Silence can be golden first thing in the morning

The Ray Darcy Show on Today FM was flooded with calls from listeners explaining the reasons for their morning moods. One caller, in particular, was at her wits' end with her husband, whose poor breakfast manner was affecting his relationship with the entire family. None of the other reasons given seemed valid, except maybe for one. A listener texted in to say it was acceptable to remain silent first thing. Acceptable, maybe, if you are rising before your family or before your partner wakes; otherwise, the silence maybe perceived as something rather negative. A bad night's sleep might find the best of us getting out of the bed on the wrong side. But if you are a chronic morning grouch, it may be time to seriously adjust your sleeping pattern, your mindset or, for some, your entire lifestyle. There are many studies to support the benefits of going to bed early and before midnight. An early night can help prevent heart disease and teenage depression. A lack of sleep can lead to moodiness that hinders the ability to cope with daily stresses. This moodiness could affect judgment, concentration and impulse control. Your behaviour in the morning can be adjusted by changing your mindset and viewing the day ahead in a more positive light. Enough sleep, good food and regular exercise are all essential to staying emotionally healthy. Regular exercise helps boost our mood and gives us more energy. If in good health, waking up on the right side of the bed should be in easy reach. Note to parents - if you are sleep deprived due to a teething baby, the best you can do is forgive your moods and try to get to bed earlier to compensate for those waking hours. The practice of yoga keeps harmful stresses at bay by developing an inner silence. In my own yoga community, a student wakes early for morning pranayama (controlled breathing), followed by meditation and then ashtanga asana practice. Silence remains throughout. When students gather afterwards to eat, conversation flows. On days off from practice, it's good to eat, chat and be merry! When you are silent, you access your inner self. Your inner self is tranquil and calm as compared to your external self which, for some, can be turbulent and taxed. Being speechless is not a vice but a virtue and it helps you assimilate clarity of thought and action. Silence in the morning should be used for your greater good and not to alienate others, especially family. Claire Maguire runs the popular yoga school in Ashbourne. See yoga-meath.ie