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A Beginner’s Guide to the 17-Hour Fasting, Meditation, and Creation Routine

Are you looking to improve your health, reduce stress, and tap into your creative side? This beginner-friendly guide introduces a simple 17-hour routine that combines fasting, meditation, and creative practice. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried these before – we’ll walk you through each step!

What is This Routine?

This routine spans from 4 PM one day to 9 AM the next. It involves:

1. Skipping dinner (fasting)
2. Going to bed early
3. Waking up early
4. Doing a short meditation
5. Spending time on a creative activity

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Fasting (4 PM – 9 AM)

Fasting might sound scary, but it’s simpler than you think! Here’s how to start:

1. Eat your last meal around 4 PM.
2. Don’t eat again until 9 AM the next day.
3. Drink water, herbal tea, or black coffee during this time if you feel thirsty.

It’s okay if you can’t make it the full 17 hours at first. Start with what’s comfortable, even if it’s just skipping an evening snack, and gradually extend the time.

Step 2: Early Bedtime

Try to go to bed earlier than usual, ideally around 9 PM or 10 PM. This might be challenging at first, so start by going to bed just 15-30 minutes earlier than normal.

Before sleep, try this simple relaxation technique:

1. Close your eyes.
2. Take three deep breaths.
3. Think to yourself: “As I sleep, my body rests and heals. I’ll wake up feeling refreshed and creative.”

Step 3: Early Wake-Up

Set your alarm for about 6 AM. If that’s too early, start with 7 AM and gradually move it earlier.

When you wake up, resist the urge to check your phone. Instead, take a moment to stretch and thank yourself for waking up early.

Step 4: Morning Meditation

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s an easy way to start:

1. Sit comfortably in a quiet place.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
3. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
4. When your mind wanders (and it will!), gently bring your attention back to your breath.

That’s it! As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the time.

Step 5: Creative Time

Now comes the fun part – creating! This isn’t about making a masterpiece; it’s about expressing yourself. Choose any activity you enjoy:

• Writing: Jot down your thoughts in a journal.
• Drawing: Doodle or sketch anything that comes to mind.
• Music: Hum a tune or play a simple instrument.
• Movement: Dance to your favorite song.

Start with just 15 minutes. The key is to do it without judging yourself.

Breaking Your Fast

Around 9 AM, it’s time to eat. Choose something nutritious like oatmeal with fruits, or eggs with whole-grain toast.

Tips for Beginners

1. Start Slowly: You don’t have to do everything perfectly from day one. Begin with one or two elements and gradually add more.
2. Be Patient: It takes time to form new habits. If you miss a day, simply start again tomorrow.
3. Listen to Your Body: If you feel unwell at any point, especially during fasting, stop and eat something.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the fasting period.
5. Adjust as Needed: This routine is flexible. If 4 PM to 9 AM doesn’t work for you, shift the timings to fit your schedule.

The Benefits

As you practice this routine, you might notice:

• Improved focus and energy
• Better sleep
• Reduced stress
• Increased creativity
• A sense of accomplishment

Remember, everyone’s journey is different. What matters most is that you’re taking steps to improve your well-being and explore your creative side. Be kind to yourself, stay curious, and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you!