Ayantika Malakar

“Morning sets the tone for the entire day” — a phrase we’ve all heard, and I believe it’s true. Waking up in a bad mood can derail the rest of your day.

Imagine this: you wake up on time, with a few extra minutes to spare. Instead of making the most of it, you dive straight into social media. As you scroll, you come across an upsetting post, or worse, you resume a heated argument from the night before. Congratulations, your mind is now unsettled.

You lose track of time, and suddenly, you’re rushing through your morning routine. A quick shower, an unfinished breakfast, and if you live alone, good luck with making a proper meal. You race to catch the nearest transport, only to find long queues and unbearable heat. The traffic moves at a snail’s pace, and you might even bump into something hurrying along the way, adding to the frustration.

Finally, you reach the office — just one minute late. The biometric scanner marks you late, and your colleagues’ stares reflect the chaos you’re feeling inside. Drenched in sweat, with tousled hair and a drained expression, you’re now not just annoyed, but also sad. When a colleague approaches you for work, you snap at them. Their disappointment only amplifies your own, and just like that, your day is ruined.

This used to happen to me very often. But over the years, through self-reflection, I discovered that starting the day feeling happy and fresh isn’t as complicated as we think. In fact, the secret is simple, and it begins with a detox for both the mind and body.

I Wake up, not to the noise of social media, but to the quiet stillness of my own thoughts. Instead of reaching for phone, I take a moment to breathe, to stretch, and to acknowledge the new day ahead. This is the foundation — a mindful start, free of external distractions.

Next, I jumpstart my body’s detox process with Jeera (cumin) water — a simple yet powerful drink with incredible benefits. Drinking a glass of jeera-infused water every morning does wonders for my digestion and boosts metabolism. Jeera is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that helps to flush out toxins, reduce bloating, and maintain a healthy gut. It’s also known to improve skin health by clearing out impurities from the inside, giving my skin a natural, radiant glow. Following this, I eat a handful of soaked nuts and chana, providing my body with essential nutrients and protein to fuel my energy levels.

Thereafter, I take a few minutes for yoga and a few simple stretches. This energizes my muscles, boosts circulation, and sends a message to the mind that I am ready to take on the day with calm focus. Once I am done, I drink a glass of soaked raisin water, which is a great way to support digestion, detoxify the liver, and regulate blood sugar levels. Rich in antioxidants and iron, it helps improve skin health, boost energy, and promote heart health, all while keeping you hydrated.

Now let’s come to external skin health. Our skin reflects how we feel inside. After cleansing my face, I apply cold rice water to my skin, let it dry and then moisturize. Rice water has been used for centuries in Asian cultures as a natural skin elixir. Its antioxidant and soothing properties make it effective for tightening pores, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow. Besides, the cool sensation instantly refreshes the skin, reducing inflammation.

As part of my morning routine, I always make sure to eat a healthy breakfast. I believe that what you put into your body first thing in the morning sets the tone for your energy levels and overall well-being throughout the day. That’s why I consciously avoid processed foods like bread and ready-to-cook meals. Instead, I focus on wholesome, nutrient-rich options that fuel my body naturally. It may be a bowl of oatmeal, Poha, Upma, Daliya, or Chila. Also, I pack some fresh fruit or green salad for mid-morning hunger.

After arriving at the office, I hydrate with a glass of water, which immediately provides a sense of clarity and refreshment. As I sip, I take a few deep breaths and let go of any lingering stress or tension. Taking just a few minutes to sit in silence allows me to connect with myself, set my intentions, and cultivate gratitude.

The best part? I manage to complete my entire routine— from waking up to leaving for work— within just 90 minutes. Of course, I make small preparations the night before, like soaking ingredients or planning my meals and outfit to ensure I can smoothly carry out my routine without feeling rushed. This gives me enough time to reach the office on time.

By nurturing your mind and body first thing in the morning, you create a ripple effect of positivity that will carry you through the day. This simple morning detox doesn’t require hours of your time or drastic lifestyle changes — just a few mindful habits that prepare you to face the day with happiness, freshness, and clarity.

Curious about how to prepare these detox drinks or rice water? Check out my detailed recipe guide below!