When setting the tone for a positive and productive day, a good morning routine is essential. This involves taking care of your mind, body, and well-being. Taking time in the morning to implement some healthy habits will help kickstart your energy, improve your mood, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
We’ve come up with 10 tips that will take your morning routine to the next level. Whether you choose to incorporate all of these tips or just one, they will set you up for a great day.
1. Organize Yourself the Night Before
There’s a saying that the best mornings start the night before, and for good reason. Reduce the stress from making more decisions in the morning by making them the night before. Examples include selecting what clothes you’ll wear or organizing what supplements you’ll be taking. Not having to think of these things and knowing they are organized and ready to go, not only saves you time, but also can prevent any stress that comes with having to make these decisions in the morning.
2. Don’t Press Snooze
No matter how tempting it is, try not to hit the snooze button. When you go back to sleep after waking up from your alarm, your body will start a new sleep cycle. The next time you wake up, you may feel groggy or disoriented (also known as sleep inertia). Waking up more easily begins with a good night’s rest, so if you have trouble getting a good night’s rest, making changes to your sleep environment and routine can help.
3. Hydrate
Drinking water in the morning helps replenish your hydration levels that have decreased overnight. To give your water a refreshing taste, add lime, mint, or cucumber. Lemon water is a great option as lemon contains vitamin C and helps with immune function.
4. Play Music that Makes You Happy
Listening to some tunes that put you in a good mood first thing in the morning sets a positive tone for your entire day. It will also make routine morning tasks such as brushing your teeth and washing your face way more fun.
5. Do Deep Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises do wonders for your mindset and well-being, especially if you are stressed or anxious. Find a place in your house where you can sit comfortably and practise breathing from your belly. Breathe in for a count of 4, allowing your stomach to expand, and hold that breath for 2 seconds before exhaling slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. You’ll immediately feel a sense of calm and clarity.
6. Move Your Body
Whether it’s a short walk or a 5-minute stretch, any kind of movement is good for your body and will give you an energy boost. Incorporating a few simple stretches or exercises into your morning can have a positive impact on your mood.
7. Eat a Healthy Protein-Packed Breakfast
Having a breakfast filled with protein and fibre helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and will keep you full until lunch. Some healthy and delicious options are oatmeal with protein powder, greek yogurt and fruit and granola, or an egg frittata with spinach.
8. Take Your Supplements
On a busy day, it may be hard to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs through your diet alone, so it may be helpful to take supplements. If you’re unsure which vitamins to take, start with a multi vitamin and incorporate others such as vitamins C or D to support your metabolism , immune system, as well as your bones and teeth.
9. Make Your Bed
Making your bed may seem like a small task, but it can have tremendous benefits on your well-being. Not only does it help your space look and feel more tidy and organized, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and the momentum to complete more tasks in your day.
10. Keep a Journal Nearby
Getting any to-dos out of your head and onto a piece of paper will help clear your mind and reduce the stress of having to remember everything. Keep a journal nearby to write out your to-do list, or even just to jot down your thoughts and feelings throughout the day.
You can feel a significant improvement in your day by adopting even just one of these tips.
Start with what’s easiest for you and try making it a habit before incorporating more tips. An enjoyable morning routine that makes you feel good inside and out is important not just for your day, but for your overall quality of life.