What’s the use of praising early risers and forcing yourself to get up at dawn, if sleeping late fuels your imagination? This is what Anny Murphy Paul seeks to understand in a Time article. Contrary to popular belief, taking your time in the morning has psychological benefits, she emphasizes: we are already less stressed, and our mind is less constrained and occupied by daily requests (being on time, brushing our teeth , listen to the news…). Result, we take the opportunity to let our thoughts wander. If you want to have genius and original ideas, don’t let the torturing ringing of your alarm clock dictate you and relish the cottony torpor that keeps you from getting out of bed.
Among other tips to avoid unnecessary pressure and promote your creative potential, the author suggests a hot shower after getting out of bed. Nothing like it to relax and avoid thinking about the potentially unpleasant tasks that await you (work meeting, meeting with a surly colleague…).
You are late ? Above all, don’t worry. If you rush into a gallop between your home and your office, you may increase your levels of the hormone cortisol. stress, of which we know the dangers to health. Another good reason to slow down, an excess of cortisol is harmful on myelin, this fatty membrane which covers the neurons of the nervous system. >> To read also: 5 tips to live slower
Coffee, a good morning gesture
Another morning habit to give up is listening to the news. The bad news streak tends to undermine your morale more than it puts you in a good mood. Prefer to listen to positive things that will give you energy for the day. >> To read also: The right reflexes to start the day on the right foot.
Early risers can, however, continue to drink their coffee in the morning. Caffeine makes you more alert but “raises the level of dopamine in the brain, this neurotransmitter which influences feelings of motivation and reward when a good idea strikes us,” explains the Time article. >> To read also: coffee, enemy or friend?
This is not the first time that the merits of sleeping in has been touted, a study by Scottish and German researchers recently revealed the existence of a sleep-in gene which would explain why some people need more sleep than others. Another good reason to lay down in bed.
