Unplug And Recharge: How To Wake Up Happy

This morning I woke up at 4:00 a.m. Not by choice, mind you, but because the full moon was shining so brightly through the window above my bed.

Having been up too late the night before, I was a little miffed -- I really needed my Z's.... So before slipping out of bed to start my day, here's what I did to help:

(I thought I'd share it with you, in hopes that it could inspire you to get up on the right side of the bed, too!)

1) SOFTEN. When I realized I wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep, my body immediately became tense. So, I softened. That is, I let my body sink into the smooth cotton of my pajamas, and beyond them, my sheets. I noticed my jaw and shoulders were starting to clench and so I began to release them, letting that relaxation spread through my whole body.

2) BREATHE MORE DEEPLY. To imprint this ease into my body, I started breathing more deeply. First I filled my lower belly with my breath, then my upper belly, then my chest. I did this several times.

3) GET EXCITED ABOUT THE DAY. Lastly, I started musing on all the wonderful things that I knew were ahead of me: a hot cup of tea and a bowl of oatmeal, a walk in the crisp autumn air, dinner with girlfriends. And, I also got excited (and curious) about all the wonderful things that would come my way that I could not yet even foresee or imagine...

What about you, are there any pre-waking rituals that help you start your day off on the right foot?

For more tips about healthy living, visit my website: http://www.thewayofthehappywoman.com

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Comments

[bmonaghan]

It's about getting a good night's sleep. Amercans on the average sleep one hour less anight than they did eighty years ago. That amounts to nearly two extra night of sleep a month. Lack of sleep has been connected to heart disease, stress and just abot every chronic disease. What's more, we don't sleep very deeply due to light pollution and stress. The good news is that studies now prove that valerian root acting together with hops combines for a powerful sedative affect that is all natural and non-addicting. For those looking for an herbal tea mix, I suggest drinking the real thing. The supermarket teas have no potency and they add extracts (because the herb quality is so poor) and stevia which is a stimulant - the last thing you want. I get my "Nightcap tea" from http://www.homegrownherbandtea.com. This is the online site for an herbal apothecary tea shop in Portland, Maine. Organic herbs, real hops - tastes great and it will give you a restful sleep.

[ndem]

It's all about perception­...there are reasons why one awakens at 4 a.m. but we can let those things go and find serenity and have a great day anyway!

[KIVPossum]

Point three is my approach. Get up, stand on the balcony, feed the birds and plan what is in store for the day. Make every appointment, event, something to look forward to. Even going to a dentist canbe pleasant if you route through a park.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Beautiful post, thank you!

This morning I too woke at 4.00 am. When this happens, I often use this early time for inspiring moments. I breathe deeply into the topics that come to mind and gain insights. This for me is a quiet time of the day for clear listening.