For many of us, the morning is spent struggling to get out of bed and when we do, we’re groggy and grumpy. The beginning of your day should typically be productive and enjoyable and should be considered the most vital part of the day. Bad morning habits can be very counterproductive and won’t set you up properly for the day ahead.
Knowing how to get the most out of your mornings isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t have a good routine in place. We are sharing our top tips for making your mornings more productive, fun and nourishing.
Why Create A Morning Routine?
Whether you have planned it or not, everyone has a morning routine. For many, it has just happened naturally over time, but a poor one can take its toll on your physical and mental health. Setting a good morning routine is vital for setting the tone of your day and setting yourself up for success.
When we wake up in the morning, there is only a finite amount of willpower and energy available to us. Wasting this all away on making decisions about how to start your day can have a real negative impact on the rest of the day when you’re going to need to rely on that willpower – think about the 3 pm cake resistance!
Once you have a solid routine in place, you will be sure to start your day right and set yourself up for success. Your morning routine will almost work on autopilot, meaning you don’t need to worry about willpower or depleting your energy levels. This means you can make healthy choices later on in the day.
Even those short on time in the morning can develop quick and easy healthy habits. A good morning routine will help boost productivity, keep your health and nutrition on track, and leave you feeling positive for the day ahead.
6 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Morning
Getting into a good morning routine and making the most of your day doesn’t have to be complicated. These are our simple tips and tricks for getting the most from every single morning;
Don’t Snooze
We know that hitting the snooze button until the last possible minute can be tempting, but it will leave you rushed and stressed. It isn’t always easy but getting up right away instead of dozing in bed is the best way to start the day. You will benefit from having more time to get ready, enjoy breakfast, leisurely sip your coffee or whatever you prefer to do in the mornings.
If you do feel like you might need an extra 10 minutes of sleep, set your alarm a little later instead of hitting snooze. Snoozing can leave you feeling groggy and more tired than you were before.
Hydrate And Nourish
Skipping breakfast can be easy, but it won’t set you up for a good day ahead. Nourishing your body in the mornings will leave you feeling energised and ready to go. Make sure you drink plenty of water first thing in the morning to replenish after your sleep.
If you aren’t a big eater in the mornings, then opt for a healthy green shake or some fruit. Whatever you choose to eat in the mornings, make sure it is going to nourish your body and mind properly.
Exercise in the Morning
Moving your body in the morning will help you feel ready for the day ahead. If you are feeling tired and groggy, then a morning workout will perk you up and leave you energised. Exercise releases endorphins into the body, which help to make you feel happy, and what better way to start the day than on a positive note.
There is no need to jump out of bed and run a marathon every day; any kind of exercise will do. Try going for a brisk walk, having a good stretch or lifting some weights. No matter how you decide to exercise, your body will thank you for it.
Practice Mindfulness
Spending some time checking in with yourself, and your mind is powerful. Incorporate some quick breathing exercises into your morning routine or practice some meditation. Not only will this help get your mindset right for the day, but it can help lower blood pressure and relieve stress.
Self-Care
Making time for yourself is crucial, and even on busy mornings, you should make sure you are focused on self-care. It could be your cleansing routine, putting your makeup or anything that makes you feel good. Remember how important it is to look after yourself every single morning.
Meal Prep
One of the easiest and simplest ways to keep yourself on track and accountable throughout the day is to plan ahead. Whether you are looking to lose weight or want to ensure your nutrition is right, meal prep is so important.
In the morning, plan what you are going to eat for the rest of the day. This can help you make healthier decisions at mealtimes and means you will always have nutritious meals and snacks available no matter how busy your day gets.
The great thing is that you can create a morning routine with these six elements in whatever time you have available. Whether you can take it slow over two hours, or only have 20 minutes to spare, you can make your morning routine work for you and your timescales.