5 Tips for an Energizing Start to Your Mornings

One thing that haunts you on every night? ‘Morning Blues’, we bet! Almost everybody dreads the mornings mostly due to two reasons. One, you don’t want to leave the comfort of your cozy bed and second, it’s the beginning of a stressful day. But look at the brighter side, mornings bring fresh hopes and new beginnings too. So why not start your mornings on a refreshing note rather than a saddened mood?

If you can maximize the relaxation factors to minimize the stress elements, your mornings may not be as awful as you think. Here are five amazing tips to invigorate your mornings.

Let’s move it

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Give your lazy bones a life! If not gym, then let it be walking, jogging, yoga, aerobics or Zumba. As long as you move those muscles for about 30-45 minutes daily, you can always look forward to energy filled mornings. You can start with a warm up and gradually increase the intensity, based on your physical stamina. The focus should be on sweating it out to burn the extra calories.

Eat breakfast like a king

“Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast, eat breakfast first.”

Well, we understand that your work life beckons you and the clock is ticking fast. But, that doesn’t mean that you skip the breakfast  - the most important meal of the day. A proper portion of healthy breakfast can get you through the day actively. It would be a good idea to start with a cup of green tea or lukewarm water with lime. Lukewarm water can boost your metabolism and flush out the toxins. While, green tea contains anti-oxidants, which reduce the oxidation process in the body to preserve the nutrients. A bowl of cereals with milk or traditional snacks such as poha or upma cooked in less oil serves as a filling breakfast. Also, how about sneaking a handful of almonds in your breakfast plate to stimulate your brain?

Let the family nurture your soul

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Like the body, our soul also needs a fresh fodder every morning. Though everyone may seem to be rushing around, a light hearted chit chat with your family during the breakfast or the workout can liven you up instantly. Make your mornings a special time to bond with your family.

Refresh your mind with music

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Classical or jazz, romantic or spiritual, listen to the music that refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. When you tune into music, your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which regulates brain’s reward and pleasure centres. An absolutely marvellous way to start the day on a happy and motivating note!

Dress to feel good

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If you dress good, you feel good. A nice attire coupled with a positive attitude can boost your self confidence like nothing else can. Ladies, try to complement your dress with elegant jewellery, stylish handbags or stylish footwear. We have a nice tip for the menfolk too – spend a few minutes extra in front of your mirror to get that perfect groomed look. Aren’t you now  all set to step out of the house, no matter how the morning weather is?

Happy Mornings!

5 Super Tips to Help Your Children Beat the Exam Blues

It’s that time of the year, which a majority of the school going children (and their parents too!) dread. Though the exams and weekly/monthly tests go on round the year, the annual exam fever can grip the young minds more strongly, leading to the undue stress. It is the parents’ responsibility to calm the distressed minds and help them cope up with the exam anxiety with positivity.

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Here are some tips to make the exam parenting easier for you.

1.    Get involved with your child

Let your child feel that you are always there with him to answer all his queries and concerns regarding the exams and subjects he is studying. Perhaps a 15-30 minute interactive session quizzing your child on how he is faring in his exam preparation and asking his a few questions pertaining to the course would give you an idea about his state of mind. If you feel he is abnormally stressed, you could spend more time with him, cheering them to be positive.

2.    Allow ‘time – out’ breaks

Children should be encouraged to take about 10-15 minute ‘time – out’ breaks to clear their mind from the exam bug. They can perhaps watch television, listen to soothing songs, practice meditation,  do light exercises, or indulge in any leisure activity that will fill them with renewed energy.

3.    Create a stress free environment

Is your child’s concentration hindered by external disturbances? A neighbour listening to songs on a high pitch or other children playing on the streets, could make your child feel stressed out too. Or maybe, he feels suffocated in a closed room. Try to curb these factors and create an environment, that can help your children concentrate better.

4.    Let them sleep on it

Thought it’s normal to lose sleep over exams, lack of adequate sleep and rest can take a toll on your children’s mental and physical health. A good sleep will make them feel fresh, active, and all set to face the exams.

5.    Feed them brain boosting foods

Your children’s brains put in extra hours during the exams. Hence, it is imperative to fuel it with energy boosting foods at regular intervals. Try and avoid giving your children junk and starchy food. Rather, a protein-rich diet is recommended. Here are some fun, healthy food ideas:

Fruit Yoghurt

Brown bread slices smeared with crunchy peanut butter
Dry fruits milk or halwa

Soaked almonds

Scrambled eggs

Children who eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get ample sleep have more physical and mental energy to deal with the academic challenges. In case, you feel that your child is abnormally stressed or hypersensitive, every time exams approach, you may consider getting him counseled by school teachers or on exam helplines exclusively dedicated to students.

With the help of these useful tips, your child will surely fare well through his exams.