As we get older (and hopefully wiser!) it’s important to try and keep ourselves in good shape. That means getting the exercise we can, and trying to stay active. That’s what they say about those who retire – it’s easy to lose your purpose unless you find things to do, and so investing yourself into hobbies and pursuits can be very healthy.
The same can be said of those little habits we keep up with each day. For instance, every morning you may find it very helpful to train your brain a little, just as you might go for a walk to stretch your muscles a little.
This way, you stay sharp between the ears and also allow yourself to cognitively wake up for the experience of another day. But of course, if you’re new to this routine, learning what to do can be tough. In this post, we intend to help you in that practice:
Read A Morning Chapter
Reading is fantastic for your brain and its health, and starting your day with a calming chapter and a coffee is a great means to begin. It also allows you to gently shred off the cobwebs of your sleep and feel a little more attentive as you get up to go. Moreover, if you read something a little comforting or inspirational, such as quotes by someone you admire, a memoir, or just a novel you love, you immediately start leaving in a headspace that feels more attentive and interesting than if you had ignored it.
Consider A Morning Game
Games can help us feel a little sharper because they require us to think. Puzzles are great, especially crosswords or games like Wordle. But don’t discount card games you can play solo too. Even classic solitaire has a way of waking up your thoughts and giving you a sense of accomplishment early on from matching suits.
Perform Yoga & Meditation
Morning movement doesn’t have to be intense to make an impact. If you prefer a walk, that’s fine, but yoga can definitely be a little more pleasant in the heart of winter. A few stretches or some basic isometric movements can help you feel more awake and physically ready for what’s ahead. It’s a quiet moment for yourself and helps you set a calm but still attentive tone for the day.
For those who enjoy it, meditation can also be a valuable start, but try to do this after a shower so you don’t fall back asleep. Coffee works well too. Sitting still and focusing on your breath is a grounding way to settle your mind, and you can do it for five minutes before you continue on with everything else.
Write A Journal Entry
Putting pen to paper helps give mornings a little structure as well as getting out those early morning thoughts. Writing about your plans for the day or what’s on your mind can offer clarity and even reduce stress. Perhaps you’ll just write about your emotional state. This way, it’s all out before you leave your house. Not a bad way to process your thoughts.
With this advice, we hope you can enjoy a quick brain training session each morning, feeling better for the effort.
