As the saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm.” Your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day, and if you want to level up your life, then it’s time to leveling up your morning routine! By establishing a healthy and consistent morning routine, you can start your day off on the right foot. In this blog post, I’ll explore some simple tips to help you create a healthy mind and body through a well-crafted morning routine.
Just like my nighttime routine, my morning routine is also very sacred to me. Of course there are times when it is compromised occasionally like when we are on vacation (which I am never mad about), but overall, I have the same routine whether it’s a week day or weekend!
Here are some tips that I utilize to level up my morning routine!
1. Wake Up Earlier
The first step to leveling up your morning routine is waking up earlier. Set your alarm clock to wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. This extra time in the morning can be used to focus on self-care activities, such as mediation, yoga, or prayer/bible time, which can help reduce stress and create a healthy, relaxed state (rather than starting your day in fight or flight trying to get things done).
I know this isn't always easy and maybe you already do wake up early, in that case, reflect on how you're using that time. If it's scrolling through your phone or doing mindless things around the house, try out one of the self-care activities I mentioned above instead. Another way you can get yourself out of bed earlier is to schedule a workout class! This is one of my favorite ways to start my day and it's a way to connect with others (which is also important for our health)!
2. Hydrate!
Drinking water first thing in the morning is so important! It can help kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate your body after a long night’s sleep. The first thing you drink in the morning should not be coffee. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for a good cup of joe but not before water. Even just 8 oz. of water can make a difference! Our bodies have severalways we naturally detox including through the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, which work continuously to eliminate toxins and waste from the body. Drinking water can help support these processes by keeping the body hydrated and helping with the removal of waste through sweat and urine!
You could even try drinking a glass of water with lemon and sea salt to add some flavor and extra health benefits.
3. Move your Body
Exercise/movement is an essential part of a healthy morning routine. A morning workout can help you feel energized and ready to take on the day. You don’t have to do a full-blown workout, even just a walk, yoga, or short stretching routine can make big difference. You need to loosen up your muscles and joints after sleeping all night long. Otherwise you can feel stiff and tight, which nobody wants.
Movement also energizes you by releasing endorphins, it improves mental clarity by increasing blow flow and oxygen to the brain, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep by regulating your sleep-wake cycle!
4. Nourish your Body
Eating a healthy breakfast can provide you with the energy you need to tackle the day ahead. Incorporating protein and fiber into your breakfast can help you feel fuller for longer, which can prevent overeating and snacking throughout the day. If you want to know more about how to make a healthy breakfast to set yourself up for success read this blog.
5. Set Intentions
Take a few minutes each morning to set your intentions for the day. Visualize your goals and aspirations and think about how you can take steps to achieve them. This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
Setting good intentions for the day can give you more clarity and focus, boot your motivation, and increase your accountability!
6. Unplug
We’re all guilty of checking our phones in the morning, but this can set a negative tone for the day ahead. Instead, try to unplug for at least the first hour of your day. Use this time to focus on yourself and your morning routine, without any distractions.
7. Make your Bed
Sounds simple, but really can make a difference in your morning! Making your bed can provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce clutter, and improve productivity by starting your day off with a clean space. It also allows you to check something off your list and promotes a healthy sleep cycle by signaling to your brain that it’s time to wake up. That way when you get into bed at night and you have to “unmake” your bed, it signals to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep!
8. Take a cold shower
I’m sure you saw this and groaned a little (it’s okay, me too). But, the science proves it! Cold showers have amazing benefits, especially doing it in the morning! I could write a whole blog on cold showers (more to come on that), but what you need to know is that it can increase alertness, improve circulation, boost your immune system, enhance mood, and more!
Don’t get me wrong, they’re brutal, but the feeling you get after it is so worth it in my opinion! And I am someone who a) hates being cold and b) is pretty much always cold. Try it and out and let me know what you think!
In conclusion, a well-crafted morning routine can set you up for success by promoting a healthy mind and body. By waking up earlier, hydrating, moving and nourishing your body, setting intentions, unplugging, making your bed, and/or taking a cold shower you can create a consistent routine that sets the tone for productive and fulfilling day ahead.
Try to add one of these to your morning routine and slowly add in more once you feel like you’ve accomplished the first one and you don’t even have to think about it anymore, you just do it!