Overstimulated and stressed, that's unfortunately all too often how we are in our current society. But symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, reduced focus, a lower libido, or a short temper are not normal and are often the result of an overstimulated brain.
An easy way to prevent an overstimulated brain is by implementing a pleasant, calm, and loving morning routine. Because let's be honest? If you start the day rushed, this feeling of being hurried will persist throughout the day. Start your morning calmly and relaxed and benefit from it all day long!
In this article, we share 6 great tips for a relaxed morning routine:
1. Exercise, preferably in nature
In nature, you can enjoy yourself and both your brain and body can relax. The greenery, the birds, animals, even the leaves falling in autumn... by starting in nature, you begin the day relaxed and without stimuli.
Starting the day with exercise, preferably on an empty stomach, provides extra energy throughout the day. You can choose the gym, but you can also go out and exercise in nature!
For example, take a brisk walk or roll out your yoga mat outdoors when the weather is nice. We can't change the fast-paced world, but we can change how you, as a person, deal with it.
2. Prep your meals (and supplements)
We often want to eat healthy meals, but it often falls by the wayside during the (busy) day. By preparing your lunch and any snacks in the morning, you're less likely to reach for unhealthy meals and snacks. And this is important, because the food on your fork determines how your brain, gut, immune system, and hormones function. Nutrition also influences your energy level, how you process stress and inflammation, and how your genes develop and change.
You can also prepare your supplements in the morning, for example in a pill box. When you are consciously engaged with your health and the right nutrients in the morning, you will benefit from it all day long.
3. Start your day without your phone
Are you aware of how long your phone is part of your life? Many people start the day as early as 6:00 AM with the first action of the day: turning on their phone, checking the news, WhatsApp, and browsing social media... You immediately start your day with an overkill of data that your brain has to process, you immediately give it a dopamine shot, after which the brain immediately indicates: I want more. Dopamine is addictive.
Start the first hour of the day without your phone, give your brain some rest, and enjoy the peace, the moment, and the relaxed feeling for the rest of your day.
4. Write in a journal
Journaling is one of the best things you can do to start the day calmly and clearly and to change negative habits. By writing every morning about what's on your mind, you discover what issues need your attention that day.
A key characteristic of an overstimulated brain is negative thoughts and worrying. Writing down these thoughts and emotions helps to organize them and literally get them out of your head. This creates peace, reduces your stress level, and makes you aware of what you need to change.
So start the day with a nice cup of matcha tea and write your heart out!
5. Meditate
Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, and there are even studies showing that daily meditation reduces inflammation at the cellular level. Additionally, meditation improves your concentration and memory, increases your compassion, promotes better sleep, and strengthens your immune system. By starting every morning with meditation, it will become one of your most valuable habits, believe us!
6. Set an intention for the day
By setting an intention for the day in the morning, you support your brain towards more positivity, more energy, and less overstimulation. It provides a guideline to start each day with peace and attention. Examples of intentions are:
“Today I choose to do everything with joy”
“Today I focus on gratitude”
“Today I am proud of myself and the people around me”
