A little zen goes a long way

Not a morning person? You are not alone.

From corralling the kids to battling traffic or fighting for a seat on the train, mornings can leave us strung out before our first coffee.

But starting the day right – with a healthy breakfast and a happy headspace – can pay dividends throughout the day, putting us in a better position to tackle what life throws our way.

At Slendier, we want to try and make it easier to help you ease into your day with a sense of calm.

To start, let’s focus on mindfulness. Many of us are guilty of checking work emails and Facebook before we’ve even crawled out of bed.

But mediation is a great way to begin the day with a clean slate, and experts say the best time to practice is before breakfast.

Research suggests it can boost our happiness levels, improve sleep, help control pain and reduce stress, especially if we do it daily.

It can be daunting for those who have never tried it – especially if your brain is reeling with a to-do list that’s longer than the Nile.

The good news is that even dedicating a minute or two to quieting your mind in the morning can make a difference to the daily grind.

A good way to begin is by focussing on your breathing, and taking slow, deep breaths in a part of the house or garden where you won’t be interrupted.

Try downloading an easy-to-use guided mediation app like Smiling Mind if your mind is still racing.

When you are finished feeding your emotional health, it’s time to take care of your body. And there’s no need to whip up an extravagant brekkie for a healthy kickstart.

Our ready-to-go smoothies are packed full of flavour and will keep your hunger at bay with the addition of konjac, an ancient Asian ingredient that thickens your drink.

Slendier’s Super Smoothies are vegan, organic and free of gluten, eggs, dairy and soy, and contain just 75 calories or less per serve.

They taste great on their own, but stir in natural yoghurt and chia seeds or flax seeds to tide you over until lunchtime.

There are four flavours to choose from – Apple, Apple, Strawberry & Banana, Apple, Kiwi & Spinach and Pineapple & Broccoli, and best of all, they can be stored in the cupboard for an easy breakfast on the run.

With these simple tips, we hope you will become a morning person in no time. Or at least find a little zen amid the morning madness.