Morning Routine Tips – They say first impressions are everything, right? That’s why the morning hours are so critical to the course of your entire day. In fact, research shows that how you spend your dawn hours can impact productivity, stress levels and energy. Setting up a well-optimized morning routine may be exactly what you need to push yourself to the next level of performance. Whether by switching up your medley of vitamin supplements or spending 15 minutes meditating, there are some simple things you can do to make the most of the morning.
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Morning Routine Tips – Get up early.
We all know that getting up early can boost productivity and help us get more done. But did you know that it can reduce depression, too? According to a recent study, people who regularly wake up an hour earlier — but still get the same amount of sleep each night — can reduce their risk of major depression. Do your best to get your recommended nightly hours of sleep while still waking up a bit earlier than normal.
Build in room for snoozing.
If you’re the kind of person who knows they’re not going to pop up out of bed and get moving the second your alarm goes off — don’t worry, you’re not alone — make sure to build in “snooze time” in the 15 minutes or half hour after your first alarm goes off. Snoozing can help you wake up at your own pace without jarring you out of a deep sleep. Consider using a sunrise alarm for an even gentler wakeup.
Equip your brain for optimum focus.
When your goal is to set yourself up for a day of mental sharpness and focus, make sure you’re doing everything you can to fuel your brain before you get going. Incorporating cognitive support supplements into your morning routine could Drinking plenty of water and taking a cold shower can help you wake up the brain too. This will ensure that you’re ready to tackle everything the day throws your way, no matter how tough.
Prepare the night before.
One of the best things you can do for your morning routine is take things off your plate so you’re not rushing to get out the door, which will only lead to stress. Be sure to prepare your lunches and snacks the evening before so you’re not scrambling to pack before you leave. You can also pick out your outfit to save time.
Give yourself 10 minutes of mindfulness.
Mindfulness meditation is a simple exercise with massive benefits, including improved focus, mood and productivity. And it doesn’t take a ton of time to do, either. Spending 10 or 15 minutes meditating each morning will help you feel less stressed and better prepared for whatever’s on the agenda for the day.
Repeat affirmations to yourself.
Feeling worried or lacking self-confidence? Make yourself a mantra that helps you brush away your challenges each day. Create positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself in the morning. Some simple but impactful affirmations include “I am smart,” “Today is a great day,” or “I will be mindful in everything I do.”
Take a supplement to ward off stress.
Meditation and mantras are great for managing stress, and supplements can help as well. Consider taking stress support supplements in the morning that give your body the nutrients it needs to better manage stress. Adaptogens are great for improving the body’s stress response and balancing out stress hormones.
Start with a workout.
Working out any time of day is beneficial to your health, wellness and mood, but crushing your sweat sessions in the morning brings a few added benefits. Research shows that sweating first thing in the morning can promote mental clarity and improve your attention span throughout the day. Plus, when you start with a workout, you may even enjoy benefits such as a boost in metabolism and better sleep.
Morning Routine Tips to Avoid negative or triggering stimuli.
As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to scroll through social media or turn on the news in the morning. While you may not be overtly aware of it, these stimuli can lead to a negative mindset and contribute to stress that lingers throughout the day. If scrolling through your phone is a big part of your wake-up routine, try starting with a puzzle — a daily crossword or Wordle session, for example — or scrolling through an uplifting news site.
Create a positive, stimulating playlist.
One super-healthy way to boost your energy in the morning is to start with an uplifting playlist. Go for a set of songs that’s simultaneously uplifting and calming to help you enter the day in a state of calm focus. If you find that you absorb information well in the morning hours, a podcast or audiobook will help you stay sharp too.
Clean up your coffee routine.
Coffee in moderation is perfectly healthy. The key is keeping it in healthy quantities — no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, says the FDA — and not dumping in huge amounts of sugar or dairy. A cup of black coffee and a splash of plant-based milk is a much healthier choice than the whole milk latte with caramel drizzle, of course. Make sure to check the nutrition facts and ingredients when you order from your favorite coffee shop.
Incorporating healthy habits is the best way to boost your morning routine and, as a result, your overall health and wellness. Whether that means taking supplements, preparing for the day the night before or creating a playlist that gets you excited to get out of bed, you’ll quickly see how far a healthy morning routine can go toward changing your life for the better.
