How you start your day in the morning dictates how your day will go. Good morning habits will improve not only your productivity but also your health, as well as your physical and mental state. Whether you are attempting to be successful in your career, achieve personal goals, or improve your overall level of health, any strong morning routine will have an effect.
Check out these helpful and powerful morning habits to help you start your day in a positive way:
1. Wake Up Early
Waking up early allows you to plan, think, and prep for the day. Early risers may have lower stress levels and more control of their day. Sleep experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep, so be sure to get enough rest so that waking up early doesn’t sacrifice rest.
2. Hydrate Immediately
So, you have slept for 6 to 8 hours, and your body’s natural state upon waking is going to be dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water (or two) as soon as you wake up peaks hydration, kicks in your metabolism, helps flush out toxins, adds energy, and also helps the caffeine metabolize better. Also, adding lemon or even a little sea salt to your water can provide some electrolytes.
3. Stay Off Your Phone
Don’t allow the temptation of checking your emails or social media to serve as the launching pad for your day. Engaging with instant distractions can thrust you into a distractive, reactive mindset. Instead, take the first 30 minutes of your day and engage in purposefully slow, calm activities for a successful start.
4. Get Moving
Morning exercise boosts mood and energy and sharpens focus and concentration. Whether through a full workout, a brisk walk, stretching, or simple yoga, moving throughout the day decreases levels of stress hormones and causes your body to release endorphins.
5. Practice Mindfulness
By taking a few moments to meditate, practice slow and deep breathing, or simply journal, you can gain an incredible sense of clarity and concentration. Mindfulness will allow you to have awareness and a greater sense of control over overwhelming emotions throughout the day and will help you address stress and ground your sense of self.
6. Have a Healthy Breakfast
Eating a well-balanced breakfast offers fuel for your body during the day, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and sharpens cognitive function. Try to eat something that contains protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep your energy and focus confined until your next meal.
7. Establish Daily Goals
Take a few moments reflecting on your schedule, note the most important tasks for the day, and think about how you can do those tasks in a productive manner. This will help you approach tasks with purpose and use your time wisely. You might consider using a planner, or a mobile to-do list application, or any other tools that help you navigate your day.
8. Be Grateful
Having a positive mindset at the start of the day has the power to influence how you view everything and the events of the day. Consider some of the things you are grateful for, which may include health, relationships with others, or simply things that you enjoy or get pleasure from, and take a moment to reflect on having that in your life. This can increase your emotional resilience and happiness.
9. Regulate Caffeine (or Time it Right)
While that morning cup of coffee can provide comfort and warmth, I encourage you, if possible, to avoid going to it directly after waking up. There is a natural surge of cortisol in the morning that is great for getting you to feel awake. Wait 60–90 minutes after waking to get a natural burst of energy from your morning coffee.
10. Get Natural Light Exposure
Natural sunlight assists with your body’s circadian rhythm. Getting that sunlight right when you wake up will help with alertness and sleep later. If you can, get outside for a few minutes or at least open the blinds to let some natural light in as you begin your morning routine.
11. Take a Cold Shower (If You Want)
You don’t have to take cold showers, but they can help stimulate the body and improve circulation along with alertness. Some studies suggest that cold showers can reduce stress and improve immune functions.
Wrapping it Up
Taking on habits for the morning does not mean you have to change your life completely. Start with one or two, then build as you develop your morning routine. If you do that, in a short time, you can achieve better physical health, better mental clarity, and a more productive and enjoyable day.
