk of diabetes.
ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS
HAVING a moment to yourself is important.
“Taking as little as 10 minutes to yourself will set your mindset for the rest of the day,” says anxiety expert Chloe Brotheridge.
Whether it’s taking a warm shower and appreciating the water on your skin, lighting a candle or taking the scenic walk to work, having this time to create a sense of balance will have a positive effect on the hours that follow.