First―Rise Early: Enough has been said about the virtues of waking up early. It is time you put it into action. The trick is to have a reasonably early dinner the night before and to hit the bed by 11 pm, latest. The more enterprising can aim for 10 pm, but for most of us that is difficult.

Second―Meditation Mornings: This is the best time for introspection and meditation. Osho describes 108 meditation techniques, but for now, let’s just focus on the simplest one: breathe in and breathe out and follow your breath as it moves in and out. That’s good enough say all meditation gurus. We can move on to the other techniques later.

Third―Yoga: It’s time now for yoga on a mat. If you can’t get those creaky joints to move, you can even do it on the bed. Some light stretching exercises and some micro exercises should form part of the routine including some asanas while stretched out on

Fourth―Never skip breakfast: You need a healthy breakfast of carbs and proteins to begin your day. Either have a traditional breakfast or try something new for a change. Here are some options: vegetable poha and kala chana sprouts; besan chilla with coriander chutney; atta bread with peanut butter. Many more will come to your mind when you begin using your imagination. It doesn’t always have to be eggs, bread and butter.

Fifth―Healthy eating: Make your choices for healthy eating for the rest of the day. But stay away from junk foods, oily snacks and sugar-laden desserts. Pick up a fruit instead and munch away on makhanas, roasted daals and chana. There are plenty of options.

Sixth―Outdoor hobby: Go for a walk, sit in the park or walk on your terrace and start preparing for your own terrace kitchen garden. You don’t need to hire expensive gardening consultants. Start watching some real videos on Youtube from gardening enthusiasts eager to share their knowledge with you. Now start preparing your grow bags, fill them up with garden soil, vermi-compost, cocopeat and leaves and plant away.  

Seventh―Find gainful employment: Work is essential. You need money to eat and live healthy, and you need money to run your house. But work creatively following ethical business practices and be fair in all your money dealings. If your work is based on sound ethical principles, there is no reason why you won’t sleep soundly as well and wake up early the next morning to a new you.