How to start your day with less stress

There is something to be said for waking up early in the morning.  The house is quiet, you’re alone with your thoughts, you’re getting ready to start a new day.  It’s easy to grab your phone, check social media, look at your computer, or turn on the television within the first few minutes of waking up.

A healthier alternative is to take a few minutes to yourself.  Drink a glass of water.  Go outside. Get some fresh air and feel the morning sun on your body.  Take a few minutes to BREATHE.  Breathe deeply.  Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.  Inhale for four counts and exhale for six counts.  Repeat this process for ten minutes. By making the exhale longer than the inhalation, this switches on the Parasympathetic Nervous System.  This is our bodies "rest and relax" mode.  Breathing is the fastest and easiest way to change our state.  This will reduce our stress and lower our cortisol levels.

We can’t be sure what new challenges the day will bring to us, so starting the day off calm and relaxed is the ideal state to begin with. Taking just 10 minutes to breath deeply, is a fast, easy, and effective way to manage our stress levels. 

As ever,

Sean Smith
Kuleana Health & Wellness
Oahu, HI

It’s your responsibility to take care of your health.  It’s my responsibility to help.