5 habits we're adopting after watching the Deepika Padukone Morning Chai episode

For the longest time, we had two categories of humans — Early Bird or Night Owl. But a third category is more appropriate for those of us who can neither stay up late nor wake up early. We’re the permanently exhausted pigeons who want to hit the hay as soon as we get home and snooze the alarm for as long as we can the next morning. Or if your mom is anything like mine, sleep in until she kicks the bedroom door wide open as the cooker ki seeti jolts you out of sweet slumber.

I stumble around the house like a disoriented bat, my wavy hair forming a crow’s nest on my head while I struggle to make a cup of coffee. In need of some streamlining, I watched the Deepika Padukone Morning Chai episode on Tweak India’s YouTube channel (subscribe, I promise you won’t regret it), and discovered tips that are worth stealing

From her preferred breakfast to her skincare ritual to the way she recovers from a low energy start to the day, the Deepika Padukone Morning Chai episode has me hopeful my batty days are behind me.

5 tips we’re adopting from the Deepika Padukone Morning Chai episode

Chug a glass of hot water

“My first thing is to have some hot water in the morning,” says Padukone. Experts have long maintained that drinking a glass of hot water upon rising aids in digestion, speeds up your metabolism and improves bowel movements. Maybe let your morning bucket of caffeine take the second spot for a while?

Say no to doom scrolling

In the stages of waking up naturally, the human body goes from deep sleep (delta waves) to a daydreamy state (theta) to awake but relaxed (alpha) and finally, the active or beta state. Scrolling through your phone first thing in the morning could trigger the body’s stress response by taking you straight from delta to beta, which is a shock to the nervous system.

Don’t let external stimuli take over. Instead, let your mind wake up and get ready for the day at its own speed. A relaxing morning routine, free from distractions, will help you have a calmer day ahead.

Keep quiet and ask everyone else to do so too

Instead of watching the Titanic submarine reels on loop, spend time with yourself. Call your attention to the present, do some easy stretches, meditation, and maybe read or journal if that’s what you like.

Watching the Deepika Padukone Morning Chai episode, we learnt that she needs “to have some peace and quiet in the morning. Because usually once I’m out of the door, it’s a lot of people, a lot of engagement and energy. So that morning time for me is very precious.”

Slam dunk a wholesome breakfast

If you’ve been skipping breakfast, know that Deepika Padukone insists it’s the most important meal of her day. Her preferred breakfast is simple and nutritious, focusing on healthy carbs by way of upma or idlis, with a portion of protein. Pair it with a healthy smoothie or a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and you’re all set for the day’s shenanigans.

Never step out without sunscreen

I scream, you scream, we all scream for sunscreen. Deepika’s preferred weapon to battle against sun damage and pollution is the 82E turmeric shield sunscreen, while keeping the rest of her routine simple and consistent. Even on lazy days when she skips every other aspect of her skincare routine, the one product she’s fanatical about is sunscreen. “I even wear it indoors”, she explains to protect against the UV light being emitted by phone and laptop screens.