dorset cereals has teamed up with Rosie Millen, Danielle North and other likeminded experts, including anxiety expert Chloe Brotheridge, happiness consultant Samantha Clarke and comparison coach Lucy Sheridan to form the Breakfast on the Slow Collective. The aim is to inspire us to have a calmer breakfast and morning, to help us to get the most out of our days.
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Here the Breakfast on the Slow Collective provides their 7 top tips for being a morning person
Practice easy gratitude
It’s important to take time to pause and ease yourself into the day. Happiness consultant, Samantha Clarke recommends that you can do this by “trying a short 10 to 20-minute meditation.” Samantha recommends using an app or listening to a soothing playlist on your commute to work for on the go relaxation. These practices will lead to higher quality output throughout the day.
Have a digital detox
Danielle North, life coach, believes in managing your use of technology. Danielle recommends using an alarm clock, so you can keep your smartphone turned off overnight. She says, “once the smartphone is off, it’s easier to not grab it first thing in the morning, but perhaps wait until after breakfast to switch in on. Overtime this habit can really help to ease stress and anxiety as well as managing the smart phone addiction.”
Fuel the body
Breakfast is an opportunity for nourishment and wellbeing for your mind and body. Nutritionist, Rosie Mullen emphasises the benefits of eating a nourishing breakfast to your inner calm. Rosie says that “the body is fasting as we sleep so when we wake up we need to fuel it correctly to give you energy for the morning.” Benefits vary from blood sugar balance, helping you to maintain your energy levels and reduce anxiety for the rest of the day.
Introduce your senses to the day
Lucy Sheridan, comparison coach, says: “whilst often overlooked, it’s important to try and let the natural senses meet the day. Of course, this isn’t always possible in the winter months but it’s a habit to try and encourage as much as you can.”
For example, taking a shower in natural light reduces your exposure to artificial lighting that can overstimulate the senses, leading to stress and anxiety. Natural light will allow you to ease yourself into the day.
Enjoy the little things
Having a moment to yourself is important as you spend most of the day focused on other people. Anxiety expert, Chloe Brotheridge recommends that “taking as little as 10 minutes to yourself on a morning will set your mindset for the rest of the day. Whether this be taking a warm shower and appreciating the water on your skin, lighting a candle or taking the scenic walk to work, having this time to create a sense of balance will have a positive effect on the rest of your day.”
Don’t get too caught up in a routine
Your daily routine should be a rough guide for the day and shouldn’t leave you feeling guilty if you miss anything. Lucy Sheridan notes that “many of us are juggling from the moment we wake up with family, work and personal responsibilities, making it difficult to stick to a routine each morning. Take the time to choose three manageable things that you don’t wish to compromise on that will bring you enjoyment and focus on these to make you feel good.”
Keep a journal
Danielle North says “keeping a journal can serve many purposes in feeling calm and staying mindful. Make a to-do list the night before which will allow you to relieve any stress and worry and give you the opportunity to fully switch off.”