Want to know one thing which will improve your health, reduce stress and improve your mood? Having a morning routine. This simple habit can really set the tone for the rest of the day and make a big difference in your health and mindset.
Now you may have seen a lot of videos online of various morning routines with beautiful 20 year old youtubers sipping on matcha tea, doing a workout, going for a walk on the beach, then journaling for an hour, and whilst that’s lovely and very aesthetically pleasing, That’s not quite the reality for the majority of us. Most of us have kids and busy schedules and it’s an unrealistic expectation to do so many things in the morning before going out of the door to work or before your kids wake up. In my house, most mornings you’ll find me tiptoeing down the stairs praying that my daughter doesn’t hear me so I have some time to myself before that beautiful soul wakes up. I’m here to tell you that a morning routine needn’t be complicated, but if implemented, it will make all the difference, trust me!
How do you start your day?
A lot of us may start our days by being startled awake by our kids and going straight into service mode. This was my reality for many years when my daughter was little. When we are in service mode from the moment we wake up, we can easily become overwhelmed and stressed out. Taking just a few minutes for ourselves in the morning can help us to start our day off on a more positive and relaxed note.
Some of us may start our day by reaching for our phone and going online the minute our eyes blink open. Looking at your phone first thing in the morning can be a source of stress and anxiety. You may be greeted with a barrage of emails, messages, and notifications that can immediately put you in a state of alert and make it difficult for you to relax and start your day off on a positive note. Additionally, the blue light emitted by your phone’s screen can interfere with your body’s natural production of melatonin, which is the hormone that helps you to fall asleep at night. This can make it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling tired and sluggish the next morning.
What are the benefits of having a morning routine?
By starting the day with a set of activities that you enjoy and that help you feel calm, focused, and energized, you are more likely to be in a good mood and to approach the day’s challenges with a positive attitude. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule or a lot of demands on your time, as it can help you to stay organized and to prioritize the most important tasks. In addition to helping you to feel more focused and productive, a morning routine can also provide a sense of structure and routine, which can be comforting and help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Finally, a morning routine is an opportunity to take care of yourself and to do things that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as exercise, journaling, or spending time in silence. By making time for these activities each morning, you can help to ensure that you are taking care of your overall well-being, which can in turn improve your mental and physical health.
Without a morning routine, you may find yourself rushing to get ready and out the door, making poor decisions about what to eat for breakfast, or skipping it altogether – and neglecting important self-care activities such as exercise. This can leave you feeling frazzled and anxious and feeling disorganised. In contrast, a morning routine allows you to start your day in a calm and organized manner, which can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, a morning routine can help you to establish a regular sleep schedule, which is important for maintaining good health.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to incorporate a morning routine into your daily life:
Wake up at the same time every day
One of the keys to a successful morning routine is consistency. By waking up at the same time each day, you can train your body to naturally wake up at that time, which can help you feel more refreshed and energized in the morning rather than being startled by a harsh alarm. Going to bed at the same time each night before will make the morning rise a lot easier, so aim to be in bed by 10pm. Starting your day with a small, simple task like making your bed can help you feel more organized and productive. Plus, it gives you a sense of accomplishment right off the bat.
Drink a glass of water
After a night of sleep, your body is likely dehydrated, so it’s important to rehydrate first thing in the morning. Drinking a glass of water can also help kickstart your metabolism and help you feel more alert. A glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon or a tsp of apple cider vinegar is also a great way to get the bowels moving, for the ultimate feel good factor! Adding a pinch of good quality sea salt can also help replenish your electrolytes.
Move your body
Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improving mood, boosting energy levels, and increasing focus and productivity. Incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine can be a great way to start your day on a healthy note. There is no need to go crazy with the intensity first thing in the morning, especially if you have not eaten yet. Some simple stretches or a short walk outside can be a great way to get your body moving without adding too much stress on your body first thing in the morning. Getting outside first thing in the morning is also a great way to set your body clock up for the day and promote restful sleep later on in the evening. If you don’t have time to go for a walk, simply step outside for a few minutes to get some daylight on your eyes.
Eat a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. Eating a nutritious breakfast can provide your body with the fuel it needs to power through the morning and can help improve cognitive function and concentration. I have also seen a balanced breakfast help a lot of my clients stave off sugar cravings later on in the day – sound too good to be true? Check out my other blog post here about 3 simple steps to banish sugar cravings.
Plan out your day
Before jumping into your day, take a few minutes to plan out what you need to accomplish. This can help you prioritize tasks and make sure you’re using your time effectively. By knowing what you need to do and when you need to do it, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you are able to complete all of your tasks in a timely manner. Additionally, planning your tasks in advance can help you to avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. This can help to improve your productivity and allow you to get more done in less time. By having a clear plan and knowing what you need to do, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your to-do list.
These are some simple steps which can easily be incorporated into your morning and make a big difference. Do you have a morning routine? If so, what works best for you and how has it changed your overall health and mental wellbeing? If you feel like you would like some extra support, I’d love to chat with you! Why not click here to book a free discovery call and see how some bespoke diet and lifestyle changes can help your health flourish!
