5 Healthy Ways to Boost Your Morning Routine
Every day begins as a clean slate. You can draw a happy face on that slate and decide to make it a good day, which sets the right mood for meeting your goals. What you choose to do in the morning greatly affects what you achieve throughout the day, so giving your morning routine a healthy boost helps you to check every box drawn on your slate by the end of the day.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a morning routine can increase your productivity, positivity, and energy.(1) That is what we all want, right? Right! Here are some ways to make the most of your morning routine.
Start with a Stretch
Maybe you are not a morning person. Maybe the thought of jumping out of bed first thing at the crack of dawn isn’t very enticing. But eventually, you need to wipe the sleep out of your eyes and get moving. When you do, start your day with a stretch to stimulate your mind, increase circulation, and release tension in your muscles.
Some stretches you can do in the morning include:
Forward fold - either sitting on the ground or standing. Comfortably reach for your toes - just enough to feel a good stretch.
Side stretch - reach a hand overhead - make sure to do both sides.
Chest stretch - clasp your hands and reach forward to close the chest, then clasp your hand behind you and stretch your arms to open the chest.
Breathing while you go through your morning stretches helps your oxygen to flow better, so don’t forget to breathe through the movements. Remember - you are doing wonderful things for your body! Research shows that regular physical activity reduces your risk of multiple chronic health conditions.(2)
I am sure that the more you do morning stretches, the more you will love your morning stretches!
Exercise Healthy Hydration
You have been told since you could read that you should drink lots of water every day. Some studies say 8 cups, while others say up to 15 cups of water is necessary for a healthy body. So get started! After you finish with your stretches, refresh your body with a couple of cups of water.
Even though you should make it a habit to drink water in the morning, it doesn’t have to be a boring chore. Mix it up sometimes with flavored water, vitamin water, or other forfeited water. Trying new things can add some zing to your morning routine and keep it from getting too blah.
Clean Your Conscience
So, now you have stretched and had a yummy drink of water. It is time to take a few moments and just clear your mind. Some people like to meditate, some pray, and others simply enjoy quiet time. Whatever fits you best, set aside at least 10 minutes after exercising to let go of negativity and fill your mind with good thoughts.
Meditation can benefit your overall health and emotional well-being, according to the Mayo Clinic.(3) It is a great tool for reducing stress and beginning your day on a positive note.
You can also use this quiet time to read. Motivational books offer encouraging messages that feed your heart as well as your mind. Just stay away from social media first thing in the morning - save that for later!
Don’t Skimp on Style
You know you are beautiful, right? And handsome? And amazing? So look the part! When you are finished with your quiet time, give yourself a little attention. Pick out fun, cool, or classy clothes, care for your hair, and don’t forget accessories. Sometimes those are the best part!
But, you need to keep things in perspective. You don’t want to spend too much time on how you look or you risk spending precious time and resources on vain pursuits. Looking good is good for your mental health because it makes you feel confident and in control.(4) You just need to make your focus on style fun and playful and not an obsession.
Plan Tasty Treats
The last part of your morning routine is all about your tummy - food! You can’t start a great day without a good breakfast, that is for sure. A dietician or your medical professionals can help create a personalized meal plan if you have specific dietary needs. Breakfast is SUPER important because it wakes up your metabolism for the day.
But what about after breakfast? How about you end your morning routine preparing good food to enjoy the rest of the day. If you grab some great snacks now, you give yourself what you need to stay fueled and healthy all day long.
Here are some ideas for tasty treats to take with you to enjoy the rest of your day:
Trail mix - so many varieties! Plus you can make your own using your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolates.
Apples - again, so many varieties! They are easy to transport, don’t need refrigerated, and keep the doctor away!
Cheese and Crackers - guess what - there are a lot of varieties of these, too! Maybe you love pepper jack and saltines, or smoked cheddar and wheat crackers - there are no wrong combinations. And they provide wonderful protein and minerals your body needs.
So, don’t forget, at the end of your morning routine, to grab some tasty snacks. Your tummy will thank you later!
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Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not meant to take the place of any medical advice. You should always consult with your medical professionals before making changes that could affect your health.
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