The Difficult Morning Wakeup: An Energy Science Fix
"Why do I keep setting the alarm if I'm not going to get up?"
That's a good question and there's some conjecture about how to deal with this Kapha period of the day
Early Morning: Qualities of Kapha Time
The time between 6a and 10a is a Kapha period and has the qualities of slow, heavy, cloudy, cold, and static Our bodies being part of Nature also experience these same qualities
Is it any wonder that we don't like getting up in the morning?
This relatively inert period of the day can be overcome by MOVEment It may take some discipline to shut off the mind that insists that the snooze button is a survival tool but in the end we need that Pitta transformational energy to help change the situation
We're Not All Created Equal
We should remember that we have varying levels sleep needs based on our dominant energy makeup and these need to be respected
While Kapha can get by with 6 hours of sleep, Vata may require 7 to 8 hours of sleep(Pitta dominant somewhere in between) based on demand so recommendations for amount of sleep should be taken into this consideration
Exercise programs can be draining on the physiology requiring especially in the beginning more rest for the body Respect the body's rest requirements as more may be needed until the body is in better shape
Trouble with excessive sleep implies poor energy particularly for VP or PV(Pitta Vata) Often times this can be addressed by paying attention over time to eating according to our body's energy makeup
Energy Science Solutions
Try to move toward getting up before the Kapha period begins, ie at or before 6a
"Early to bed, early to rise" Avoid going to bed late Lights out by 10p for Vata and 11p for Kapha It's been shown that even when lying awake we are resting But make a deal that always up at the same time By and by a new sleep cylce will be established
Get up at a prearranged time without hesitation(remember MOVE) Don't let mental jargon to lull you back to bed
Stimulate and energize the body(remember MOVE) After out of bed do a three part warm up breath with 1 arms out in front with breath in 2 arms extended out horizontal with the shoulders with another breath in 3 arms overhead with breath in 4 forceful exhalation done with a loud HA(do this in the other room if your spouse is sleeping) with the arms brought down along the sides
Make the bed if you're the last one out
Develop a morning routine 7 splashes of cold water on the face with the eyes open
Resist taking naps during the day
Healthy nutrition with a strong digestive fire will over time will begin reducing physiologic stagnant energy
Life WITHOUT the Alarm
This may sound preposteous but as we become in sync with Nature alarms will become unnecessary
It is very natural for the body to wake up on its on accord as the above process unfolds
Until next time Ciao To health as a Skill Love DrBill
