BANGUN PAGI

WAKING UP

You should ideally wake up by 6 a.m. Start the day with a glass of water.

Your body will probably be a little stiff after the night's sleep. It's time to really "wake it up" , give it a good stretch and get the circulation going. In Indian thought, early morning is the best time to fill up with life force energy (prana in India, chi or qui in China and ki in Japan).

Do the following exercise:

1. Stand straight as if in prayer;
2. Stretch your arms over your head, lean back slightly and inhale;
3. Bend down, keeping your knees straight and touch the ground with all 10 fingers while exhaling;
4. Push your feet back, keep your back and head in a straight line and your abdominal muscles pulled in (in the manner of a dog stretching after a nap);
5. Inhale and lunge forward; place your right foot between your arms and left knee on the floor while looking straight ahead;
6. Exhale; bring your left foot next to your right (you'll have to bend your knees to keep your hands on the floor);
7. Inhale and return to prayer position.
   Repeat this sequences six times, alternating your leading leg in step 5 every time. This exercise stretches the spine, "wakes up" your muscles, stimulates blood flow to the brain and fills you up with positive energy.
   If this yoga sequence proves difficult, go for 30 minute walk.
   Have a cup of herbal tea after 15 minutes. A cup of tea or coffee accompanied by low calories, sugar-free biscuits will do equally well.
   Eat your breakfast by 8 a.m.; it should be high in proteins, vitamins and minerals, moderate in carbohydrates and low in fats.

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