Are you programming your day or letting it program you? Most people jump into social media or a TV program and that says it all. After waking our brains they are in a very receptive state that we can use to not only set the tone of our day but also program ourselves for either conflict…or connection.  

Waking up, our brains switch from delta waves, a deep sleep state, to theta waves, a day-dreamy state great for memory, learning, and problem-solving. Then our brains start producing alpha waves, awake but relaxed, not processing much information. This is the wondrous realm of the flow state, the best place to launch from. When we focus on the right things. 

Starting the day off by letting media program our minds throw us off the deep end into beta, a normal waking state full of to-do lists and all-out mental activity. We do ourselves a huge disservice here―skipping right past our highest states of mind. Ignoring the innate power to ignite our day with power and potential.  

Instead, optimize your daily program with a morning routine of self-care. Make time to meditate first thing. Move your body, be it with yoga or any other form of exercise. Eat a healthy breakfast and take a stroll in nature. Try journaling or art-play to add an extra boost before jumping into the methodical, mental-chattering aspects of daily life. Just a few minutes of these each morning ensure a mind, heart, and day are programmed for higher performance and connection, inside and out. 

Michelle Lee is an artist and transformational workshop facilitator practicing throughout Northeast PA, the Harrisburg area, and Lehigh Valley. For details visit www.MichelleLeeArts.com or call 570-443-7777. See ad on page 23.