Start Smarter: Harnessing Alpha Brain Waves for Happiness
Start Your Day Right
In our hyper-connected world, checking social media first thing in the morning is common, but it can increase anxiety and stress. Instead, imagine starting your day feeling strong and happy. This can be achieved by tapping into the alpha brain wave state and adopting a short, intentional morning routine.
Understanding Alpha Brain Waves
Alpha brain waves naturally occur when you first wake up, making your brain more receptive and able to reprogram your subconscious mind. This is the part of your mind that holds old habits and beliefs. For example, if you feel sad and crave cookies, it might be because, as a child, cookies meant love. By utilizing the alpha state in the morning, you can set a positive tone for the day and reshape these subconscious patterns.
The Science Behind Alpha Waves
Research shows that alpha waves offer several mental and emotional benefits:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Lower cortisol levels lead to a calmer mind.
Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: The alpha state promotes free-flowing, creative thought processes.
Improved Mood: Increased alpha waves boost serotonin, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.
The Problem with Social Media
Checking social media first thing can disrupt your alpha state. The influx of information and notifications spikes cortisol levels, shifting your brain to a beta wave state associated with stress, leaving you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
The Power of a Morning Routine
Instead of reaching for your phone, spend the first minutes of your day on a mindful morning routine. Even just five minutes can improve your mood, boost productivity, and help you manage stress. Best case for results - build up to a half hour or more!
Mix & Match Ideas
Pick what works for you within the time you have:
Wake Up Gently: Use a gentle sound or light alarm. I like the app Sleep Cycle.
Practice Deep Breathing: Focus on your breath for 3-5 minutes.
Stretch or Exercise: Light stretching or a short walk outside increases blood flow and releases endorphins.
Hydrate: Drink a glass of water to kickstart your metabolism. Do this before coffee!
Gratitude Practice: Reflect on what you’re grateful for, mentally or in a journal. No joke - I have 2 clients that set a 2nd alarm a few minutes after the first so that they can lay in bed and think of these gratitudes and really feel it in their bodies.
Set Intentions: Think about what you want to achieve today. I like asking a question that primes my day for goodness, like ‘What good things will unfold for me today?’
Mindful Activity: Engage in calming activities like reading, positive affirmations, or meditation. I honestly repeat certain affirmations daily. They’ve changed my life. It helps me to choose the thoughts I want, versus the old negative things I used to think on repeat.
Benefits of This Routine
Reduces Anxiety: Avoiding social media helps maintain a calm, alpha state.
Boosts Mood: Gratitude practice and exercise release feel-good hormones.
Increases Productivity: Setting intentions helps you stay focused and organized.
Improves Resilience: A positive start equips you to handle daily stressors better.
Rewires Neurons: Being purposeful and practicing this creates the life you want.
Final Thoughts
Starting your day without social media might be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the initial discomfort. By nurturing your alpha brain waves through a simple morning routine, you set yourself up for a day filled with strength, happiness, and resilience. Try it tomorrow morning and feel the difference for yourself.
Here’s to a better, brighter start to your day!
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