Did you know that apples are more efficient at waking you up in the morning than your caffeine-laden coffee? And they are a lot healthier, too! Although they’re not as glamorous as the current speciality coffee, the process of eating an apple with its crunchiness and sweet taste is a nutritious way to get your metabolism going. Your body runs better by getting some replenishment early in the day after being at rest all night.
An extra plus to eating an apple in the morning is the increased chance of weight control as it raises your metabolism early in the day when your body is most tolerant to glucose. You will benefit further because you also aren’t as hungry later in the day.
But even before you eat, adapt the practice of filling your bedroom with soft light and gentle music to greet you as you awaken. This can be accomplished as simply as leaving your curtain slightly raised to allow the morning light to come in, and having an alarm clock that plays CDs from your easy-listening library of music. Give yourself a big stretch to loosen your joints and increase flexibility. Don’t jump up out of bed just yet, but rather think for a few minutes of some positive and happy things you are going to do today. Think of something nice you can do for yourself and promise yourself you will do it.
When you do get up, doing a few exercises, even 15 minutes, in the morning is always a good idea too to further limber up yourself. If you practice Yoga, do a couple of Sun Salutation routines. While in the shower, take time to enjoy the soft and warm water flushing out all the grogginess of the night. Be thankful for the clean water that you have access to, and set your shower nozzle on massage, all the while thinking positive thoughts. Use a soap or shampoo with a pleasant fragrance and inhale the sweet smells of the forest, the ocean or a flower garden.
At breakfast time, enjoy the apple already mentioned, or other fruit. Other good choices include any high-fibre cereals with skim milk, or yogurt and a piece of whole wheat toast. Breakfast is a good time to write a few notes in your journal too, sharing your thoughts about the day just past and the one about to begin. Remember to add those things for which you are thankful, such as a good job, family and friends, and other necessities we too often take for granted. The gratitude you feel as you write will enhance your mood. Save the daily newspaper or TV broadcast for later in the day, as they are too full of unfortunate incidents and depressing news that you don’t want to know first thing in the day.
If you are a morning person you might allow time to get a few dinner preparations ready for your evening meal, such as taking the meat you need from the freezer and leaving it to thaw in the refrigerator through the day. Accomplishing what you can in the mornings means your day will run more smoothly, especially if you are working and have children to whom you are trying to serve nutritious meals. You will have increased peace of mind knowing that you have dinner under control, preventing a stop at a fast food restaurant for a more-expensive and less nutritious meal.
If you have children, make sure you have allowed enough time to wake them up gradually and tenderly, sitting on the side of their bed and spending a few quiet minutes with them. Their day will start better too if they have had a loving parent greet them calmly and affectionately each morning.
But by far the best way to ensure you have a relaxing and stress-free morning that sets the tone for the day, is to prepare at night. Before bed, make a small list of things to accomplish the next day and lay out your clothes that you’ll wear. Do this for your kids too, saving a lot of time and anguish during their morning preparations. Try to do any other small chores you could do to make your morning run more smoothly, such as using a coffee machine with a timer and setting it to come on early in the morning so you awaken to the enticing smell of freshly-brewed coffee.
Saying farewell and wishing each other a good day can become a positive and loving activity as each member of your family leaves the house or hops out of the car at school or work. Leaving your spouse or children with a positive feeling will help everyone look forward to a pleasant and productive day. Try it tomorrow and see how good it feels. And don’t forget to stock up on apples!
