Morning routine expert says can 'fix' your health if done before 10am
A neuroscientist has shared a morning routine he recommends everyone should do to help 'fix' their health. Dr Joe Dispenza, who is a scientist and expert in mindfulness, claims your thoughts can have a huge impact on your health, both positively and negatively.
Speaking to podcast host Steven Bartlett in a recent episode of Diary of a CEO, Dr Dispenza suggests a morning routine people should consider doing before 10am to potentially improve their wellbeing. In the interview, the doctor also shares insights on how to 'transform' yourself and 'create a new vision for the future'.
Dr Dispenza is a New York Times best-selling author, researcher and lecturer. His official bio reads: "His research has led him to develop a practical formula to help people transform their lives. He teaches people how to heal their bodies of health conditions, make significant changes in their lives, and evolve their consciousness."
READ MORE:The Grand Tour's Jeremy Clarkson's jaw-dropping net worth despite significant farm loss
READ MORE:Hotel near M5 reopening after huge multi-million pound refit
Dr Dispenza started off the interview by claiming 95% of who we are by the age of 35 is programmed through habits and unconscious thoughts. However, through the power of thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, he says people can transform themselves to become 'healthier', physically and mentally.
Stress and regularly being in 'survival mode' can lead to negative emotional states and addictive behaviours that are harmful to your health, he added. But meditation and 'mental rehearsal' can help install new thought patterns and behaviours to become the person you want to be, the doctor says.
He explained: "Our research shows that your thoughts can make you sick, and the question is if your thoughts could make you sick, can your thoughts make you well? That's absolutely possible."
Dr Dispenza has a morning routine of waking up at 4:30am to have uninterrupted time for himself. His routine includes a "think box" to organize his thoughts and a "play box" to change his state without thinking.
He allows for two hours every morning for this routine, though he says he may not always take the full time. Taking take out for yourself of a morning, especially before you day gets properly underway, Dr Dispenza says can positively brain activity, reduce stress and increase coherence.
He says 'time to yourself' should involve meditation, two hours is more than plenty - but unrealistic for many - so even 20 minutes can make a difference. He explained that focusing on "nothing" and expanding awareness can synchronise different parts of the brain, leading to a calmer state of mind, which can benefit your physical health.
Stressing the importance of connecting with yourself rather than your phone, the doctor added: "It's important for us to [meditate] in the morning, or the evening, instead of reaching for our cell phone as the first thing....
"Go inward and forget about your outer world... Sit there in silence aware of nothing but you... Say, 'okay, what is the greatest expression of myself I can be today?', and do that exact process."
It is no secret that stress can have a negative affect on your mental and physical health. When stress becomes chronic, your body stays alert even when there is no danger, which can lead to health problems over time.
Cortisol is a hormone that's produced by the adrenal glands when the body experiences stress. Having just the right amount of cortisol in your body is important as it helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and your metabolism. It also helps suppress inflammation and controls mood.
However, having too much cortisol for a long period of time can put you at an increased risk of various issues, such as:
Heart disease: Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
High blood pressure: Stress can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to other health problems.
Mental health issues: Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Skin problems: Stress can make skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis worse. It can also lead to hives, itchiness, and excessive sweating.
Digestive problems: Stress can cause digestive problems.
Sleep problems: Stress can cause sleep problems.
Weight gain: Stress can lead to weight gain.
Risky behaviours: Stress can lead to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, or overeating.