We live in a fast paced digital world where we find ourselves feeling rushed, stressed and completely disconnected with our mind and bodies. Before we can even welcome the new day, we scroll through notifications, sip coffee on the go and rushing into our responsibilities for the day without starting off on a slow meaningful way. What if the secret to finding peace and productivity lies in how we start and structure our day?
Wake up gently and avoid the phone
Our day is determined by how we spend the first few moments after we wake up. Instead of reaching for the phone to check emails, social media or even the news., take a few deep breaths and get out of your bed and do some light stretches, to centre yourself. The benefit of avoiding your phone in the morning is that your mind remains focused, clear and free from the external noise..
Research has shown that checking your phone immediately after you wake up can increase stress, divert your attention and trigger a comparison in you which takes you away from everything that you have.
*Mindful tip: invest in a traditional alarm clock and keep your phone away in another room while you sleep. This will be a gentle way off breaking the habit of scrolling.
Start your morning with warm lemon and honey water
After a nights rest, our bodies need hydration and the perfect way to start your day is to have a glass of warm lemon and honey water, which is the most refreshing and simplest way to wake up your body. The warmth of the warm lemon water helps to stimulate digestion and support immunity and detoxification.
*Mindful tip: to get in the electrolytes, add in a pinch of sea salt or grated ginger for extra digestive support.
Late morning stretches to awaken the body
Movement is a blessing and a medicine for both the body and mind. After hydrating your body, allow 5 to 10 minutes for light stretches or gentle yoga to get your body moving before the onset of the day. This helps to release stiffness improve circulation and be in line with your physical self. You can try easy morning routine such as shoulder rolls to release tension, gentle deep breath to send to yourself and full body movement to get you going.
These mindful movements have the power to give you energy and help you feel alert and present as you start your day.
Have a high protein breakfast and a cup of tea
Eating a required amount of protein throughout the day fuels your body and helps stabilise the energy you require throughout the morning. Protein keeps you full for a longer period and keeps you focussed which is a key factor for a balanced lifestyle.
Here are a few protein packed ideas you can incorporate in your breakfasts:
- Veggie egg omelette with sourdough
- Greek yoghurt with almond, granola, and berries
- Protein smoothie with banana, apple and oats
Pair your breakfast with a warm cup of tea, sit down and savour each bite and avoid any distractions. Being present while eating helps you tune into your bodies needs and appreciate the food you are eating.
Meal Preparation is the Key
The key to a balanced lifestyle isn’t just about meditation or being still, it is about organisation and self-care. The best method of staying organised is to prepare your meals ahead of time so that you can eat healthier and reduce the issue of going through a decision fatigue. The last thing we need to worry about is deciding what to eat and how to prepare the food.
Set aside a day where you can buy your protein like chicken, beef, fish and organ meat. Buy your vegetables, rice, legumes and marinate the meat and put them in separate boxes and freeze them so you can take them out and cook and eat in under an hour.
- having ready to go meals saves time, money and stress, allowing you to eat healthy and to live more intentionally during the day.
Say your prayers and practice gratitude
Spirituality is a part of a balanced lifestyle. Being grateful for the blessings you have profoundly shifts your mindset and gives you a purpose of living.
You may:
- choose to begin your day with an affirmation or a short prayer,
- write down a list of things you’re grateful for
- Reflect or visit places of worship to say a little prayer
Practising gratitude allows you to ground yourself and to analyse your strengths and your weaknesses, it encourages contentment, perspective and peace – all of these are essentials one needs to live a more purposeful way of life.
Stay Consistent and be going to yourself
Be consistent is the key and remember mindfulness is a practice, not perfection. The goal we aim to achieve is progress and contentment, not guilt.
Be gentle and patient with yourself and celebrate your small daily wins. Making choices with a positive mindset – no matter how small it is, adds quality to your life, leading to a calmer, more purposeful and intentional life.
Adopting self- compassion and consistency are the keys to a lasting balanced lifestyle. Choosing to make small, consistent choices brings a lasting peace to your day, When you make these choices, you come to a realisation that you’re not surviving, you’re thriving.
Incorporating a balanced lifestyle begins today: start today, slow down, cherish every moment and live your life with purpose and watch your world transform.