Waking up in the Brahma Muhurata: The Vedas, the ancient revered scriptures of our motherland advise ‘Brahma Muhurata’ as the ideal time to rise and start the day. Considering night time to be the period from sunset to sunrise, Brahma muhurata, which translates as ‘the time of Brahma – the creator of this universe’, is considered to be the last quarter of the night i.e. from 3.30 am to 6.00 am. This broad time range accommodates the opinion of different yogic systems with regards to the time stretch of ‘Brahma muhurata’. This is considered to be an auspicious time for prayer, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and even studies. The mind is fresh and calm at this time and the environment is serene, making this an ideal time to prepare yourself for the day ahead. It has also been scientifically proven that waking up in the Brahma muhurata helps boost our immune system.
2.Silent meditation: Using the Brahma muhurata to practice silent meditation has immense mental and emotional benefits. Silent meditation refers to merging with the tranquil within. The entire environment with its sounds, vibes, and happenings should fade into the background as you go deeper into your conscience. Don’t try to take control of your thoughts neither flow away with them. This can be rather difficult initially. But with daily practice, silent meditation becomes a medium of connecting with the supreme power and getting answers to all your questions.
3.Positive affirmation: Positive affirmations are about programming the subconscious mind to register a specific thought and accept it as reality. For example, if you keep repeating to yourself, “I am healthy and doing well in life”, this is what your system will acknowledge as the truth and comply. However, your confidence and belief in what you say to yourself should be deep and firm. A good idea is to make a list of positive affirmations and repeat these loud and clear to yourself every day. When doing so, it is important to visualize yourself as having achieved your desires and sense the feeling of gratification associated with it.
4.Exercise: Your body is your greatest gift from the Supreme and the means to live a good life. Exercise of any kind is way of connecting with your body and establishing a lifelong healthy relationship with it. Commitment, love, care, and honesty is crucial for any successful relationship. And it is no different in this case. Give your body complete attention as you exercise, be it in any form – aerobics, yoga, gym or even a daily walk. Treat your body with love and care. Don’t overburden it in a sudden zest to get fit in a few days. Listen to it when it complains. Never ignore it. Over time your body will start co-operating with your expectations and start delivering results.
5.Healthy Meal: A nutritious and filling breakfast is a must before you start your day. Having given a smooth start to your mind and body, avoid feeding it junk – tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam etc. Go in for healthier options – the Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of healthy breakfast options. There are also a plethora of quick and nourishing breakfast recipes that can come to your rescue when you are running short on time. But it is advisable to not make breakfast a rushed affair. Rising early can definitely leave you enough time for a relaxed breakfast that your body can relish. It’s another important aspect of nurturing your love affair with your body.
6.Avoid digital devices: If possible, avoid engaging with any digital devices – laptop, mobile, iPad, even your fitness tracker, completely before you actually start work. Enjoy your personal zone as long as you can. The moment you interact with these devices, you are connected with the world outside which is then impossible to ignore.
We have not included the regular elements of a morning routine – cleaning your system, brushing, taking a bath, wearing fresh clothes, grooming yourself etc., in the above list. These are of course non-negotiable and built into your morning routine since childhood.
However, revising your morning routine to accommodate the above listed healthy practices will surely ensure a power start to your day. As they say, ‘A good start is half the job done’.
