Ever since I was a child I remember my Mum would wake us up every morning saying - "wakey wakey - Rise and Shine". Of course as children it didn’t mean anything to us except just my mum's loving call telling us it was time to wake up. As I grew up the value of those words actually sank in. Specially the mornings after a late night, or a club hop or just a terrible night when you stay awake for no reason at all, tossing and turning and staring at the ceiling.
As one started to work and life became full of responsibilities - it became increasingly difficult to "rise and shine". Day after day I woke up tired, with my head buzzing from what had happened the day before, what needed to be done now, the looming deadlines, the urgent stuff, the bills to be paid, the list is endless. And the effect that this rush in the brain has on you is those visible facial lines, the dark circles, that lock of hair that wont straighten no matter how hot the ironing tongs are, the eyeliner that runs in your eye, the body that feels bloated and hence the dress does not sit well…...
If this sounds like you, how about we look at 13 ways to help you start your day feeling awesome and then living your awesomeness every moment of the day. Lets find a way to truly Rise and Shine!
1. Don’t Move : As you wake up - lie still. Ease slowly into the present . Let your mind and body connect without any movements. It’s worth paying attention to your unconscious emotional state.
2. Find your happy place : Try to remember if you had a pleasant or a naughty dream and stay with that energy, smile. Think of three things that make you happy and let the corners of your mouth turn up into a big smile. Your happy thoughts will be forefront in your consciousness all day long, feel free to slip into your happy space whenever you want.
3. Relax and Meditate : It’s natural to think because you have just woken up, you are relaxed, but your rushing thoughts of what all you need to do can tense up your body and leave you feeling tired. Avoid such thoughts and slowly sit up and prepare to meditate. It has been proven that the best and most effective time to meditate is first thing in the morning. Meditation, is nothing else but maintaining a blank state of mind.
4. Align Your Energy - Don’t Think : A straight spine is essential for meditating because it aligns your spine so energy can move through your body unobstructed. Shrug your shoulders back and feel the energy moving through your body. Note your body’s stillness.
5. Breathe and Focus On Breathing : As your mind becomes active, focus your attention on your breathing. Extend the breath and you will continue to be in a peaceful state. Follow your breath – in and out, after all, breathing is essential for staying alive. It is your life force, so honor it with attention and intention.
6. Let your heart fill with Gratitude : They say gratitude is the best attitude. Think of everything and everyone in your life and be grateful for them, including your problems, as they help you grow.
7. Radiate love : As you communicate your gratitude to the universe, let your heart fill with love and let this energy of love flow out through every pore of your body into your entire environment. Send this energy of love to all your family, friends, colleagues, clients, the plants, animals just the whole universe.
8. Let Go :This is also the perfect time to let your most pressing issue go. Give it to the universe to take care of and express gratitude for the solution, as if it has already been taken care of.
9. Stay Relaxed : Your thoughts manifest in your mind and body. Notice how your body tenses with uncomfortable issues. Relax your body by taking a very deep breath and let the breath out slowly. Shrug your shoulders back and open your heart - you are now ready to take on the world.
10. Think Yes Instead of No : Anything that has the energy of No attached- means resistance is at work. Yes on the other hand means possibilities and opportunities. Yes means being strong and willing to cross over a mental threshold and be surprised.
11. Stay Present and mindful : Make an intention to stay present during the day and keep it. Your power of the day is in the now. Constantly check in with yourself and be aware of what is going on, both inside and around you.
12. Make No Excuses, Give No Blame : It may feel natural to make excuses and to pass on blame when things are not going well. Make an intention to take full responsibility for what you do every day.
13. Embrace your Challenges - day after day : Life is an opportunity – full of limitless possibilities. Do not complain about little challenges that present themselves - embrace them and carry on regardless.
Please share your own ideas for a better life with us. Email us on iamwoman@xtra.co.nz and like us on facebook - www.facebook.com/womanunlimited