Tip Of The Week: Switch Up Your Morning Routine

According to experts, it takes at least 30 minutes for your brain to move from slow-frequency (recuperation, rest) to faster-frequency (alert) brain-wave states. So morning is not the time to be reading or sending business emails or trying to make strategic plans, as you're less likely to process well and are more prone to errors.

Reaching for technology also starts your day with thoughts about what you need to do, not about what you're currently doing. Again, this can lead to silly mistakes. But more importantly, you lose the opportunity to be in the moment, stressing about what's upcoming. Which is a bummer, because your  morning attitude often transfers over into your entire day.

Here are some healthy alternatives for your morning routine:

• Before you get out of bed, starting from your head down, focus on each part of your body and how it feels. Slowly stretch, tighten, or wriggle those areas as you go.
• Before your get out of bed, spend three minutes making a mental list of what you're grateful for.
• Take a cold shower (or at least turn down the heat at the end).
• Do a gentle exercise such as yoga or taking a walk.
• Prepare and eat a fully balanced breakfast.
• Listen to fast-paced, upbeat music that you enjoy.