Arise Gently -- Holistic Tips to Begin Your Day

Arise gently. Imagine the possibilities! Your body, mind, and spirit are all aligned to bring ever-increasing health and prosperity into your life. Your body is energized and filled with vitality. Your mind is open to fresh possibilities. Your spirit is alive. Let's create it! Perhaps, like me, you really enjoy mornings. Perhaps, like me, you also really enjoy evenings. So much as you might like morning, unless you've plunked yourself into bed in a timely fashion the evening before, even the most inspiring tips are likely to fall on deaf ears. While individual sleep needs vary, experts currently suggest that at least 7-1/2 hours' sleep a night is desirable in order for us to awake healthy and happy in the morning. Your best morning attitude starts the night before. Count back 8 hours from when you plan to get up. Put yourself in bed and flip off the lights. Come the next morning, you'll be so happy you did! Now let's wake up. Check out these tips for a great morning. Don't feel you have to do them all -- just find what works for you best.nnWake Up Your Spirit: nn* Allow time for meditation, prayer, or jou aling the very first thing in the morning. Since your mind is quiet, you're more open and receptive to inspiration at this time of day.nn* Resist the urge to flip on the news. Most days, you can wait to hear about the crisis du jour until later in the day. If you like music on in the morning, select something uplifting.nn* Practice gratitude. Find something to genuinely be thankful for and voice it aloud or jot it down in your notebook.nnnWake Up Your Mind:nn* Early morning is a great time to read, especially if you're making lifestyle changes or dealing with a challenge. Reading supportive material first thing in the morning can help you maintain your focus throughout the day.nn* Review your long-term goals and affirmations.nn* Focus your most important objective for the day. It's amazing how well your day can go if you begin by clarifying one single objective. Make sure you meet that objective early on, and you'll feel great about your day no matter what else happens later on.nnWake Up Your Body:nn* Get moving! Morning is a great time to exercise. Try yoga, a walk, or some biking. Make sure to stretch!nn* Find the breakfast that works best for you. Some people like fruit, others find they need protein. Maybe a "power smoothie" is your personal favorite. If you take vitamins or supplements, morning is a great time to include them. Whatever you pick, make sure it gets your system going and fuels you until lunch.nn* It almost goes without saying, but morning is a great time for your personal hygiene routine. Whatever it takes to make you feel squeaky-clean and well-groomed for the day, allow time to attend to your cleanliness and appearance so you'll feel your best as you move out into the world. Ok, you're off to a great start! With a good night's sleep and a full dose of morning self-care, you'll be resourceful and ready to contribute generously throughout the day.